**Description disponible en anglais seulement**

YOUR MISSION

In a team of 2 to 4 people, develop a project that helps improve efficiency, production, and/or effectiveness within traditional sectors by leveraging AI, along with conducting a market analysis on the sector/business area. At the end of this challenge your project should include:

- A market analysis on the sector/business area,
 

- An innovative (new to market) product or service that will meet a need/desire within that sector/business area,
 

- A high-level marketing and adoption strategy.

Use Microsoft Azure to bring your ideas to life and Microsoft Learn to develop new skills surrounding AI.

Your idea must be based on one of the five given sectors: Food Service, Hospitality & Tourism, Agriculture, Supply Chain & Logistics, Industrial Manufacturing

We encourage all participants to take advantage of $100 in free Microsoft Azure credits and explore AI Learning Modules to learn new skills and spark new ideas for the challenge!

GET $100 FREE MICROSOFT AZURE CREDITS

EXPLORE AI LEARNING MODULES

You can find more resources and information here. 

A THREE-STEP PROCESS

STEP 1: REGISTRATION & IDEATION

From October 5, 2020 to January 31, 2021

Create or join a team of 2 to 4 members. First, each team has to present their idea and clearly describe their concept in a 5-slide PowerPoint using the presentation template provided on the platform. Teams can also submit any other documents that illustrate their idea if they wish to do so. 

Each team must upload their deliverables to their participation space before 23.59 (EST) on January 31st, 2021. Submissions must be made in English.

The voting stage will take place between February 1st, 2021 and February 14th, 2021. Up to 25 teams will be selected to move on to the second round. The selected teams will be notified on February 15th, 2021.

STEP 2: DEVELOPMENT

From February 15, 2021 to March 28, 2021
 

The 25 best teams will move on to the second round. During the development stage, your team will create a prototype with Microsoft Azure tools, resources and credits to continue to develop and refine your idea.

You will receive online coaching from experts via the platform. Use your coach’s recommendations to improve your project (technical development, feasibility, etc.). You can also review the resources provided for inspiration and to learn more about AI.

The deliverables for this stage include a three-to-five minute video explaining and demonstrating your prototype and its functionalities as well as a 10-20-slide presentation outlining the project. You should also conduct interviews with sector representatives to validate your idea.

All submissions must be in English and uploaded to the platform by 23:59 (EST) on March 28th, 2021.

The voting stage will take place between March 29th, 2021 and April 11st, 2021. Up to  5 teams will be selected to participate in the finals. The finalist teams will be notified on April 12th, 2021.

STEP 3: THE FINAL EVENT

April 15, 2021
 

Between April 12th and April 15th, you will have time to prepare a five-minute presentation (including a short prototype demonstration before pitching your solutions to the jury during the virtual final event on April 15th. You can win a range of prizes and make valuable connections with senior managers from TECHNATION members, RBC, and Microsoft. 

JUDGING CRITERIA

A jury of experts will evaluate your projects based on these criteria:

ORIGINALITY
 

25%

Does the project offer an original, innovative approach to addressing the selected problem? Is the project ambitious or creative within the constraints of the challenge timeline?

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
 

25%

Does your team make effective and appropriate use of the main features of the selected Microsoft tools and technologies? Does the team effectively communicate how AI technology is used to solve the chosen challenge?

TEAM DIVERSITY
 

25%

Does your team reflect diversity? Does your team have a complementary skill set that enables you to tackle the different aspects of your project?

IMPACT & FEASIBILITY

25%

Does the project address a clear need, problem, or opportunity? Does the project fit the problem it addresses? Does the team have a credible plan for implementing their proposed solution and does the solution have a good product/market fit?

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