#USA #Salt Lake City #Housing Solutions #Ivory Innovations #Hack-A-House

Addressing America’s Housing Crisis: College Students Step Up

As millions across the United States grapple with the challenges of securing affordable housing, a unique initiative is turning to a fresh demographic for solutions: college students. Ivory Innovations, a nonprofit academic center situated at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, is gearing up for its annual Hack-A-House competition. Scheduled for September 25–26, 2026, this event invites students nationwide to develop innovative strategies addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis, spurring interest in engaging the next generation of thinkers.

The Hack-A-House Competition

This year, the Hack-A-House competition promises excitement as it challenges both undergraduate and graduate students to present scalable solutions to pressing issues related to the housing market. With registration having opened on August 3, participants can engage in a thrilling 24-hour “hackathon” where they pitch their ideas and compete for a chance to win a total prize money exceeding $10,000.

Abby Ivory, the co-founder and president of Ivory Innovations, enthusiastically remarks on the impact that solutions generated by students can have, emphasizing the creativity and quick-thinking that emerges during the competition. “The enthusiasm and innovation that come from students are truly impressive. Each year reveals how well they identify pressing problems and propose effective solutions.”

Why Students?

The decision to tap into college students for such a significant issue underscores a critical faith in their ability to think outside the box. Historically, Hack-A-House has expanded its reach, becoming one of the most vibrant student competitions centered around housing affordability. In 2025, around 400 students representing over 50 universities participated, with ideas ranging from improved lending practices for first-time homeowners to strategies for increasing affordable housing in high-demand areas.

Past winners, such as the 2020 winner Kit Switch, transitioned their ideas into real-world solutions with commercial viability, demonstrating the potential that these competitions harness.

Competition Structure

Participants can choose to compete by themselves or in teams of up to five and will face three distinct category prompts—which cover Finance, Construction & Design, and Policy & Regulatory Reform. Each team kicks off with a prompt upon arrival and has access to expert-led sessions, receiving guidance as they collaborate to refine their proposals. The deadline for submissions is set for 8:45 a.m. MDT on September 26, with winners announced shortly after.

Prize Money and Recognition

This year marks a landmark for Hack-A-House, featuring its most significant prize pool ever:

• - Each Category Winner: $3,000 awarded to the top team in each category.
• - Grand Prize: An additional $2,000, determined by audience votes during the Ivory Prize Summit in Tempe, Arizona, on October 14.
• - People's Choice Award: $1,000 awarded based on public votes following the competition.
• - Introduction of the Think Wood Housing Innovation Award, providing an extra $500 bonus for creative solutions.

All category-winning teams will gain the opportunity to present their projects at the Ivory Prize Summit, with travel and lodging expenses covered by Ivory Innovations.

The competition is open to students of any discipline, highlighting an inclusive approach aimed at enlisting diverse perspectives. With sponsors like Think Wood, JPMorgan Chase, and Zions Bank supporting the initiative, the Hack-A-House competition is more than just an academic exercise; it's a chance for future leaders to impact one of America’s most pressing challenges.

Media Participation

Members of the press are welcomed to attend the event at the University of Utah, with opportunities for interviews and insights into the innovative proposals being shared. Free parking will be available for attendees.

About Ivory Innovations

Ivory Innovations serves as a catalyst for high-impact innovations surrounding housing affordability. By bridging rigorous research with industry expertise, they foster cross-sector solutions capable of driving meaningful change in housing policies and practices. To learn more about their initiatives, visit ivoryinnovations.org.

As the housing crisis remains a critical topic across the nation, the creativity and resolve of the upcoming generation offer hope for impactful solutions. The Hack-A-House competition showcases this commitment, providing a platform for innovative minds determined to reshape the future of housing in America.