Description The Innovation Challenge is an open innovation track for teams developing meaningful solutions around software, frameworks, educational tools, visualization tools and quantum-inspired prototypes. Participants are expected to identify a relevant problem, explain why it matters, propose a solution and demonstrate how the idea can become a useful prototype or working concept. The challenge can accommodate different forms of innovation, including technical tools, educational experiences, visualization systems, software applications and other technology-driven ideas connected to the festival theme. A preliminary screening stage can evaluate the problem definition, proposed approach, novelty, feasibility and relevance before teams move into development or refinement. Shortlisted teams can work through the defined hybrid workflow and present their final outcome through a demonstration, pitch or technical presentation. Evaluation can consider problem clarity, originality, implementation or prototype quality, relevance of the quantum component where applicable, usability, feasibility and presentation. Participants should identify their own work and disclose external tools or resources according to the final event rules. The event encourages practical innovation rather than purely theoretical proposals.
Duration Total Duration: 90–120 minutes Rules & Guidelines Each team must consist of 2–4 members . Teams must identify a relevant problem and propose an innovative solution. The proposed solution should have a clear connection to technology, software, education, visualization, quantum computing or a related festival theme. Teams must submit their idea/concept during the initial screening round. The concept submission should clearly explain the problem, proposed solution, target users and expected impact. The screening stage may assess problem clarity, originality, feasibility, approach and relevance . Shortlisted teams may proceed to prototype development or refinement. Teams may develop a software application, framework, educational tool, visualization system, prototype or other approved technology-based solution. The final submission should demonstrate the working concept or prototype wherever applicable. Teams must clearly explain their implementation, technology used and contribution of each team member where requested. Any external libraries, datasets, APIs, AI tools or other third-party resources used should be disclosed according to the organizers' requirements. Teams must ensure that their submission represents their own work and must not copy another participant's project. The prototype should be feasible to demonstrate within the time and technical constraints specified by the organizers. Evaluation may consider problem clarity, originality, prototype quality, relevance, usability, feasibility, implementation and presentation . Teams should follow the submission format, presentation time and technical requirements announced by the organizers. The organizers may specify additional requirements for online submissions, demonstrations, repositories, presentations or prototype access. The judges' decision based on the published evaluation criteria will be final.