Mackenzie is the Global Startup Evangelist at AWS. His days are spent traveling the globe to meet startups, share their stories, and connect engineering teams together. Every day there are a large number of startups launching on AWS across every imaginable industry. It’s Mackenzie’s mission to find stories of startups that are helping to improve the world and share these stories with a wide audience.
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Prior to joining AWS, Mackenzie was the Head of Technical Operations at Betterment, the world’s largest independent robo-advisor based in NYC which manages over $8B in assets. Mackenzie was a founding engineer and Head of Technical Operations at Oscar Health, an insurance startup also based in NYC, helping to grow the company to over 400+ employees.
In collaboration with AT&T and Deloitte, AWS is hosting an innovative developer challenge focused on transforming the future of networks through agents and generative AI. This three-day hackathon, hosted on Southern Methodist University’s campus, will unite the Dallas-based community of students, startups, and enterprises to develop ideas that may shape the future of FirstNet, America’s largest network for first responders.
Challenge 1 | Network Intelligence Enhancement
Develop an innovative solution that leverages AI technologies (LLMs, Digital Twins, and Intelligent Agents) to optimize FirstNet's network performance and resource allocation. Examples include:
• Create predictive models for network demand during emergencies
• Implement smart load balancing using digital twin simulation
• Enable autonomous network optimization through AI agents
• Enhance network resilience and efficiency during critical situations
Challenge 2 | Community Safety & Health Innovation
Design a novel application or service that utilizes FirstNet's dedicated public safety network to enhance community well being and emergency response. Examples include:
• Connect first responders with real-time health/safety data
• Enable faster coordination between emergency services
• Improve disaster preparedness and response
• Create new ways for communities to interact with emergency services
August 21 - September 18: Submit your team's idea (up to 5 people per team) based on the challenge questions. Email generative-ai-hackathon-telco@amazon.com with:
• Subject: "Breaking Barriers: Public Safety & Network Intelligence Innovation"
• Team name
• Names of all participating developers
• Proposal (0.5-1 page) as attachment
Proposals will be accepted to attend the in-person event on a rolling basis. Spots are limited so don’t wait to apply!
September 2025: Attend online Immersion Days hosted by AWS and partners to learn about generative AI technology on AWS.
September 19 – September 21: Hackathon days, culminating in the winners announcement on September 21st at 3PM.
View terms and conditions here.
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