New concepts for mobility are taking over since we need sustainable solutions to reach the climate protection goals. Within those solutions, AI concepts for mobility are our future; researchers especially develop new concepts for cities. But we can’t overlook rural areas. Innovative and sustainable solutions are necessary to connect rural villages between each other and with cities. These solutions have to meet the needs of the citizens to keep rural areas attractive and guarantee equal living standards.

One example of a new form of mobility is the so-called ride-sharing bench in some German cities and communities. The benches are usually placed on busy roads or near existing bus stops with the option of signaling the desired destination to passing motorists. One community developed an app for smartphones that can be used to call up the locations of the ride-sharing benches in the region.

Think about the potential of using AI to improve the life of people in rural areas!

Using AI-powered technologies, develop a solution, including a business model canvas and a pitch, that improves rural mobility and helps meet global climate goals.

• Business Model Canvas & Pitch Deck

• 2-3-minute pitch during the final event in front of the jury 

Do I already need a team when I register?

We recommend you to find team members from your home university and register as a team. If you can't find participants but still want to take part you can register and join another team at the kick off event.

Where can I ask my questions during the Challenge?

We have a Slack channel for all participants to join if they want to. It serves as a room for exchange and communication with team members, competitors and us, the Challenge organizers. There we provide you with necessary information and material. If you don't want to use Slack - no problem, we communicate via e-mail and send you the material: lena.moedl@thi.de or raphaela.kaiser@thi.de

I study economics and don't have a background in AI - can I still participate?

Yes! A multidisciplinary team is more likely to develop a good business idea. So don't hesitate to join a team with other skills than you have. 

What if I don't manage to develop a full prototype in the short time available?

It's not necessary to develop a full prototype. It is most important to show the jury that your idea is well thought through and you can answer detail questions. 

Are the accompanying workshops compulsory for the Challenge?

No, workshops are not mandatory, but we recommend to attend the Kickoff-Event and of course you need to attend the final event where you will present your idea.

What does the jury assess?

The jury pays attention to how technically feasible the idea is, whether it is scalable, how innovative it is and how useful the problem solution is.

When is the deadline for submission?

July 6th 2022, 12PM CEST

What are the requirements for the final event?

At the end of the Challenge you will pitch your idea to the jury in a short pitch using the pitch deck and the Business Model Canvas you developed (with the input from the workshops). At least one team member must be present at the final event and face questions from the jury. 

Do I get a certificate?

Yes, you get a confirmation of participation or a winner certificate.