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Quests connect UMN students and teams with practical AI and data-science projects submitted by faculty and staff. Students gain hands-on experience, while sponsoring units receive help exploring real problems and opportunities.
Quests connect UMN students and teams with practical AI and data-science projects submitted by faculty and staff. Students gain hands-on experience, while sponsoring units receive help exploring real problems and opportunities.
Quests are open to individual students and teams. Approved participants may qualify for tuition credit based on the Quest tier, successful completion, and applicable program rules.
Quests are open to individual students and teams. Approved participants may qualify for tuition credit based on the Quest tier, successful completion, and applicable program rules.
The process at a glance
The process at a glance
1
A problem is submitted
A faculty or staff requester describes an AI, data-science, automation, or digital-tool opportunity.
2
The Quest is reviewed and tiered
AI Hub and CSE AI Makerspace leadership review the proposal, clarify the scope, and assign a Bronze, Silver, or Gold tier based on estimated time and complexity.
3
The Quest is published
Approved public information is added to the Quest catalog. Proposed solutions and internal review information remain private.
4
Students apply and complete the Quest
Students may apply individually or as a team. Selected participants work with the sponsoring unit and program leadership to complete the approved scope.
5
The work is evaluated and tuition credit is awarded
The completed work is reviewed against the agreed-upon criteria. Eligible students receive tuition credit according to the Quest tier and program rules.
For students and teams
For students and teams
Submit your solution. The AI Hub & CSE AI Makerspace reviews the application and confirms the project scope
Receive evaluation, and qualify for tuition credit!
Quest information is public so students can discover opportunities and decide whether to apply. Public information may include the Quest title, problem or opportunity, estimated hours, tier, tuition credit, sponsoring unit, and deadline.
Proposed solutions, internal notes, restricted data, evaluation details, and other confidential information are not published in the public catalog.
For faculty and staff
For faculty and staff
Identify a problem or opportunity
Describe a real need, desired outcome, potential users, and relevant constraints.Submit a Quest proposal
Include information about the timeline, data, systems, access requirements, and requester availability.Refine the scope
Work with the AI Hub and AI Makerspace to clarify the project and define success criteria.Support the student or team
Answer questions, provide context and appropriate access, and participate in milestone discussions.Review the completed work
Provide feedback on whether the agreed-upon outcome was achieved.Discuss next steps
Determine whether the prototype, analysis, automation, or other deliverable should be refined, adopted, or further developed.
Tiers
Tiers
Bronze
Bronze
Estimated time: 5–15 hours
Tuition Credit: $250
Typical Work: Simple scripts, automations, or API setup
Silver
Silver
Estimated time: 15-40 hours
Tuition Credit: $500
Typical Work: RAG chatbots, web interfaces, or data pipelines
Gold
Gold
Estimated time: 40-60 hours
Tuition Credit: $1,000
Typical Work: Fine-tuning, multi-agent systems, or advanced integrations
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