UMSI AI Challenge

The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) AI Challenge is an exciting opportunity for UMSI faculty, students, and staff to use U-M’s AI platform tools, including Maizey and the U-M AI Toolkit, to create innovative processes or systems that improve efficiency and enhance their roles at the university. Whether you're a student looking to streamline study routines, a researcher exploring data-driven insights, or a staff member optimizing workflows, this challenge invites you to turn creative ideas into practical solutions.

Participants have the opportunity to win cash prizes, showcase their work to an expert panel of judges, and have their projects featured as part of U-M's ongoing exploration of AI solutions.

Challenge Prizes

Compete for cash prizes:

  • 1st Place: $1,500
  • 2nd Place: $1000
  • 3rd Place: $500

You’ll also gain hands-on experience working with U-M’s AI tools and have the chance to make a real impact within the UMSI and U-M community.

Key Dates

  • Challenge Opens: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
  • Submission Deadline: Friday, December 15, 2024
  • Judging Event: Mid-December (Exact Date TBD)

The Challenge: Innovate with AI

Challenge submissions will create a new process using U-M AI tools that adds efficiency to a workflow or to tasks relevant to their roles. Possible ideas could include:

  • Streamline research processes with AI-driven data analysis.
  • Create AI-powered solutions for enhancing student learning experiences.
  • Use AI to optimize administrative workflows and save time.

Who Can Participate

All UMSI faculty, students, and staff participate in this challenge. Whether you're an experienced AI user or just starting to learn and use AI tools, this challenge is open to all skill sets. Both individual entries and team entries are encouraged. Note that a shortcode is needed to create a project with the U-M AI platform. UMSI is providing this shortcode to all participants. Contact Jennifer Wilkerson ([email protected]) for details. 

How to Participate

  1. Submit Your Idea:
    Complete the submission form detailing your innovative process using U-M Maizey or the U-M AI Toolkit. Be sure to include how your idea will improve efficiency or a specific task related to your role at U-M.
  2. Prepare for Judging:
    Though not a requirement, all participants can present their projects at the in-person judging event. Demonstrate how your solution works and the impact it can have.
  3. Engage and Learn:
    Attend workshops, office hours, and support sessions offered throughout the challenge period to help refine your idea and improve your use of U-M AI tools.

Judging Criteria

Our judges, from the ITS Emerging Tech AI team and UMSI, will evaluate projects based on the following:

  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Impact and Practicality
  • Effective Use of AI Tools
  • Feasibility

Support & Resources

Throughout the challenge, participants will have access to:

  • Workshops: Register to join one of the Teaching & Learning Workshops to learn about U-M’s AI tools and explore use case examples.
  • Office Hours: Get feedback and guidance from the ITS experts on using AI tools and developing your project at Office Hours scheduled specifically for those in the UMSI challenge.
  • Micro-Learning eLearning Courses: Access ITS AI Resources and complete the three 10-20 minute micro-learning courses for an introduction to AI, U-M GPT, and U-M Maizey.

Join the Movement

UMSI is at the forefront of AI innovation at U-M. Whether you’re competing or simply curious, this challenge is an opportunity to witness the future of AI-driven solutions in higher education. Even if you’re not participating, keep an eye on the groundbreaking ideas that emerge from this contest, showcasing UMSI’s leadership in the AI space.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I sign up?
    Fill out the submission form by December 6, 2024. We’ll provide more details once you’ve registered.
  • Can I work with a partner?
    Yes, you can work as part of a team. If you win, the prize can be split among team members.
  • Is the judging event required?
    No, presenting at the judging event is not required. As long as your submission includes all aspects of the judging criteria and effectively demonstrates your process, it will be considered for evaluation.
  • Will food and drinks be provided at the judging event?
    Yes, UMSI will offer light refreshments for the in-person event.
  • Can I watch if I don’t submit a project?
    Absolutely! The judging event will be open to the entire UMSI community. Support your peers and see the innovative AI projects in action.