October 2025
CIO Rich Mendola recently launched the AI/HopGPT Challenge for IT@JH. The challenge is an opportunity to innovate and impact the future of technology at Johns Hopkins. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who can participate: Any employee or team of employees can submit a summary of how they applied HopGPT or another AI tool to add value or efficiency to a body of work within IT@JH. Multiple submissions are permitted.
- Proposal submission: Write a summary of your project and submit it to your respective IT Cabinet member (the senior leader on this page who your team reports up to).
- Your submission should focus on an actual application of AI, rather than a proposal for something you want to try.
- It’s acceptable to frame your work as a proof of concept that may require funding to achieve its full benefit.
- Follow the Guidelines for Responsible Use of AI.
- Ideally, projects will leverage HopGPT. If using other systems, please ensure they are approved tools and you have budget approval for any additional costs associated with using those resources.
- Submission guidelines: If you’re not sure who your respective IT Cabinet member is, please check with your manager. Please copy Lisa Sparks ([email protected]) on your message to help keep submissions organized.
- Review process: The IT Cabinet will review all submissions and highlight one or more at the next All Hands meeting.
- Visibility and impact: This challenge provides a great opportunity for individual contributors to gain visibility, be creative, and have an impact both within and outside the scope of their regular roles.
- Submission deadline: January 16, 2026
