CognifyChallenge 2026

CognifyChallenge is a multidisciplinary competition in which teams design a Large Language Model (LLM) agent that helps clinicians better understand and trust Machine Learning (ML) predictions for dementia screening. The ML model is given to the participants, who will compete by designing an LLM layer on top of ML model by using prompts that generate accurate, evidence-grounded, and clinician-friendly explanations for AI predictions. No coding experience is required, making the competition accessible to students from all backgrounds. Winners will be announced at the Midwest Healthcare Conference in Urbana on August 21, 2026. You must attend in person to receive a prize. 

CognifyChallenge 2026, a student AI competition hosted as part of the Sixth Midwest Healthcare Conference at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Please visit to learn more and to register for the challenge at:

Challenge website: CognifyChallenge 2026

What is CognifyChallenge 2026?

CognifyChallenge is a multidisciplinary competition where teams design an LLM agent that helps clinicians better understand and trust Machine learning (ML) predictions for dementia screening. The ML model is given to the participants who will compete by designing an LLM layer on top of ML model by using prompts that generate accurate, evidence-grounded, and clinician-friendly explanations for AI predictions. No coding experience is required, making the competition accessible to students from all backgrounds.

Who can participate?

• Open to all UIUC students (students from outside UIUC are also welcome)
• Teams of 1–3 members
• Each team must include at least one currently enrolled UIUC student
• Students from all majors are encouraged to participate—cross-disciplinary teams are especially encouraged.

Key Dates

• August 6: Competition starter kit released
• August 18: Competition submission deadline
• August 20: Top teams declared
• August 21: Winners announced during the Sixth Midwest Healthcare Conference

Midwest Healthcare Conference Date:
August 21, 2026
I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center, Champaign, IL 

For more information about the conference and to register for the conference, please visit:

Sixth Midwest Healthcare Conference Registration & Information

Please Note: It is mandatory for the winning teams to be present at the conference.

We hope you'll join us for this exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of AI and healthcare while competing for cash prizes and presenting your work at the conference.

We look forward to seeing you at CognifyChallenge 2026!