The ML Empowerment Build Challenge is a global initiative designed to help students learn artificial intelligence and apply it to real-world projects. Unlike traditional hackathons, this challenge combines structured learning, hands-on building, and mentorship to guide participants from beginner concepts to fully developed AI solutions. Whether you're new to AI or already have experience, this program provides the resources and support to help you turn ideas into impactful projects. The ML Empowerment Build Challenge aims to make AI education accessible, practical, and impactful, empowering students around the world to not only learn AI but use it to create meaningful solutions.
To support all participants, we provide a free, beginner-friendly AI curriculum developed by the ML Empowerment Foundation. This AI curriculum is a 12-lesson, self-paced program designed to help students understand and explore artificial intelligence step by step. You will learn the fundamentals of AI and how it works, key concepts like machine learning, data, and algorithms, neural networks and modern tools like large language models and multimodal AI, practical skills such as prompt engineering, and the ethical implications and future impact of AI. The curriculum is designed to be simple, interactive, and accessible.
After learning the fundamentals, participants will apply their knowledge by creating a project using AI. You can build AI-powered applications, chatbots or assistants, tools that solve real-world problems, or creative or experimental AI projects. We will also collaborate with sponsors and partner organizations to give participants the opportunity to try and learn different AI tools, platforms, and APIs.
Build a project that addresses a real-world problem or contributes positive social impact. Your project can take any form — a web application, mobile app, AI tool, game, productivity tool, or any innovative idea that makes a difference. Each team must submit the following on Devpost:
- Project Title: Provide a clear and memorable name for your project.
- Project Description: Include a detailed description that covers Problem Statement, Solution Overview, Key Features, Technologies Used, and Target Users.
- Project Files: Upload screenshots, videos, or other files that demonstrate your project.
- Project Link / Repository (Optional but Recommended): Provide a GitHub, GitLab, or similar repository link if available.
- Team Details: List all team members and their roles. Solo submissions are allowed.
Prizes
- Best Overall Project
- Most Innovative Project: For projects with a unique idea, novel approach, or creative solution.
- Most Impactful Project: Awarded to the project that has the potential to make the greatest social or community impact.
- Best Use of Machine Learning: For projects demonstrating strong application of machine learning models to solve real-world problems effectively.
- AI for Education: Awarded to tools that enhance learning experiences, accessibility, or educational outcomes through intelligent systems.
- Best Web AI App: For the best AI-powered web application with strong functionality, usability, and real-world relevance.
- Most Scalable Solution: Recognizes projects with strong potential to scale, handle growth, and be deployed in real-world environments.
- Sustainability AI: For projects using AI to address environmental challenges, climate change, or promote sustainable practices.
- Conversational AI: Awarded to the best chatbot or voice assistant delivering intelligent, natural, and helpful interactions.
- Data-Driven Insights: Recognizes projects that use data analysis and AI to generate meaningful, actionable insights for users.
- Productivity Booster: For AI tools that significantly improve efficiency, automate workflows, or enhance daily productivity for users.
- AI for Health: Recognizes AI solutions improving healthcare, wellness, diagnostics, or access to medical information and support.
Judging Criteria
- Technical Implementation (30%)
- Creativity & Innovation (20%)
- Real-World Impact (20%)
- Project Design & User Experience (15%)
- Presentation & Documentation (15%)