AI Innovation Challenge
The challenge is over and now the work and fun begins!
In Cash Prizes
For 1st Place
For 2nd Place
For 3rd Place
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower every participant, regardless of their background, to harness the transformative power of AI. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, we strive to address real-world challenges and foster a future where AI not only complements human endeavor but elevates it. Together, we’re not just exploring the potential of AI—we’re defining its future.
Three Tracks for Teams to Pick From:
AI in Health Impact
Sponsored by UCI Health and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Research Institute
This track asks participants to examine the current state of the medical system and develop solutions to empower patients, identify and reduce health risks in the community, and optimize healthcare services.
Solutions in this track should highlight the power of AI in patient care for risk reduction and its instrumental role in enhancing diagnostics and treatment—be it through precise disease identification or crafting personalized treatment plans. Participants are also encouraged to explore how AI can optimize medical practices in various settings, from hospitals to clinics, to ensure the utmost benefit for patients.
*This track has a special team eligibility criteria
AI in Storytelling & Entertainment
Sponsored by Beall Applied Innovation
This track explores the intersection of AI technology and the art of storytelling. Participants are encouraged to push the boundaries of creativity and narrative innovation with techniques that leverage AI to empower the human creator to enhance and expand their work product and art.
Storytelling includes (but is not limited to) the world of entertainment and gaming and spans all disciplines from social science and humanities to science and engineering.
AI innovations in this track may include a project that composes music transcending cultural boundaries, a technology that personalizes a child’s reading experience, or tools that revolutionize the way we engage with legal narratives.
AI in Student Experiences
Sponsored by UCI Student Affairs, UCI Student Life and Leadership, Associated Students of UCI (ASUCI), UCI Office of Information Technology, and UCI Office of the Vice Chancellor for Data and Information and Technology
This track focuses on enhancing the university journey for students through the power of AI. Participants will delve into areas that deeply impact student life and beyond, such as personalized campus services, student well-being and mental health, student learning and academic success, and smart campus infrastructure. This track aims to optimize the student experience and empower students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Entries in this track should aspire to create a more inclusive, connected, and enriching campus environment for all.
Key Stages
16
October
DONE! Kickoff and Team Formation at the ANTrepreneur Center
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Join us for an exhilarating kickoff event where inspiring voices from both UCI and the AI industry will unite to ignite your creative spark! Recruit a team or join a team. It’s more than an event; it’s the start of your AI journey!
*Teams must be formed by 11:59pm on November 3rd!
(Team registration link coming soon)
26
November
Semi-Finals Submission Deadline
11:59pm
Teams will submit a compelling five-minute video pitch introducing their AI solution and describing the positive impact it has on the world. Our esteemed panel of judges will review each submission, looking for the ideas with the most potential and the ideas that best embody the spirit of innovation and align with the Challenge’s mission.
Following the judging panel’s evaluation, the top 15 finalists (three in each track) will be announced on December 6. These teams will move on to the grand finale. So, bring your A-game and let your ideas shine!
12
January
The Grand Finale!
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Mark your calendars for the electrifying climax of the AI Innovation Challenge! This is where your team’s hard work, innovation, and vision will take center stage. Hosted at the UCI Beall Applied Innovation (BAI), teams will have seven minutes to deliver a live pitch that could set the course for AI’s future. This pitch isn’t just about the competition; it’s about showcasing your refined, actionable vision for AI solutions that could make a real-world impact. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch your idea to a live audience, gain invaluable feedback, and get the chance to bring your AI dream to life.
Key Sessions
03
November
Video Pitch Training
5:00pm – 7:00pm
17
November
Hack Day / Mentor Mixer
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Event Partners and Sponsors
Track Sponsors:
The AI Innovation Challenge is made possible thanks to support from: the UCI Office of Data and Information Technology, UCI Office of Information Technology, UCI Beall Applied Innovation (BAI), UCI Health, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, UCI Health, UCI Student Affairs, UCI Student Life and Leadership, Associated Students of UCI (ASUCI), Blackstone LaunchPad, UCI Division of Undergraduate Education, and UCI Graduate Division.
Technology Sponsors:
Salesforce, ServiceNow, Siemens, Soul Machines, Syntropy, Alltius, Soul Amazon Web Services (AWS), ZigZag, and Cake Equity.
Community Sponsors:
Tech Coast Angels (TCA), the OC Startup Council, the Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN)
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, fill out this form for additional information.
Semi-Finals
The semi-finals of the AI Innovation Challenge are a pivotal moment in our competition journey. Scheduled for November 26, 2023, teams are required to submit a compelling five-minute pitch video that encapsulates the essence, potential, and innovation of their AI-driven solution. This stage is designed to test the depth, applicability, and foresight of each idea presented. Our esteemed panel of judges will deliberate from November 27-30, meticulously evaluating each pitch based on its merits, alignment with the challenge’s goals, and potential impact. By December 6, the top 15 finalists will be announced, marking the teams that will advance to the grand showdown on January 12, 2024.
The Pitch Finals
The finals represent the culmination of hard work, innovation, and the spirit of the AI Innovation Challenge. Set for Friday, January 12, 2024, at UCI Beall Applied Innovation (BAI), this stage is where our finalists will present a refined and polished vision of their AI solution. Teams will be expected to deliver a seven-minute live presentation, supplemented by a comprehensive pitch deck. This is their moment to shine, to showcase the viability, potential, and transformative power of their AI solution. Our judges will be looking for thoroughness, forward-thinking, and alignment with the overarching goals of the challenge. By the end of this exhilarating day, winners will be crowned, marking the conclusion of their journey of creativity, learning, and technological advancement.
Workshops for Health Impact Track
Become a Mentor, Speaker, and/or Judge
“The AI Innovation Challenge is more than a competition—it’s a platform that propels these bright minds into action. By enabling students to tap into their innate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, we are not only unlocking the door to the future but also empowering them to turn the key.”
– Ryan Foland
Director
UCI ANTrepreneur Center
Participant FAQs
Who can participate in the AI Innovation Challenge?
In all three tracks, undergraduates, graduate students, Ph.D. students, clinicians, and faculty can participate.
NOTE: If UCI intellectual property (IP) is used by AI Innovation Challenge teams, they will need to consult with UCI Beall Applied Innovation (BAI) to fully understand ownership of the IP.
NOTE: If UCI undergrads recruit UCI faculty and/or grad students to their team, the undergrads might lose control of their idea/IP. For more information about your specific team’s ideas/IP, you will need to consult with UCI BAI.
NOTE: Teams competing in the Health Impact track must have a minimum of two undergraduates and must also have at least one faculty member or graduate student. Teams in the Storytelling & Entertainment and Student Experience tracks must have at least two undergraduates and are able to recruit faculty and/or graduate student team members, but doing so is not mandatory.
I don't have any experience with AI and don't know how to code. Can I still participate?
Absolutely! This challenge is open to all students regardless of prior AI experience. We provide access to no-code AI platforms like Anthropic and resources to learn as you go. The focus is on developing an innovative idea, not prior expertise. It’s good to have a mix of technical and non technical people on teams.
How do I form a team?
Teams can be formed with a maximum of five members (and can be six members with an exception). You can start forming your teams or form partial teams prior to the kickoff event at the UCI ANTrepreneur Center on October 16, 2023. You can also show up to the kickoff with no team and find a team to join. We will have a team-building session to help individuals find and form teams. If you don’t find a team at the kickoff, let us know and we can help place you on a team.
Teams must:
1. Have at least two undergraduate students.
2. Have no more than five core team members (teams can have mentors and advisors that do not count for this number). If your team wants to have six core team members, it must be approved as an exception by the ANTrepreneur Center.
3. Teams in the Health Impact track must have a minimum of two undergraduates, and must also have at least one faculty or graduate student.
4. Teams in the Storytelling & Entertainment and Student Experience tracks must have at least two undergraduates and are able to recruit faculty and/or graduate student team members, but doing so is not mandatory.
Team composition matters. An interdisciplinary team results in a cohesive, synergistic team that correctly utilizes everyone’s strengths for success. Furthermore, having a diverse team can provide insight into potential opportunities. So, consider this while forming your team.
Q: What if I don't have an idea yet?
No problem! We provide workshops for each of the tracks, and we can help your team with proven methods for ideation to help you develop an AI-enabled innovation.
What resources are available for teams?
Participants will have access to a variety of resources to help develop their innovations, including:
- No-code AI platforms like Anthropic to build AI applications without coding
- Training and access to Mendix, a no-code platform to build prototypes
- Soul Machines to create AI avatars without coding
- Workshops for each challenge track
- A hack day to work on youre ideas at the ANTrepreneur Center and a chance to connect with mentors
- Coaching and advising from the ANTrepreneur Center to develop ideas
- And more
The goal is to provide teams with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to bring their innovations to life. No prior technical experience is required to leverage these resources and participate.
Is this only for computer science and engineering students?
Not at all! The challenge is open to all majors and backgrounds. We need diverse perspectives to develop thoughtful innovations. You don’t need coding or engineering experience to participate.
What are the submission requirements for the semi-finals and finals?
For the semi-finals, teams must submit a five-minute video pitch. For the finals, teams are required to submit a 12-slide pitch deck and present a seven-minute live presentation.
What criteria will be used to evaluate submissions?
Submissions will be evaluated based on various criteria, including team and vision, product overview, market analysis, go-to-market strategy, scalability, ethical awareness, security mitigation, and future considerations.
How are the semi-finals and finals judging processes different?
In the semi-finals, evaluation is focused on discerning the depth, applicability, and foresight of each idea. In the finals, the objective is to delve deeper into the potential and viability of each AI solution. Teams are expected to showcase a more polished vision at the finals.
When are the semi-finals judging deliberations and finalist selections?
The deliberations and finalist selections will take place from November 27-30, 2023.
How can mentors support the teams?
Mentors, which can include staff, faculty, alumni, and community members, will act as advisors, providing teams with their expertise throughout the challenge. Some will be present on the Track Workshop Days, some will come on the Hack Day/ Mentor Mixer event, and finalist teams will be matched with mentors based on team needs.
If you are a potential mentor, you can find more info in the Mentor FAQ section.
How can I find clinical mentors at CHOC UCI
Make sure to sign up for a mentor session and please come prepared with questions. To connect with CHOC clinicians, please contact Nadine Afari, Manager, Research Programs at nadine.afari@choc.org
Additionally, the Health Impact Track, there are six mentoring sessions:
1. Lois Sayrs, PhD, CHOC – 10/20/2023 from 4:00pm – 4:55pm
https://chocchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrd-CorjMpHtAVljiSyqy20nzgv9MIjoH7#/registration
2. Donny W. Suh, M.D., FAAP, MBA, CHOC – 10/20/2023 from 5:00pm – 5:50pm https://chocchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ldOCvpjwoEtb1kp7nkH8U0GaKcxnNqDsj#/registration
3. Jonathan H Watanabe, PhD, UCI – 10/23/2023 from 5:00pm – 5:55pm https://chocchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtfu-przguGtNwvdZbBSh_j2860TkQ1fJz#/registration
4. Louis Ehwerhemuepha, PhD, CHOC – 12/1/2023 from 9:00am – 9:55am https://chocchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJModeCsrj4sEtPO52ma_hz4kMf8ngXtbYF0#/registration
5. Yama Akbari, MD, PhD, FNCS, UCI – 12/8/2023 from 9:00am – 9:55am https://chocchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vduiqrz4uEtXv2D1aIJu6uRo3Mivmh4ls#/registration
6. Ashish Chogle, MD, MPH, CHOC – 12/19/2023 from 9:00 – 9:55am
https://chocchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpduChqjgjE9zBustpKaeSZD5ZpzUn1HZS#/registration
I missed the Kickoff event. Can I still participate?
Yes, you can still participate. Please review the guidelines and timelines to ensure you’re up to speed.
Are there any restrictions on how the prize money can be used?
There are no explicit restrictions, but the prize money is intended to help bring the winning AI ideas to life.
Do I need to commit a lot of time to participate in the challenge?
While some time commitment is required, we understand students have other commitments. The challenge is designed to be flexible for busy student schedules.
Mentor FAQs
When is the Hack Day/Mentor Mixer event?
The Hack Day and Mentor Mixer is on Nov 17th from 5-8pm at the ANTrepreneur Center. This is an opportunity to directly advise teams.
What is expected of me as a mentor?
Mentors are expected to share high-level advice and insights to inspire teams, not provide detailed business plans. The focus is on encouragement.
Do I need AI experience to be a mentor?
AI experience is helpful but not required. Mentors can advise on ideation, customer discovery, financials, pitches, etc.
What is the time commitment for mentoring?
Time commitments depend on your involvment. Mentors who particiapte in track workshops should expect to spend 2-3 hours at the events.The Nov 17th Hack Day event is 4 hours. Finalist mentoring is also encouraged between Dec 6 – Jan 12, and could be up to 10 hours.
Judging FAQs
What are the expectations for being a virtual judge?
As a virtual judge, you will attend a 1 hour training to learn the evaluation criteria, then spend 1 hour reviewing and scoring 5 video submissions from teams. Videos should be reviewed virtually between Nov 27 – Dec 5.
What is the time commitment to be a virtual judge?
he total time commitment is approximately 2 hours – 1 hour virtual training session plus 1 hour to review videos.
Do I need AI experience to be a virtual judge?
No specific AI experience is required. Clear evaluation rubrics are provided. AI expertise is helpful but not mandatory.
What is the time commitment for mentoring?
Time commitments depend on your involvment. Mentors who particiapte in track workshops should expect to spend 2-3 hours at the events.The Nov 17th Hack Day event is 4 hours. Finalist mentoring is also encouraged between Dec 6 – Jan 12, and could be up to 10 hours.
What is involved in judging the in-person finals event?
Judging the finals on Jan 12th involves a 4 hour commitment at the live event to interact with teams and evaluate innovations. AI experience is not required but preferred.