From Cape to KC - Codefi Launches Missouri’s First AI Vibe-Coding Hackathons
AI-native build events in cities across the state help Missourians learn emerging tech skills and turn local industry problems into working prototypes—with a chance to win $15,000 in cash
October 2, 2025
Vibeathon.us,1 a new statewide innovation program, will accelerate entrepreneurship and build advanced AI coding skills, even in underserved regions. The program is led by Codefi, Missouri's premier nonprofit foundation for AI-first entrepreneurial education and tech training. The event series begins November 8-9, 2025 in Joplin, with stops planned in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, Kirksville, Springfield, St. Louis, St. Joseph, West Plains, and more. Registration2 is now open for the first event in Joplin!
What is Vibe Coding?
Coined by renowned AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, "vibe coding" is an intuitive, AI-assisted style of programming that shifts the focus from syntax to creativity. Instead of writing code line by line, participants describe their intent in natural language and let generative AI tools handle the rest: generating, debugging, and refining ideas into working software. It's an empowering way to build, lowering the barriers to innovation and making software creation accessible to anyone with an idea.
What is an AI Vibe Coding Hackathon?
A vibe coding hackathon, or Vibeathon, is a short, community-powered product build sprint where participants learn and apply leading edge AI coding skills and put them to work. Participants build solo or in small teams to create prototypes guided by pre-defined challenge criteria—no prior experience needed. Think practical training meets community hack-day, with leading edge AI tech training built in.
“Talent and opportunity shouldn’t be limited by geography. Vibe coding unlocks speed for anyone in Missouri to tackle any problem worth solving,” said James Stapleton, President and CEO of Codefi. “These events are about learning and doing—show up ready to generate ideas to solve local industry problems and show your work in almost no time.”
From Problem to Prototype in One Day
Local businesses and community partners identify critical industry challenges that AI-powered solutions could address. Participants select the problems they want to tackle, then use rapid "vibe coding" methods—transforming ideas into working demos in just one day. Throughout the process, experienced mentors provide guidance while community partners offer real-world context. A panel of judges and a comprehensive AI judging system are used to select the winners of cash prizes. Powered by Codefi and supported by statewide partnerships, the program ensures innovators in underserved regions have access to the same cutting-edge resources and authentic industry experience as those in urban tech hubs.
Who should participate
- Missouri residents ages 18+; individuals or teams
- Builders across roles: founders, designers, developers, educators, city staff, and small-business operators
- First-timers welcome—workshops on prompt design, rapid prototyping, and user testing are provided
How the events work
Each Vibeathon event is designed to meet local needs with one-day and two-day formats, including more or less training and education, and delivered in both in-person and online formats. All events include: introductory training, team formation, problem selection, build sprints, mentor check-ins, user tests, polish, public demos, feedback panels, and award ceremonies. Spots are limited and are first-come, first-served.
Practical details
- Cost: $0 to attend
- What we provide: workspace, mentors and industry pro access, and vibe coding tool credits
- What you bring: a laptop and your drive to build
- Showcase: Demos are open to the public and local press
- Recognition: Judges will highlight the top builds; standout teams receive up to $15,000
Why statewide, why now
Vibe coding is scaling fast worldwide. In August 2025, a global enterprise event set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for most participants in an online generative AI hackathon, with 53,199 builders across 40 countries generating 30,601 working prototypes over ten days. Major tech platforms and companies are launching their own “vibeathons,” validating the model and accelerating adoption across industries. Missouri shouldn’t watch this wave—we should ride it.
How to register
Learn more about Vibeathon events at www.vibeathon.us.
Partner and Sponsor Acknowledgments
This initiative is made possible in part from support by the Missouri Technology Corporation and Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
About Codefi
Codefi is a Missouri-based non-profit that trains tech talent and supports startups to drive economic impact in rural communities. We operate in three tiers: open-access frameworks for anyone in Missouri, selective programs for founders showing traction, and deep strategic partnerships for companies proving venture-scale potential. Learn more at www.codefiworks.com.