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ISUZU AI Innovation Challenge 2024 invites proposals for new AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies and methods.

The purpose of this program is to discover new value through AI technology in collaboration with Isuzu, to further enrich society.

Apply for the program
For the application terms and conditions,click here.
If you cannot access the application form, you can also apply by email (phd2@ninesigma.com). *Isuzu Motors has entrusted the management of this program to Nine Sigma Holdings Co.
Apply for the program
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Message from Isuzu
Isuzu has been utilizing AI technology in cutting-edge areas such as autonomous driving and digital transformation (DX) to optimize logistics.
In our rapidly changing world, anticipating the future and creating new value for society requires innovative perspectives beyond the traditional framework of logistics. Isuzu believes that AI technology is a powerful means to achieve this and that its effective utilization is essential for future growth.
We invite you to explore and unleash new AI technologies and methods, beyond the confines of Isuzu. We look forward to receiving innovative and exciting proposals. Join us in creating a new future.
The interview article was introduced in Nikkei xTECH (Sep 1, 2024).
Click here. (Japanese Only)
※You need to register as a paid member to read the full text.
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Innovative AI methods and the value they create for the future
We invite a wide range of ideas that bring innovation to the world, not limited to any single business or technological domain. Please propose ideas starting with innovative AI technologies or methods that add value and benefit the next generation. We look forward to proposals that achieve the following:
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Eligibility
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Individuals and organizations working on technologies or businesses related to AI and machine learning
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Eligible participants include startups, academic institutions, research organizations, manufacturers, IT vendors, system integrators, consulting firms, etc.
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Expectations After the Program
After the program, those whose proposals are selected will be expected to:
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Engage in PoC (Proof of Concept) verification of the proposed content in consultation with Isuzu.
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Work together on AI technology development beyond the proposed content to create new value.
Prize Money:
After the evaluation, the best ideas will be awarded a prize money to the entrant. Additionally, proposals that do not win a prize may still be selected for collaboration with Isuzu.
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Benefits of Participation:
・Creating a possibility of commercialization of your ideas and research results
・Opportunities to obtain research and PoC funding to realize ideas
(to be discussed with Isuzu)
Application Start
September 1, 2024
Online Information Session
September 11, 2024
Application Deadline
November 30, 2024
Document Review
December 2024
Interview Review (Only those who pass the document screening)
Early January ~ Mid-February 2025
Announcement of Winners
End of March 2025

September 11: 8:00 AM (PDT), 4:00 PM (UTC+1)

In addition to explaining the contents of this program, we will also widely accept Q&A.
If you are interested in participating, please apply from the link below.

※The session is over. Thank you very much for your attendance. You can see the session in the archive video below.

For the Q&A on the online session, click here.

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Originality and novelty
  • Impact on society
  • Feasibility and expected market size
Past achievements in the relevant research field are not necessarily required for selection. We emphasize the technical content of the proposals and the enthusiasm and potential of the applicants.
Handling of Proposal Content
  • The submitted content will only be used within the scope necessary for this program (review, selection, post-selection communication) unless prior consent is obtained from the applicant.
  • Intellectual property and research equipment acquired as a result of a collaboration after the program, will be handled under a separate agreement.
Notes
By applying to this program, you agree to the following terms:
  • The proposal should not contain any confidential information of the applicant or any third party to the best of the applicant's knowledge.
  • If the proposal contains any patents or other intellectual property rights, these must be clearly stated.
  • If the proposer already holds the rights to the proposed technology, the transfer of licenses and related matters will be subject to subsequent negotiations.
  • If the proposal is selected, the name of the proposing organization may be disclosed through consultation.
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Hirotaka HaraJapan
  • Former President of Fujitsu Laboratories, Executive Officer of Fujitsu Ltd.
  • Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Industry-Academia Collaboration Promotion, Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), (until March 2024)

Graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1984 and joined Fujitsu Laboratories. Engaged in research on combinatorial optimization using AI technology. Served as a visiting researcher at MIT Operations Research Center. Received a Ph.D. in engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1996. Led the establishment of Fujitsu's AI brand “Zinrai” business and the quantum computing collaboration center with RIKEN, realizing the development and commercialization of Japan's first quantum computer. Currently serves as a technical advisor and technical fellow at several companies, mainly in AI technology.

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Matthew E. TaylorCanada
  • Director, Intelligent Robot Learning Lab (IRL Lab)
  • Full Professor & Graduate Admissions Chair, Computing Science
  • Fellow, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii)

After obtaining a Ph.D. from the University of Texas in 2008, he conducted artificial intelligence research at several universities and, in 2017, temporarily left academia to help launch the AI research lab at the Royal Bank of Canada.
He is currently a Full Professor at the University of Alberta, a Fellow at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University, and consults with multiple startups. He has secured over $10 million in research funding, including the National Science Foundation's CAREER award. To date, he has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers in conferences and journals. His current research spans foundational and applied aspects of reinforcement learning, human-in-the-loop AI, multi-agent systems, and robotics.

Since the dawn of the Japan’s automotive industry, Isuzu has supported global transport for over a century.
Isuzu is committed to addressing societal challenges while taking a leading position among commercial vehicle manufacturers.

ISUZU ID, our new corporate philosophy, was unveiled in May of 2023 to guide all Isuzu Group employees towards this end. “Moving the World—for You” is the Group’s stated purpose, with a vision to “Advance the world as an innovation leader with Reliability x Creativity”. Isuzu has released its new mid-term business plan, “ISUZU Transformation - Growth to 2030 (IX)”. The Group has committed to investments in innovation totaling 1 trillion yen by FY2031. The company will drive future growth by developing new businesses starting from three areas: (1)Autonomous driving solutions, (2) Connected services, and (3) Carbon neutral solutions.

We believe this program will help establish a crucial foundation in supporting the three new business areas mentioned above and has great potential to lead to new businesses beyond these areas.

More information about ISUZU ID can be found here.

and mid-term business plan "ISUZU Transformation -Growth to 2030 (IX)" here.

For the program press release, click here.

How many proposals will pass the review?
We plan to select multiple proposals overall. Even proposals that do not win a prize may proceed to further discussions with Isuzu.
I am not sure if my technology or idea fits the theme.
If you find it difficult to judge, please feel free to contact the NineSigma Secretariat (phd2@ninesigma.com ).
What is the implementation period for the proposed ideas?
Depending on the proposed content, we will discuss the format of collaboration individually.
Will there be financial support for the proposed content?
Depending on the proposed content, we will discuss the provision of research and PoC funds individually. There is also the possibility of continuing the initiative based on the results of the PoC.
How will the technical information included in the proposal be handled?
Please refer to our policy on receiving undisclosed technical information here (the application terms and conditions).
How will the intellectual property rights obtained after selection be handled?
This will be determined by a separate agreement. Please refer to the application terms and conditions here (the application terms and conditions) for details.
How will personal information be handled?
Personal information obtained in applications to the Program will be managed by Isuzu Motors. Please refer to the "Privacy Policy" and "the application terms and conditions" for the principles of Isuzu Motors' handling of personal information, safety control measures, and the method of requesting suspension of use or disclosure of personal information from users, etc.
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