About the Challenge

We invite teams to submit proposals showcasing innovative on-device solutions that use a Gemma model running locally or on edge hardware to solve a real Windsor-Essex problem.

Build For Windsor - Example Ideas:

solve a real problem we face in Windsor-Essex. This comes down to a convincing pitch. Be ready to explain why the problem you selected is on theme, and back it up with stats and sources!

Track 1. Border, bridges, tunnel, and transportation

  • A crossing-time predictor for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Ambassador Bridge, and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel that runs offline in the cab of a truck

  • A commercial driver's document assistant that checks customs paperwork on-device, so shipment data never leaves the truck

  • An offline bilingual (or multilingual) assistant for travellers and newcomers approaching the border 

  • Pothole and road-defect detection from a dashcam feed, running entirely on the phone, that files a 311-style report

  • A transit assistant for Transit Windsor that answers questions offline at the stop

Automotive, battery, and manufacturing

  • A shop-floor assistant for NextStar Manufacturing that answers process and safety questions without sending anything off-premises

  • An anomaly listener that flags a failing bearing, pump, or press from sound or vibration on a cheap edge device

  • A vehicle-diagnostic copilot that reads the fault in plain language, offline

  • A visual QA inspector for a parts line, running on a single-board computer

Windsor life

  • An offline pizza-shop line cook's assistant that reads handwritten or phoned-in orders and turns them into ticket-ready items, so a busy Friday night doesn't depend on the shop's Wi-Fi

  • An offline guide to Windsor festivals, patios, and riverfront events for visitors on roaming data

  • A tool that helps local small businesses write and translate their own signage and menus on-device

  • An accessibility tool or post for navigating Windsor's downtown and waterfront 

Your solution can be a web app, desktop application, mobile app, embedded device, or any other software that showcases the power of local AI.

Teams must include 2-4 people. This challenge is open to everyone: students, recent graduates, professional developers, hobbyists, makers, and career changers. You do not need to be enrolled in a program, and you do not need to work in tech.

At least one team member should be able to attend in person.

Teams must be able to attend the in-person presentations on November 20th and DevFest on November 21st in Windsor, Ontario. (https://wedevfest.com/)

Each team may work with one mentor or faculty advisor, who may represent multiple teams. Mentors are encouraged, but not required, to attend the event. Only team members are eligible for prizes; mentors and advisors are not included in awards.

Requirements

Proposal and Video Demo for Phase 1 (November 20th) - Submission Instructions

Teams will prepare a proposal introducing an innovative on-device solution that uses a Gemma model running locally or on edge hardware to solve a real Windsor-Essex problem.

Each team will prepare and submit a slide deck summarizing their concept. The deck must not exceed 10 content slides. Title and divider slides do not count toward this limit.

The structure may vary, but it must address all of the following evaluation criteria:

  • Team introduction and roles

  • Clear problem description, and why it matters in Windsor-Essex

  • Envisioned solution

  • Which Gemma model you are using, and how it is deployed on the device

  • Rationale for running on the edge rather than in the cloud (privacy, latency, connectivity, cost)

  • Impact on the community the solution serves

  • Real-world viability: who would use this, and what it would take to put it in their hands

  • Solution demo

  • Q&A

Teams must also record and submit a presentation video (maximum 15 minutes).

Submissions must include:

  • Slide deck

  • Video presentation

  • A link to the working prototype: a public code repository, plus a build we can run (APK, installer, or binary) or a recorded run on the target device. A short note naming the hardware (single-board computer, in-vehicle unit, and so on)

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$CAD 0 in cash
First Place
$CAD 0 in cash
1 winner

Second Place
$CAD 0 in cash
1 winner

Third Place
$CAD 0 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Joe Youssouf

Joe Youssouf
Google Developer Group Windsor

Ali El-Sharif

Ali El-Sharif
Google Developer Group Windsor

Steven Rice

Steven Rice
DataRealm

Judging Criteria

  • Presentation Quality
    20%
  • Business Proposition Quality
    15%
  • Delivery & Engagement
    20%
  • Problem Solution Effectiveness
    25%
  • Live Prototype
    20%

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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