How Does it work?

The US Applied AI Olympiad, is an annual competition designed to challenge data science enthusiasts and innovators in High school to solve real-world problems using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Each year, a new challenge is introduced in mid-November, and participants have 15 days to deliver impactful solutions. The submission portal is only open during the challenge duration, so timing is crucial!

Steps to Participate in the US Applied AI Olympiad:

1. Challenge Announcement

  • The Olympiad announces a new AI-based challenge once a year.
  • The challenge is open for 15 days, providing a short but impactful window to participate.
  • Past challenges have focused on topics like customer Churn prediction (2023) and Plant seedling classification (2024).

2. Register to Participate

  • Visit the official US Applied AI Olympiad website and complete the registration form during the registration period.
  • Registration is free and open to students, professionals, and AI enthusiasts.
  • Upon registration, participants gain access to:
    • Challenge details
    • Dataset download links
    • Submission guidelines

3. Download the Dataset

  • Each challenge provides a curated dataset relevant to the problem statement.
  • The dataset is hosted in a cloud-friendly format like numpy arrays (.npy) or CSV files, enabling seamless data analysis.
  • Datasets can be downloaded directly after the challenge announcement.

4. Build Your Solution

Participants are expected to:

  • Analyze the Data: Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to uncover trends and patterns.
  • Build an AI Model: Develop a machine learning or deep learning model to address the problem.
  • Generate Insights: Extract meaningful insights and recommendations based on the model’s results.

Recommended Tools:

  • Cloud-based platforms like Google Colab or AWS Free Tier for development.
  • Utilize GPU runtime to speed up training, especially for deep learning models.

5. Prepare Deliverables

Participants must prepare the following:

  • Google Colab Notebook:
    • Includes all code, data preprocessing, model implementation, and insights.
    • Must be submitted as an HTML file for compatibility and ease of access.
  • Business Presentation:
    • Tailored for a Data Science Lead audience, focusing on:
      • Problem Definition: Business overview and solution approach.
      • Key Insights: Findings from the analysis and model results.
      • Recommendations: Actionable business steps based on insights.
      • Potential Benefits: Highlighting the long-term advantages of your solution.
    • Must be submitted as a PDF file.

6. Submission Portal Access

  • The submission portal only opens during the 15-day challenge period, so ensure you complete and upload your deliverables before the deadline.
  • Late submissions are not accepted, and only files in the required formats (HTML for notebooks, PDF for presentations) are allowed.

7. Evaluation Process

Submissions are evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on:

  • Model Performance: Accuracy and effectiveness of the solution.
  • Insights: Depth and clarity of the analysis.
  • Business Recommendations: Practicality and relevance of proposed actions.
  • Presentation Quality: Clear, concise, and impactful storytelling tailored to a business audience.
  • Code of Honor and Winner selection process: Participants must submit their own, original work without plagiarism.
    • External help or outsourcing is strictly prohibited.
    • Submissions undergo an initial review for quality and adherence to rules.
    • The top 5 finalists will be selected for a live demo and Q&A session.
    • Finalists must present their solution and methodology during the session.
    • Judges will ask questions about data preprocessing, model design, and insights.
    • Authenticity and understanding of the submitted work will be verified.
    • Participants agree to follow these rules and submit honest work.
    • Participation in the demo and Q&A is mandatory for finalists.
    • These guidelines ensure a fair and transparent competition celebrating innovation.

8. Announcement of Winners

  • Winners are announced on the official website and social media channels.
  • Top performers receive recognition, certificates, and the opportunity to showcase their work to industry leaders.

Why Participate in the US Applied AI Olympiad?

  • Solve real-world challenges with AI.
  • Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge data science tools and techniques.
  • Build a standout portfolio to showcase your skills to employers or academic institutions.
  • Be part of a vibrant community of AI innovators.
  • First Prize Winner gets a $5000 cash Prize, Second Prize Winner gets $3000 and Third place winner gets $1000 cash prize which can contribute to your college.

Mark your calendars, stay prepared, and join us in shaping the future of AI—one challenge at a time!