Kerry Hoerth Joins Judging Panel for National Presidential AI Competition
Kerry Hoerth, founder of EmberRidge AI, has been selected as a state-level & regional-level judge for the inaugural Presidential AI Challenge. This national competition was established to foster artificial intelligence literacy and innovation among K-12 students and educators. Across the nation, student-led teams are stepping up to submit AI solutions that target the most pressing needs of their communities. Kerry joins a diverse panel of tech professionals and experts to evaluate these submissions and identify the “State & Regional Champions” who will advance to the national stage.
The competition has seen high engagement since its launch, with thousands of teams across the country submitting projects by the January deadline. These submissions were divided into three primary categories: Track I for middle and high school proposals, Track II for the actual implementation of AI tools like apps or websites, and Track III specifically for educators developing new teaching methodologies. Judges evaluate these entries based on their technical practicality, the originality of the solution, and the team’s commitment to responsible and ethical AI use.
“The creativity on display from these thousands of teams is incredible. Being part of this judging panel is a front-row seat to the future, and I’m honored to help shepherd their hard work from the classroom to the national stage in Washington, D.C.” — Kerry Hoerth
With the state-level judging phase now underway, the competition is moving toward its first major milestone. State Champions are scheduled to be announced on March 16, 2026. Following this, the top-tier teams will advance to regional virtual presentations in April, with the entire program culminating in a final National Championship showcase in Washington, D.C., this June.
For more information, read our story on the challenge here: Your Ideas, Your Future: The First Presidential AI Challenge Is Here – The Knoxville AI Hub
