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Feb 17, 2026

Codefi Brings Springfield's First Vibeathon to Springfield Tech Week 2026

Free vibe coding workshop and week-long vibe coding hackathon invite founders, developers, and aspiring builders to solve local problems and turn ideas into working software using AI — no coding experience required

SPRINGFIELD, MO — Codefi today announced its participation in Springfield Tech Week 2026 as a programming partner of the Springfield Tech Council, bringing two no-cost events to Missouri's third-largest city: an Intro to Vibe Coding Workshop on March 10 and Springfield's first-ever Vibeathon — a week-long vibe coding hackathon running March 23–27. Both events are available at no cost and open to anyone who wants to build a software solution for a local problem, regardless of technical background.

The Vibeathon is part of Codefi's statewide series of AI-powered hackathons, which launched in Joplin, Missouri in November 2025. Participants use vibe coding — an AI-assisted approach to software development — to build working prototypes and compete for cash prizes. The Springfield Vibeathon runs alongside Springfield Tech Week, the region's premier celebration of technology and innovation organized by the Springfield Tech Council. The week also features the STC Squared tech conference on March 25, data center tours, networking events, and more.

"Vibe coding changes who gets to build software. You don't need a CS degree — you need an idea, the right tools, and the willingness to learn proven methodologies. The Springfield Vibeathon is proof that anyone can go from concept to working product in a week. That's the future of innovation, and it's happening right here in Missouri."

— James Stapleton, Founder & CEO, Codefi


Intro to Vibe Coding Workshop — March 10

The Intro to Vibe Coding Workshop is a hands-on session designed to prepare participants for the Vibeathon and introduce the fundamentals of AI-assisted software development. Part of Codefi's AI Skills Training programs, the workshop covers prompt design, rapid prototyping, and the basics of collaborating with AI tools to build working applications. No prior coding experience is required.

The workshop also serves as an on-ramp to Codefi's deeper AI Skills offerings, including Prompt to Product — a multi-week program that takes participants from idea to working application — and advanced tracks for experienced developers.

Registration: https://codefiworks.com/build-ai-skills/intro-vibe-coding

Cost: FREE


Springfield Vibeathon — March 23–27

The Springfield Vibeathon runs Monday through Friday during Springfield Tech Week, with both in-person sessions at Missouri State University's eFactory and virtual participation options. Participants build working prototypes using vibe coding tools and compete for cash prizes. Local challenge categories will be announced closer to the event.

The week kicks off Monday with hands-on training and team formation at eFactory, followed by independent building time with structured office hours and mentor support. Wednesday office hours will be available at the STC Squared conference at the DoubleTree Hotel as well as virtually. Friday wraps with project submissions, demo presentations, AI and human judging, and an exclusive closing event for winners.

Registration: vibeathon.us/springfield (registration closes Monday, March 16)

Cost: FREE  |  Win Cash Prizes!

The full schedule and event details are available at vibeathon.us/springfield

This program is offered at no cost to participants thanks to generous grant funding from https://dhewd.mo.gov/


What Is Vibe Coding?

Vibe coding, a term coined by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, is an AI-assisted approach to programming that allows people to describe what they want to build in natural language and watch AI turn those descriptions into working software. Instead of writing code line by line, vibe coders collaborate with AI tools to rapidly prototype, test, and refine applications.

For people who have never written code, vibe coding opens the door to building custom tools and applications. For experienced developers, it dramatically accelerates the development process, enabling them to build in days what once took months.


What Is A Vibeathon?

A Vibeathon is Codefi's signature collaborative hackathon built around vibe coding. Unlike traditional hackathons that require programming experience, Vibeathons welcome participants of all skill levels. Over the course of a week, participants use AI tools to build working prototypes that address real challenges — whether a business idea, a community solution, or a creative project. Mentors, office hours, and structured support help every participant cross the finish line.

Codefi's inaugural Vibeathon, held in Joplin, Missouri in November 2025 in partnership with MSSU and JRAH, drew participants from several states across the region and produced working applications that tackled real community challenges. First-place winner Tenise W. shared: "From the time I arrived, everyone was so positive and helpful. It felt like an environment where the people there seemed to truly want to help anyone succeed."

Another Joplin participant, Sana G., reflected: "I've never touched computer science before and I found this such a great way to step into the field and kind of see how computer science and coding intersect with so many sectors!"


Who Should Participate?

The Springfield Vibeathon is designed for a wide range of participants: entrepreneurs and founders with ideas to validate, software developers looking to accelerate with AI tools, marketing and creative professionals who want to build custom solutions, college students (18+) exploring tech careers, business professionals seeking to prototype tools for their organizations, and career changers interested in accessible entry points to technology. No coding experience is required — just an idea and a willingness to build.


From Prototype to Traction

For participants whose Vibeathon projects spark a business idea, Codefi's ecosystem offers a clear path forward. Traction Studio AI is a validation accelerator that combines AI-powered intelligence, right-sized tools, and expert services into one integrated system — guiding founders from idea through real customer discovery to a validated product and real traction. The platform connects systematic customer interviews with AI-powered synthesis and prototype generation, addressing the number one reason startups fail: building something nobody wants. Through grant funding supporting Codefi Foundation's mission, Missouri founders get access at no cost. Check eligibility at codefiworks.com/traction-studio-ai.

Codefi also offers AI Skills Training programs including Prompt to Product — a multi-week program that takes entrepreneurs from idea to working application — and advanced tracks for experienced developers. For startups ready to scale, Codefi's Dev Studio builds prototypes, MVPs, and scalable platforms using AI-native methods. Visit codefiworks.com to explore the full ecosystem.


How to Register

Intro to Vibe Coding Workshop (March 10): https://codefiworks.com/build-ai-skills/intro-vibe-coding

Springfield Vibeathon (March 23–27): Register at vibeathon.us/springfield — registration closes March 16.


Partners

Codefi's participation in Springfield Tech Week is made possible through partnerships that reflect a shared commitment to expanding access to technology education and innovation across Missouri.

Funding Partners

  • Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Venue Partners

  • Springfield Tech Council

  • eFactory at Missouri State University

Sponsor Partners

  • To be announced



About Vibeathon

Vibeathon is Codefi's statewide program of collaborative hackathons built around vibe coding — the AI-powered approach to software development that makes building accessible to everyone. The inaugural Vibeathon was held in Joplin, Missouri in November 2025. The Springfield Vibeathon is part of a growing series designed to bring innovation opportunities to communities across Missouri. Learn more at vibeathon.us/springfield


About Codefi

Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that eliminates the skills and opportunity gaps preventing talent and entrepreneurs in rural and underserved regions from thriving in the digital economy. Since 2014, Codefi has supported 60+ startups, trained 600+ individuals, generated $100M+ in economic impact, and served 47+ Missouri counties. Codefi's integrated ecosystem of AI skills training, startup support, venture investment, and development services produces high-quality jobs by building and attracting software-focused companies and expanding the tech economy. Codefi is also a co-founder of the Show Me Network, a statewide network connecting rural entrepreneurs to resources and programs. Learn more at codefiworks.com.


About Springfield Tech Council

The Springfield Tech Council exists to unify and amplify the professional tech community in the Ozarks. STC spotlights the region's technology talent, companies, and potential, connecting students and educators with industry professionals. Its signature STC Squared conference brings together hundreds of tech professionals and innovators annually. Learn more at sgftechcouncil.com.


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