Rachel Huang, a Master’s student in Columbia University’s Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics (CEEM) program, recently took first place at the ConTech Alliance Hackathon, standing out in a competitive, fast-paced field of interdisciplinary participants. Hosted by ConTech Alliance, the event brought together students, developers, and industry professionals to collaborate on real-world challenges at the intersection of construction and technology.
Designed to bridge the gap between the traditional construction industry and rapidly evolving tech solutions, the hackathon encouraged participants to form cross-disciplinary teams and develop innovative ideas under tight time constraints. With access to mentorship, datasets, and industry tools, teams worked intensively to move from concept to prototype in just a few hours.
Huang teamed up with students from New York University and Lehman College, combining expertise in civil engineering, data science, and computer science. The group chose to define their own problem statement, focusing on how to streamline office-to-residential conversions in New York City—a timely issue given increasing housing demand and supportive policy shifts. Their approach highlighted both initiative and a strong awareness of industry trends.
In just four hours, the team developed a front-end prototype of a feasibility assessment tool designed to help developers quickly identify viable properties for conversion. The project’s practicality and clarity resonated with judges, earning them the competition’s top prize.
