Idiap Create Challenge (ICC)
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A 9-day AI SUPER HACKATHON to transform your ideas into prototypes! The 13th edition took place from August 20th to 28th 2024. Stay tuned for 2025!
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Discover the ICC'2024 program here.
WHY AN AI SUPER HACKATHON?
Why AI?
Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most active and promising application domain in the computer science field. Thanks to data analysis, it can help us face many challenges in our society, such as in healthcare, or environmental issues.
The ICC takes place in the heart of the Idiap Research Institute’s incubator, IdeArk. Idiap is one of the most active independent research center in AI. Its activities encompass research, training, and technology transfer activities following a common vision: Artificial Intelligence for Society.
Why SUPER?
Picture this: a dynamic atmosphere buzzing with creativity, where AI enthusiasts like yourself come together to tackle challenges, unleash their imagination, and bring groundbreaking ideas to life. While other regular hackathons last only a few days, our AI Super Hackathon offers 9 days of intense development on-site. You will go further and deeper in your achievement to create a working demo or prototype of your idea. Selected teams will work on-site and get access to: networking opportunities, office space, AI-experts, mentoring from our R&D team, visibility and a unique hackathon experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Only the best ideas are selected and get the chance to participate in this challenge. The program is FREE for the selected participants and the accommodation, breakfast and dinner are refundable. Participants are only expected to cover their travel expenses to the location.
PrizesBy taking part of the ICC, you get the possibility to win:
- One IdeArk and Idiap Research Institute Prize
- One Innovation Prize (BCVs Innovation Challenge)
The total amount of prizes is CHF 10’000.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
- You have an idea and a team
- You have an idea but no team. We will help you find team mates once you register!
- You have neither an idea nor a team, but have the know-how, motivation and experience in the eligible areas and wish to participate. We will match you with like-minded individuals!
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
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REGISTER |
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Registration is now closed. (individual registration is required for all team members) Once registered, we will redirect you to the project proposal submission platform and to a private network platform to help you find teammates for your project. |
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SUBMIT |
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Submit your project proposal through the submission platform. Have a look at the project proposal template [here] Deadline for submission: extended until June 10th, 2024. Selection results: June 2024 |
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JOIN US |
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Take part in the 9-day AI SUPER HACKATHON from August 20th to 28th 2024. If your prototype is successful and you are ready to take it to the next stage, you might have the possibility to develop your start-up in our incubator!
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Our mission
Idiap Create Challenge serves as an ideal platform to transform ideas into practical applications, leveraging talent to craft innovative solutions for societal and industry challenges. ICC offers resources, expert advice, and attractive prizes to drive the development of prototypes and demonstrators.
WHAT YOUR TEAM NEEDSAlready have:
Motivation: a driving force that keeps you going, even through challenges.
Creativity: the ability to think outside the box and propose innovative solutions.
Team Spirit: a collaborative mindset that values each member's contribution.
Might need:
Technical development skills: proficiency in coding, software development, or engineering principles.
AI skills: understanding of artificial intelligence concepts, machine learning algorithms, and data analysis techniques.
Project management: ability to plan, execute, and manage projects effectively.
Communication: good verbal and written communication skills for clear, persuasive presentations and documentation.
Where in Switzerland?Idiap on google maps
FAQS
Who can participate?
Everybody over 18 years old is welcome. We encourage to apply people with a creative spirit and at least one of the following skills: developer/programmer, AI researcher, designer, but it's not mandatory. National as well as international candidates are welcome to apply. We accept people who have ideas, ideas and a team or are simply interested in joining a team. The hackathon is also open to start-ups and very small enterprises (under 20 people).
How to apply?
Registration for the next edition will open at the beginning of the year. Project must be generally uploaded by early May. When registrations are open, details are directly provided on this page.
How many candidates will be selected to participate in the ICC?
Our budget allows us to accommodate up to 24 candidates. We will select teams of 2-3 people max on-site during the second step of the selection process.
Is it possible for a team to submit a candidacy?
Yes, but only at the moment of the project submission, in the second step of the selection process. In the first step of the selection process, the registration step, candidates should register individually. Teams must be composed of 2-3 people who possess one or more of the following skills: developer/programmer, AI researcher, designer. At least one of the team members must have registered during the first step of the selection process in order for the team to submit a project at the second step.
Is it possible for a single person to submit a project proposal (step 2 of the selection process)?
No, only registered candidates who are part of a team of 2-3 people can submit a project proposal in the second step of the selection process.
Is it possible for the registered candidates and teams to come up with their own ideas?
Yes, it is even strongly encouraged. However, the proposed ideas must be within the domain of Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, it is also encouraged to come up with your own technologies or/and codes in order to develop a prototype.
What is the main goal of the ICC program?
The goal of the International Create Challenge is to come up with working prototypes and demonstrators in the field of AI. During the 9 days of intense development, selected teams will get access to networking opportunities, AI-experts, visibility and a unique hackathon experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Therefore, the program offers a unique opportunity to go from ideas to the prototype of a potential product in a very short time.
What is the duration of the program?
Idiap Create Challenge takes the form of an AI Super Hackathon, with 9 days of intense development (24/7).
Where and when will the ICC take place?
In 2024, the ICC will take place in Martigny/Valais, Switzerland, from August 20th to August 28th, 2024.
What are the costs of the ICC for the selected candidates?
The 9-day challenge is free of charge for the selected candidates/teams. Accommodation and dinners (when not organized; without drinks) are refundable upon submission of the expenses report and the original receipts (see expenses policy in our Terms & Conditions). Accommodation can be covered up to 130CHF per night (double room, incl. breakfast), meaning CHF 65.- per night per person, only for participants who live more than 100km away from Idiap Research Institute. Dinners can be reimbursed for up to CHF 25.- per meal, only for the meals which are not organized during the program. The round trip to and from Martigny is paid by the candidates.
What are the awards of the ICC?
The winning teams share a cash prize of up to CHF 10’000.-. Furthermore, additional awards linked to our partners specific project call are also available.
How many teams/projects will receive an award?
The ICC Jury reserves itself the right to decide the number of winning teams during the final selection.
Do the selected teams have access to Idiap technologies during the ICC?
Our staff will be available and willing to answer any questions the selected teams may have related to Idiap technologies.
Will the selected teams be in touch with the best scientists of the chosen research domains?
Yes, the organizers will provide each team with documents about Idiap and its technologies and there will be a contact person for each research group, that the teams will be able to contact for advice, questions or potential collaborations.
Will any IT equipment be made available on-site?
No, Idiap Research Institute will not provide any IT equipment. We will only provide office space (i.e tables and chairs and basic office facilities including WiFi Internet access). It is up to the participants to bring their own laptops, keyboards, screens as they wish. In particular, no workstation will be provided.
What are the rules concerning Intellectual Properties (IP) ?
The IPs remain in the hands of the technology owners. The teams, which use IPs of the Idiap Research Institute, need to negotiate with the IP owners at the creation of their business and deal with royalties, patents, etc. Furthermore, applicants certify to hold the legitimate intellectual property rights relating to the projects they submit, and they shall be responsible for managing the intellectual property rights with the involved institutions (employer, partner, and so forth). The organizers claim no intellectual property rights relating to the submitted projects and their responsibility cannot be held thereby. In case you are an Idiap employee participating in the ICC, please refer to section 15 of the Terms and Conditions.
What is the BCVs Innovation Challenge?
The BCVs Innovation Challenge is an additional award offered by Banque Cantonale du Valais. For this award, the prize money. It will be awarded by a special jury from Banque Cantonale du Valais. To participate in this challenge, a given team has to work on one of the challenges proposed by BCVs during the 9 days of the ICC. More information can be found here.
What next?
If a winning team/project wishes to create a start-up locally by integrating the IdeArk Incubator, it may profit from in-kind support and services by The Ark Foundation estimated at over CHF 100'000.- .
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