Australia’s AI Sprint FAQs

Judging panel

Who will be on the judging panel for phase 1, 2 and the demo day?

The judging panels will consist of representatives from:

• NAIC
• Google Cloud 
• Stone and Chalk
• Select AI and startup experts 

We will also invite members of Australia's AI ecosystem to participate in the judging at a later date.

Program activities

How long is each phase?

Here is a breakdown of the time and dates for each stage:

• Stage 1: 3 April – 10 May 2024. 
• Eligibility will be assessed at the end of Stage 1. Successful participants will progress to Stage 2.
• Stage 2: 13 May – week of 10 June 2024. 
• Successful applicants will progress to Demo Day.
• Demo Day: week of 17 June 2024.
  

When is the deadline for the 1st stage application?

The application deadline is Thursday 21 March 2024.

What resources will Google Cloud give contestants?

Google Cloud will give contestants:

• AI educational content through live webinars from Google Cloud and partners
• One year's membership to Google Cloud Innovators Plus, with access to the entire catalogue of Google Cloud Skills Boost and over $2,300 AUD in developer benefits
• This includes up to $1,500 AUD of Google Cloud Platform credit
• Google Cloud AI expert mentors and support
• Deeper AI training

Is the program schedule confirmed? When will it be and for how long?

The program schedule has been confirmed, but may change.

There will be one session per week. Each session will be less than a full day commitment.

All sessions are optional to attend. We will offer them live (with Q&A sessions) or as recorded versions.

Is it online, hybrid or in-person?

Since this is a national competition, all sessions will be held fully online.

Funding and prizes

What research institutions will provide the R&D services?

CSIRO’s SME Connect team will work closely with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners to match them with the most appropriate Australian Research institutions. 

This will be based on the type of AI technology and support required, and location of the start-up.

What is the research and development support prize pool?

The pool of research and development funding is not direct cash prizes to the winners.

Rather, it is support in the form of research funds allocated to an Australian research institution to work with the winners.

The prize pool includes the support of CSIRO's SME Connect who will work with the winners to identify the most appropriate research institution for the funds.

This will occur following the competition from July 2024 onwards. 

We will give you further details on the terms and conditions of the prizes during Stage 1 of the program.

Novel idea

How is a novel solution defined?

AI services and technologies have become widespread and it is relatively easy to integrate ready to go AI services or tools into startup solutions.

However, this doesn't mean AI technology innovation is quite done yet, there are still many opportunities for startups to build novel AI services, methodology and tools as part of their solutions. Whether that be a specialised AI model that outperforms others or fills a market need (eg. Eyes of AI's dental 3D imaging and diagnostics), an AI tool which simplifies or enables an action which was challenging to do before (eg. Leonardo.AI's sketch to image feature), or a novel AI methodology that yields better or unique results (eg. Sapia.AI's approach to Responsible AI with a world first Responsible AI Framework for HR).

Our intention is to support the creation of Australia's AI Industry that's grounded in strong competitive differentiation with solutions that address a market challenge and isn't easily replicable - a moat.

Does this mean we're looking for all of the AI in your solution to be new? No, there may be AI services which are already effective at what they do, AND we're looking for those areas where Australian innovators can contribute novel AI capability that will help them stand out from the crowd and secure your IP.

There are varying degrees of 'novel' and we will look at how the innovators are building novel AI technologies, tools or methods that create meaningful market differentiation, while not re-creating the wheel.

AI solution

How is an AI solution defined?

An AI solution uses algorithms based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. 

This enables the software to learn from data, improve over time, and make decisions or predictions.

In the application, how should we describe our AI solution? E.g. more technical or focus on business opportunity?

It’s up to you, but the Opportunity Statements are focused more on the commercial than the technical side of a solution.

Market impact

How is market impact defined?

The impact is defined by the changes or effects that the introduction or implementation of a new product, service, or technology has on the existing market landscape.

Is it about the possible future market impact in the next 12 months, or the impact in the past 12 months?

It’s primarily about the future impact.

Opportunity statements

Have there been many applications for health solutions?

As of early March, around 21% of applications are for ‘Better life and living’.

Minimum viable product (MVP)

How is an MVP defined?

Gartner defines an MVP as:

"A Minimum Viable Product is the release of a new product that is used to validate customer needs and demands prior to developing a more fully featured product."

For the AI Sprint program, the MVP is the first iteration of an AI solution or product.

We understand what participants bring into the program may not be the same as what results from the program, and there is opportunity to iterate and build upon ideas during the twelve-week program.

Intellectual property (IP)

Who owns the intellectual property?

In this program, participants retain all intellectual property rights.

For program winners accessing R&D support via research institutions, arrangements regarding intellectual property are discussed and tailored in the project planning and contracting phase.

CSIRO's SME Connect team acts as a dedicated advocate for startups throughout this process. In the experience of SME Connect, some research institutions may have an interest in certain aspects of the intellectual property generated through the collaboration, however others may not.

The SME Connect team works closely with startups to ensure that these arrangements align with their specific needs and goals, and that alternative options/arrangements with other research organisations are explored if necessary. Ultimately, the aim is to foster a collaborative environment where startups can access valuable resources while retaining the autonomy and control over their intellectual property.

Our IP is currently owned by our parent company based in <another country>. Would this IP ownership structure affect our eligibility for the AI Sprint?

We would expect that the IP be located in Australia for a company to successfully advance to the second stage of the programme. We warmly invite companies to apply and participate in Stage 1; however, to move beyond this point, it would be necessary for the company to present an alternative where the IP is situated within Australia.

Eligibility and application process

Do you need to submit separate applications for different opportunity statements?

You can submit one application per company.

You can change your selected Opportunity Statement before stage 2 if required.

Do you have quotas for Stage 1, or does anyone who applies and meets the basic criteria enter Stage 1? 

We are keen to take as many people as operationally possible into stage 1.

I've already submitted my application, can I revise and resubmit?

Yes, you can resubmit.

Can we participate without an ABN?

No, you cannot participate without an ABN.

Do we need to have Australian citizenship to participate?

You need to have an ABN and be an Australian resident.

Can sole traders apply?

Yes, sole traders can apply, as long as they have an ABN.

In the application, the question regarding whether the solution is an existing product or service, does this pertain to my MVP currently in the market or if it’s referring to another product out there already available? Is the 90s video for the final judging or has it got something to do with the initial application?

The question regarding whether the solution is an existing product or service applies to your own MVP.

Is the 90s video for the final judging or has it got something to do with the initial application?

The 90-second video submission marks the end of Stage 1 for selection into Stage 2. Initially, entering the competition only requires the completion of the application form.

CSIRO

Can CSIRO employees apply with a side-project?

You need to have your own ABN with less than 20 employees to participate.

Part of our AI solution has been developed in collaboration with CSIRO. Does this affect our eligibility?

No, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Platforms

Will solutions built on Google platforms be viewed more favourably?

No, this is not a judging criteria.

Is there a conflict if I am in the Microsoft for Startups program, given Google's involvement in this program?

No. We would encourage you to apply for all programmes.

Is this competition restricted to AI software hosted on Google Cloud?

No.

We've already received credit and support from Google Cloud, can we still apply?

Yes.

General queries

Is the information session recording or slide deck available?

Yes. The recording and slide deck are available on the AI Sprint main page.

Will there be another sprint this year? 

Nothing is planned.