Student-led Fosterly project earns $100,000 grand prize as teammates rally around founder Jack Malouff following serious accident
NEWS PROVIDED BY
Austin Christian University
Oct. 26, 2026
GEORGETOWN, Texas, Oct. 26, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ –– Students from Austin Christian University earned $121,250 in awards at the 2026 Gloo AI Hackathon in Boulder, Colorado, including the competition’s $100,000 grand prize for an innovative artificial intelligence platform designed to help young adults transitioning out of foster care.
The university’s grand prize-winning project, Fosterly, was created by Austin Christian University junior Jack Malouff, whose vision for helping vulnerable young people took on new meaning after he suffered a serious spinal cord injury in a recent accident.
Unable to attend the competition as he continues his recovery, Malouff was represented by teammates who rallied around their friend and his vision under the banner “Fight Like Jack.” Their determination culminated in the competition’s top honor.
Fosterly uses artificial intelligence to connect young adults aging out of Texas foster care with essential resources, including education, employment opportunities, benefits and supportive relationships. The platform is designed to help young people navigate a challenging transition to independence without losing access to the services and personal connections they need to succeed.
The victory comes just weeks after Malouff won Austin Christian University’s own student pitch competition with the Fosterly concept, earning the opportunity to advance his idea to the national stage.
Following his accident in late September, Malouff underwent surgery for serious neck and spinal cord injuries. He remains on a difficult road to recovery, supported by family, friends and the Austin Christian University community, which has rallied around him in prayer and encouragement.
“Jack’s vision for Fosterly reflects exactly what we hope to cultivate at Austin Christian University — students who recognize a need, develop a solution and use their gifts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Connor Champion, founding president of Austin Christian University. “What makes this victory especially meaningful is the way his teammates came together to carry his vision forward. We are tremendously proud of them, and we continue to stand with Jack and his family as he recovers.”
Austin Christian University students also earned the $20,000 Best of Agents Track award for Unify, an AI-powered platform designed to help nonprofit organizations simplify their operations. The technology enables nonprofits to replace multiple disconnected software tools with a more integrated system that can grow alongside their organizations.
Additional awards of $1,000 in the competition’s influencer challenge and $250 for shoes brought the university students’ total winnings to $121,250.
Competing against 148 teams from across the country, Austin Christian University students demonstrated their ability to develop innovative technologies, compete at the highest levels and deliver solutions with meaningful real-world applications. Their success underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence, entrepreneurship and preparing students to turn ambitious ideas into tangible results.
The 2026 Gloo AI Hackathon attracted more than 1,000 participants representing 148 teams. Following a 30-day virtual development period, participants gathered in Boulder October 6–8 for an intensive 48-hour, in-person competition. Projects were evaluated on innovation, potential impact, application of artificial intelligence and team presentations.
Gloo, a technology platform serving faith-based and mission-driven organizations, awarded $200,000 in total prize money during this year’s competition.
For Austin Christian University, the students’ success represents more than recognition for technological achievement. It demonstrates the value of an educational approach that challenges students to think creatively, build with purpose and develop solutions to complex problems.
“These students aren’t simply learning about emerging technology. They’re using it to solve real problems and create opportunities for people and organizations who need them,” said Champion. “That is the kind of leadership and innovation we want Austin Christian University graduates to bring into the world.”
As Malouff continues his recovery, the university community celebrates not only the national recognition earned by Fosterly and Unify, but also the friendship, faith and determination that carried one student’s vision to victory.
About Austin Christian University
Austin Christian University is a private university located in Georgetown, Texas, committed to preparing students to know Christ, develop their craft and influence culture. Through an emphasis on academic excellence, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership, the university equips students with the knowledge, skills and experience to pursue meaningful careers, develop transformative ideas and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Media Contact: Jake Oswald, Director of Entrepreneurship, Austin Christian University, jake@austinchristianu.org, 612-703-5157
SOURCE Austin Christian University