As a graphic design major, Christie Warren was hesitant to join her group of friends — who were all in technical majors — in the Nittany AI Alliance’s 2018 Nittany AI Challenge. “What’s the worst that could happen?” her friend Michael Roos asked.
Nittany AI Challenge
Challenge yourself to make the world a better place
The Nittany AI Challenge offers Penn State students the opportunity to address pressing global issues and build solutions using AI and machine learning, regardless of technical skill or expertise. Students leverage diverse skill sets in multi-disciplinary teams to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience the true innovation that occurs when working collaboratively to harness the power of AI for Good.
Challenge alumni have shared that the main benefits of competing are:
Gain Valuable Skills
From hands-on experience with AI technologies to critical leadership skills, the Challenge provides learning opportunities for each role on a team.
Interdisciplinary Teams
Each year, 30–40% of all participants in the Challenge are from non-technical majors. In fact, we find that the most successful and innovative teams often have a healthy combination of technical and non-technical members.
Build Professional Networks
Many Challenge alumni have gained job offers, valuable résumé additions, capstone course submissions, startup ideas, patent applications, and so much more through the Challenge.
Win Substantial Prizes
Teams that advance to the MVP phase of the Challenge can win up to $50,000 in funding, as well as significant exposure through multiple marketing channels across the University.
