FAQ

Who can participate?

Anybody who, at the moment of application, is over the age of 18, has a creative spirit and at least one of the following skills: developer/programmer, AI researcher, designer. 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 usually opens in March. Project must be generally uploaded by mid-June. When registrations are open, details are directly provided on our home page: https://www.createchallenge.org/

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 2023, the ICC will take place in Martigny/Valais, Switzerland, from August 16th to August 24th, 2023.

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). 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: https://www.createchallenge.org/bcvs.

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.- .