Cognizant has launched what it claims could be the world’s largest online generative AI hackathon, with over 2.5 lakh employees participating. The company is attempting a Guinness World Records title for the most participants in such an event.
The week-long “vibe coding” event involves staff from HR, sales, engineering, and marketing, aiming to boost AI literacy and programming skills across the organisation. Employees are using platforms like Lovable, Windsurf, Cursor, Gemini Code Assist, and GitHub Copilot.
Part of bigger AI push
Cognizant claims to have invested $1 billion in AI initiatives since 2023, focusing on productivity and innovation. This year, AI-generated code accounts for nearly 30% of coding done with employees’ help.
“Historically, there’s been a significant divide between those who had access to technology and those who didn’t – but now, technology has been diffused into the hands of people who don’t need deep digital skills to access it. This leveling of the playing field is enabling us to unleash new value in the workplace, driving innovation and progress across all backgrounds and expertise, Ravi Kumar S., CEO, Cognizant, said.
Furthermore, the company claims that the event features hands-on workshops, prompt engineering toolkits and an innovation contest, with recognition for standout projects. Participants can also join a new global AI coding community within Cognizant.
Vast portfolio
Cognizant claims to have worked with vibe coding platforms like Lovable, Windsurf, Cursor, Gemini Code Assist and GitHub Copilot to help over 3.3 lakh employees, both technical and non-technical – learn coding in a way that suited their skills.
The vibe coding event is designed to involve thousands of employees through hands-on workshops, a prompt engineering toolkit, best-practice sessions, an innovation contest and awards for the best projects. After the week-long event, participants can join the Cognizant Global Vibe Coding Community to keep sharing ideas and creating solutions for both the company and its clients, the company stated.