CU Build 2024: Sparking Innovation for Credit Unions

CU Build recently brought together some of the brightest developers for a dynamic hackathon event in Salt Lake City, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the credit union space. As a Gold sponsor, Q2 played a key role in supporting three of the nine competing teams—each of which walked away with major accolades, including first and second place overall, as well as the "Most Production Ready" award.

CU Build is all about fostering collaboration and driving innovation in the credit union ecosystem. Brad Hickey, founder and president of CU Build, spoke about the importance of bringing credit unions together to tackle real-world fintech challenges. His vision for a cross-credit union hackathon became a reality, despite initially daunting logistics.

“Our journey from a small hackathon to a major event with dozens of credit unions and tech partners reflects the immense potential of combining creativity with technology,” said Hickey. “It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come and where we’re headed next.”

With a background in fintech and experience as the manager of application development at American Airlines Credit Union, Hickey knew what it would take to lead this initiative. The success of CU Build 2024 demonstrates that when credit unions and fintech companies collaborate, the results can be transformative—not just for the industry, but for the members they serve.

During the event, nine teams of six participated in an intense three-day event, crafting innovative solutions that demonstrated the power of collaboration. With tools and resources provided by Q2 and other sponsors, these teams delivered impressive results.

Q2 software engineer Trey Teter, who worked closely with several teams throughout the event, highlighted the passion and creativity on display: “It was a fun event. I really enjoyed spending time with people who are so passionate about their work. The teams I worked with were especially driven to create solutions they believed in. They wanted to display their ideas using Q2 Innovation Studio (software development kit) because it is reliable and easy to use—helping them get their applications up and running to share with the world.”

Mark Ostroth, senior developer advocate at Q2, echoed these sentiments: "Teams were won over by the ease of use, functionality, and flexibility of Q2’s platform. The solutions they created aligned with their goals of promoting financial wellness and education. Q2 provided the necessary infrastructure and support to build these innovative extensions and applications. I believe that one of the runner-up projects was so well suited for the Q2 platform that I would love to see it become a real product. It truly showcased the versatility and reliability of Q2’s Innovation Studio tool."

Among the standout teams, Trailblazers developed a home affordability and loan application tool called "Path to Prosperity." By integrating the Zillow API, their solution simplifies the mortgage process for credit union members, making it easier to find homes within budget while reducing the stress of home buying. Their innovative approach earned them the coveted Best in Show award at CU Build 2024.

The Last but Not Least team also made waves with their solution, Shared Sight, designed to help elderly members manage their finances by linking accounts with trusted family members. This tool enhances financial security and member satisfaction by offering customizable fraud alerts. Their work earned them both the runner-up and Best Use of Q2 awards.

Another team, the Wayfaring Wanderers, created the Opening Horizons tool—a platform designed to educate members on financial products tailored to their unique needs and goals. This tool, which builds trust and engagement, won them the Most Production Ready award.

According to Q2 VP of Engineering Greg Varnel, “Events like CU Build reveal the game-changing potential of fintech in the credit union world. By supporting this event, Q2 is not just highlighting the power of its platform and Q2 Innovation Studio—it is empowering developers and innovators to create solutions that address challenges and helping credit union members to thrive.”