Join the QLD AI Labs Challenge and Solve Real-World Problems

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Concept of Queensland AI Labs
3. The Challenges
   • Problem Owner: Heritage Bank
   • Challenge One: Solving a Problem of Heritage Bank
   • Challenge Two: Addressing Hardships
4. How to Participate
   • Registration Process
   • Engaging with Mentors
   • Accessing Data Sets
   • Cost and Reimbursement
5. Community Engagement
   • Canvas Co-working
   • Extending Reach to Regional Queensland
   • Benefits of Collaboration
6. Future Challenges and Opportunities
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to the inaugural AI Challenge sponsored by Queensland AI Labs. We would like to express our gratitude to all the participants who have registered and joined us for this exciting event. Your active involvement is crucial to the success of this initiative. The more engaged you are, the more remarkable results we can achieve. Before we begin, we would like to acknowledge Dave Johnson, the head of the innovation team at Heritage Bank, who will later discuss our first challenge. We encourage all participants to ask questions in the Live Chat, and we will curate and address them promptly.

The Concept of Queensland AI Labs

Queensland AI Labs, brainchild of Jason, has emerged as a platform to foster innovation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence. With over a hundred participants already registered, We Are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and interest in tackling the challenges presented by Heritage Bank. Queensland AI Labs is not just another hackathon or Kaggle competition. It is a platform that encourages individuals, startups, teams, students, and even established organizations to present conceptual solutions to the problems posed by the problem owner. The labs aim to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world applications by fostering a commercial lens to AI discussions.

The Challenges

Problem Owner: Heritage Bank

Heritage Bank, with its deep roots in the Queensland community, has presented two intriguing challenges. The bank, built on over 145 years of serving the Darling Downs community, has evolved to meet the changing demands of its customers. As a mutual bank, Heritage is committed to using emerging technologies like AI to deliver improved customer experiences and help customers navigate through hardships caused by events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Challenge One: Solving a Problem of Heritage Bank

The first challenge involves tackling a specific problem faced by Heritage Bank. Participants are invited to propose solutions that leverage data science, machine learning, and AI to address the problem conceptually. The challenge is open to all, irrespective of technical expertise. Heritage Bank aims to encourage diverse participation, including individuals, startups, and consulting companies. The provided challenge duration of five weeks allows participants to explore possibilities and submit their solutions, which can be in the form of presentations, videos, or demos.

Challenge Two: Addressing Hardships

Heritage Bank is also interested in solutions that can help customers facing hardships, not limited to financial difficulties. While financial hardship is prevalent, the challenge remains open to solutions addressing other social and economic hardships. Participants have the opportunity to monitor and address hardships through the application of AI and related technologies. The aim is to improve the financial positions and lives of Heritage Bank's members.

How to Participate

To participate in the Queensland AI Labs challenges, interested individuals and organizations can register online. The registration process is straightforward and can be completed on the labs' Website. Once registered, participants gain access to mentor profiles and can engage with mentors to Seek guidance and assistance. While Heritage Bank will not provide anonymized transaction data, publicly available datasets can be accessed for research and experimentation. Participants are encouraged to form teams and collaborate to leverage a diverse set of skills and expertise. It is important to note that while there is no direct reimbursement for participating in the challenges, participants have the opportunity to showcase their skills, make valuable connections, and potentially enter commercial arrangements with Heritage Bank.

Community Engagement

Queensland AI Labs is committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. The labs have partnered with Canvas Co-working, a passionate advocate for regional Queensland. The partnership aims to extend the reach of the initiative beyond the southeast corner. Canvas Co-working provides workspace and conducts workshops and programs that support individuals and businesses in navigating the AI landscape. Through partnerships like these, Queensland AI Labs aims to bring together diverse minds, encourage collaboration, and Create innovative solutions.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

Queensland AI Labs has an exciting year ahead, with a lineup of challenges planned for the coming months. The challenges will be hosted by various partners, including HomeGuardian on the sunny Gold Coast. These challenges provide opportunities for participants to work with passionate entrepreneurs and mentors and contribute to the growth and development of AI in Queensland. Participants can look forward to engaging with executives, submitting their solutions, and even the potential to secure commercial arrangements or access funding if their solutions have scalability and broader applicability.

Conclusion

The Queensland AI Labs' inaugural AI Challenge presents a unique opportunity for individuals, startups, teams, and organizations to showcase their AI skills and propose innovative solutions to real-world problems. The challenges posed by Heritage Bank and future partners highlight the importance of AI in driving improved customer experiences, addressing hardships, and fostering community collaboration. By engaging with mentors, utilizing available resources, and participating actively, participants can not only make valuable contributions but also gain exposure, establish connections, and potentially embark on commercial ventures.