The National AI Centre (NAIC) has launched a new prize for AI solutions to big policy problems.
AI Sprint was launched on Wednesday to help startups and entrepreneurs rapidly develop AI solutions to big policy problems like cost of living, governance, supply chain resilience, human and environmental well-being, and workforce transformation.
The winner will be awarded $300,000 worth of research and development support from selected Australian research institutes, while the second and third will receive $100,000. This prize is provided by the NAIC and includes facilitation services by CSIRO’s SME connect.
Winners will also be eligible for a range of support services from Stone & Chalk to help them secure the essential capital, customers, expertise and talent for the most successful launch of their business.
Applicants will be accepted based on their proposals aligned to one of the program’s opportunity statements, with applications open this month.
National AI Centre director Stela Solar said Australia’s AI Sprint is central to the NAIC’s mission to create a thriving local AI industry and accelerate the nation’s sovereign AI capabilities.
“Australia’s AI Sprint offers our innovators the technological expertise and commercial savvy to create AI solutions with real impact for Australia,” she said.
“The initiative provides start-ups and entrepreneurs with the end-to-end support needed to refine their innovations, gain visibility, and bring their AI solutions to market. This is the springboard opportunity to transform AI concepts into real-world impact.”
A selection of participants will progress to the second stage where they will benefit from enhanced support and resources in preparation for a Demo Day, where prototypes will be presented to an audience of industry stakeholders.
The AI Sprint is a collaboration between NAIC, Stone & Chalk, and Google Cloud, with Stone & Chalk bringing essential startup support services to the table, Google Cloud AI technical support, and NAIC AI expertise.
CEO of Stone & Chalk Group Chris Kirk said by partnering with NAIC and Google Cloud, Australia’s AI Sprint has the unique ability to accelerate the long-term growth of AI in Australia.
“By uniting our organisations’ unique strengths, we have an unprecedented opportunity to cultivate world-class AI talent, drive innovation, and develop solutions that will benefit Australians in the digital age,” he said.
“Australia’s AI Sprint is a game-changer that will significantly strengthen our nation’s AI ecosystem for the future.”
Applicants can access further details and apply here.
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