Phase 3: Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Code Selection Process

Code

Each team must submit their code for their working MVP. The code must:

• be well structured, includes AI/ML, and could successfully run with given/submitted documentation
• demonstrate the core AI functionality of the MVP
• be uploaded to the Nittany AI Alliance GitHub Repo

Executive Summary

A one-page document that provides:

• what problem are you solving
• solution description and use of AI
• benefits and potential impact of the solution

5-minute Video

Each team must submit a 5-minute video demonstration of their working MVP. The videos must:

• be no more than 5-minutes in length
• explain the intent, goals, and impact of the solution
• demonstrate the working functionality of the MVP and use of AI
• be made available through a YouTube link accessible for viewing by the Challenge reviewers

The production value of the videos will not be factored into the review, but videos must clearly and accurately represent the MVP functionality. To help, Media Commons at Penn State provides free One Button Studio options throughout the Commonwealth.

Reviewers in the MVP phase will include:

• subject-matter experts related to the challenges the solution addresses
• technical experts fluent in AI/ML capabilities
• industry representatives
• key decision makers from Penn State

Download the full Rubric (PDF)

The following criteria will be used in the selection process for the MVP Phase of the Nittany AI Challenge: 

Innovation and Technical Merit (10 points)

• Does the prototype demonstrate a novel use of AI, or does it improve upon existing solutions in a significant way?
• Is the underlying AI model robust, accurate, and efficient?
• How well has the team addressed potential technical challenges and limitations of their solution?

Impact and Relevance (10 points)

• Does the prototype address a pressing or significant issue within its chosen area (education, environment, humanitarianism, health)?
• How scalable is the solution, and what potential does it have to create widespread positive change?
• Is there clear evidence or data supporting the prototype’s potential impact?

User Experience and Accessibility (10 points)

• Is the prototype user-friendly, intuitive, and accessible to a diverse range of users, including those with disabilities?
• How well has the team considered the cultural, socio-economic, and demographic differences of potential users?
• Are there mechanisms in place to collect user feedback and iterate upon it?

Ethical Considerations (10 points)

• How well does the prototype address potential ethical concerns, including data privacy, fairness, and transparency?
• Is there a plan in place to handle unintended consequences or misuse of the technology?
• Has the team demonstrated an understanding of the broader societal implications of their solution?

Feasibility and Implementation (10 points)

• How realistic is the prototype’s implementation in real-world scenarios?
• Is there a clear roadmap for moving from the prototype stage to full deployment?
• Has the team considered the economic, infrastructural, and regulatory challenges of their solution?

Teams are solely responsible for any costs associated with the development of their prototypes and MVPs. Levels of free access and/or credit to specific AI and hosting platforms are available to Challenge participants and should be sufficient for development work up through the MVP Phase. Any costs incurred in excess of the free access and/or credits during or after the completion of the Nittany AI Challenge are the sole responsibility of the participants or team of participants.