CONTEST RULES

 

Objectives 

The WAICF AI Startup Challenge aim to determine the most innovative Artificial Intelligence projects having a positive impact on society or the planet and rethinking the standards among all the candidates.

The objective is to value the diversity of the projects realized in the field of Artificial Intelligence in order to reward and highlight the most audacious for a better world, the most original, and especially the most innovative.

The innovative nature, the positive component of the AI project as well as an application project that has reached, at least, the first stage of deployment (Minimum Viable Product*) are the three strong points of a good application.

*Minimum Viable Product: a "test" version designed very quickly and with a minimum of budget to obtain, from the target customers, a maximum of feedback to improve the product.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure a fair and high-calibre competition, we extend our invitation to startups globally, with a particular focus on those operating within:

• France
• Europe
• The Middle East
• North Africa

This challenge is open to startups at any stage of their journey, from early-stage innovators to well-established pioneers. Participants must represent a legally registered startup, ready to showcase their unique approach to integrating AI in their respective fields.

Challenge Categories

In this year’s challenge, participants have the opportunity to showcase their projects in one of the following categories:

• Sports & AI
• Beauty and Wellness & AI
• Robotics & AI
• Gaming and Augmented/Virtual Reality in AI

These categories have been carefully selected to cover a broad spectrum of AI applications, offering participants the chance to demonstrate their expertise in a field that best aligns with their project’s core focus.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions are the bedrock of the competition. Participants are required to present a 5 to 10 page pitch deck in pdf that encapsulates the essence of their AI project. 

Your presentation should include:

• Highlighting the innovative nature of the AI (automated, assisted, augmented, autonomous...)  
• Highlighting of the positive component of the AI project

This should be accompanied by answers to our curated questionnaire, 

• Relevancy : Explain the relevance of your project within the WAICF objectives 
• Feasibility : Describe the set-up of your booth, how feasible it’ll be for you to present your project at the WAICF 
• Wow effect : Describe the Wow nature of you project 
• Entertainment : Describe how entertaining your project is and how it’ll attract WAICF visitors 

And by a video / mock-up / visual of your project.

Important Dates and Phases

The competition is structured into several key phases:

• Application Phase: December 4th, 2023 to January 10th, 2024
• Shortlisting Phase: January 11th to 16th, 2024
• Selection Phase: Late January 2024
• Finals and Announcement: February 8th to 10th, 2024

These dates are critical checkpoints in the journey towards the grand finale, set against the vibrant backdrop of the WAICF event.

Jury

In order to evaluate the applications, a jury made up of experts in artificial intelligence will decide on the finalists in February 2024.

If members of the jury are representatives of an applicant or partner company or organisation, they will automatically be declared abstainers on the scoring of the project in question.

 Evaluation Criteria

The WAICF AI Startup Challenge employs a comprehensive set of criteria to evaluate submissions, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment process. Each criterion carries an equal weight of 25% in the overall evaluation.

• Relevance: This criterion assesses how well the project aligns with current market needs and trends in the AI sector, and with the WAICF objectives. Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of the industry landscape and address pertinent challenges or opportunities.

• Feasibility : Judges will evaluate the practicality of the startup's AI solution to be presented during the WAICF, including its scalability, resource requirements, and the likelihood of successful implementation. Startups should demonstrate a clear plan for bringing their AI project to fruition and how it can be effectively deployed.

• Wow effect : The "Wow” factor is all about innovation and standing out. Judges will be looking for projects that bring a unique and creative twist to the AI sector, capturing attention with distinctive features, approaches, or technologies that set them apart and leave a memorable impression.

• Entertainment : The "Entertainment Value'' criterion evaluates how effectively the startup's AI project elevates the entertainment experience. Whether it's in gaming, content creation, virtual experiences, or other forms of entertainment, judges will assess how the project enhances enjoyment, engagement, and immersion for the WAICF visitors.

Each of these criteria is crucial in determining the projects that not only excel in their technical and creative aspects but also demonstrate the potential for real-world application and impact.

Awards and Recognition

4 and up to 6 Startups per category will be awarded. 

The winners of the WAICF AI Startup Challenge will receive several benefits. These include an exhibition space at the WAICF event, a presentation opportunity, complimentary event passes, enhanced visibility to venture capitalists, and online promotion. 

General Terms

The organisers of the WAICF AI Startup Challenge have the authority to modify the competition's rules, schedule, and other relevant aspects as needed. Participants must comply with both local and international legal regulations. Entry into this challenge signifies acceptance of these terms and conditions. The decisions of the judging panel are final.

Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards

The WAICF AI Startup Challenge is committed to maintaining high ethical standards. Participants are required to ensure the integrity and originality of their submissions. Any form of plagiarism or ethical misconduct will lead to disqualification. Compliance with intellectual property laws and adherence to legal standards is mandatory.

The application form for the WAICF AI Startup Challenge is now available on the event website. Participants can fill it out online until Thursday, January 10th, 2024, at 11:59 pm UTC+1. Please be aware that no applications received after this deadline will be considered.

For any inquiries or assistance regarding the application process, feel free to contact Auriane Cadoret at acadoret@corp-agency.com.