Sustainable Arizona Spark Challenge: a Principled Innovation Hackathon

Enterprise Technology and University College host the Sustainable Arizona Spark Challenge, a Principled Innovation Hackathon for all majors focused on the sustainability challenges that face Arizona's current mining industries. Team up and choose a challenge track to apply Principled Innovation to pitch sustainable, AI-powered solutions that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, addressing the Arizona's modern mining challenges with creativity and responsibility. This is your chance to collaborate together, innovate for impact, and win prizes!

Arizona’s economic foundation in 1918 was built on the 5 Cs: cattle, climate, citrus, cotton and copper. Today, while the state has diversified into high-tech and service industries, mining remains crucial. As the demand for technology increases, so does the need for other critical elements like lithium, which is essential for computers and smartphones. How can we use AI to innovate Arizona's current mining industry toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals?
 

This challenge offers two tracks: a no-code Imagination Track for beginners, and a technical Innovation Track for advanced participants. There are no pre-requisites or fees to join any track! 

Choose a challenge track:

The Imagination Track invites teams to imagine and present innovative challenge solutions that leverage AI in 24 hours! This track is ideal for agile teams eager to explore no-code GPT design features and outcomes. Beginners are welcome!

Dates:

• Kick-off: Sept. 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Creativity Commons (map)
• Submissions due: Sept. 6 at 11:59 p.m. 
• Virtual pitch competition: Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. 

Track prizes:

• First place team: $1,500
• Second place team: $1,000
• Third place team: $500

The Innovation Track invites teams to create and present functional prototypes powered by GPTs. This track is ideal for teams of prototypers, coders, or makers who are comfortable turning concepts into working models in one week or less.  

Dates:

• Kick-off: Sept. 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Creativity Commons (map)
• Submissions due: Sept. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Begin code review process.
• Virtual pitch competition: Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. 

Track prizes:

• First place team: $5,000
• Second place team: $2,500
• Third place team: $1,500