Battlecode (https://www.battlecode.org/ https://www.battlecode.org/) is a programming competition run by MIT every January for programming an AI to compete in a

Battlecode (https://www.battlecode.org/ https://www.battlecode.org/) is a programming competition run by MIT every January for programming an AI to compete in a game (the exact nature of the game changes every year. It's vaguely Starcraft-like, except completely played by AIs) It's open to non-MIT students, as well. They also offer lectures in January which will be streamed on twich.tv - these may be of some interest to you, even if you decide not to compete.