GM, DMZ to Host Artificial Intelligence Hackathon

GM Canada is going to host its first-ever hackathon and it will be focused on artificial intelligence.

Partnering with Ryerson DMZ and Ryerson Futures, GM Canada’s event—called hackAI—will run on June 24 and 25 at the Sandbox by DMZ.

Participating teams, consisting of up to four members each, will focus on solving how AI-powered assistants might change the way we work, move, and play in an autonomous age.

“The future is going to be AI driven and it will impact all of our lives,” said Ted Graham, head of open innovation, GM Canada. “Events like hackAI are the perfect platform to engage with an ecosystem of current and future entrepreneurs and foster out-of-the-box ideas.”

Industry professionals, students, and startups will brainstorm, design, and create a virtual assistant designed to help enhance the experience individuals have with their vehicles beyond driving.

“AI is creating a level of connectivity in the automotive industry that promises to bring major benefits to manufacturers and consumers alike,” said Abdullah Snobar, executive director of the DMZ. “While AI automotive applications that involve driverless cars receive the most attention, our hackAI event will enable participants to explore and test what other innovations can drive this evolving market.”

At the end of the hackathon, teams will present their solutions to a panel of judges who will crown a winner, who will be awarded a cash prize of $3,000.

“We are excited for the unique opportunity to bring AI-based innovation together with real automotive challenges,” says Alan Lysne, Managing Director of Ryerson Futures. “Along with GM and our partners, we welcome teams from a variety of industries to develop solutions collaboratively and effectively.”

Approximately 150 participants, judges and industry leaders are expected to attend.