Spacial Intelligence Ideathon

The Spatial Intelligence Ideathon is a one-day student pitch competition where UW–Madison students use patented university research to identify and develop solutions to real-world problems.

Participants will work in teams to explore applications of Spatially Grounded AI for Augmented Reality (SGA-AR), technology developed by Professor Kevin Ponto’s lab. SGA-AR allows teams working in the same physical environment to share a live spatial map, identify people and objects, add annotations and navigation paths, and collaborate with remote users.

This is an ideathon, not a traditional coding hackathon. You do not need to build working software or have previous AR experience. Instead, your team will identify a specific problem, define the user and buyer, explain why SGA-AR is essential to the solution, and develop a realistic path toward commercialization.

Teams may create slides, mockups, business models, or concept demonstrations before delivering a three-minute pitch to a panel of judges. Ideas will be evaluated based on problem quality, commercial potential, use of SGA-AR, and feasibility.

Schedule

10:00 AM: Check-in and team matching
10:30 AM: Opening presentation and challenge introduction
11:15 AM: Brainstorming begins
11:30 AM: Lunch and idea sharing
12:00 PM: Concept development and mentor checkpoints
3:00 PM: Team pitches and judging
4:00 PM: Awards and closing ceremony

Food and drinks will be provided, and winning teams will receive cash prizes. Strong concepts may also have the opportunity to continue development with the Tech Exploration Lab and its research and industry partners.

• Commercial clarity
  Specific buyer named. Clear user/buyer distinction. Credible path to first revenue.
• Problem Quality
  Specific problem. Current workaround named. Cost of that workaround explained.
• SGA-AR Fit
  SGA-AR is essential. Team can explain what breaks without it.
• Wedge & Feasibility
  Specific first customer named. Smallest viable version described.