Deadline for Design AI and Tech Awards submissions extended
The two-week extension is in response to calls from SMEs which requested more time to finalise their entries
THE Business Times (BT) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have announced a two-week extension to the submission deadline for the inaugural Design AI and Tech Awards. Originally set for Dec 31, 2024, participants now have until Jan 15, 2025, to submit their entries.
This extension was granted in response to numerous requests from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, many of which required additional time to finalise their submissions due to the upcoming festive holidays.
The organisers aim to ensure that all businesses, regardless of size, have an equal opportunity to participate in this prestigious competition, with the extended deadline encouraging even greater participation and diversity in the entries.
Launched in October 2024, the Design AI and Tech Awards were established to recognise businesses that use design and technology to create innovative solutions for real-world challenges. It is particularly focused on fostering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with design practices, positioning this as a critical differentiator for businesses.
The awards were developed in partnership between BT and SUTD, with support from the DesignSingapore Council and AI Singapore. These organisations are united in their belief that AI, when combined with strong design principles, has the potential to revolutionise industries and elevate businesses of all sizes.
The judging panel is chaired by SUTD’s deputy president and chief innovation and enterprise officer, Professor Tai Lee Siang. It also includes Chen Huifen, editor of BT, alongside prominent industry leaders like Dawn Lim, executive director of the DesignSingapore Council; Farizan d’Avezac De Moran, GreenA Consultants senior partner; Laurence Liew, director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore; and Professor John Ochsendorf, founding director of MIT Morningside Academy for Design.
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Encouraging SMEs to participate
The Design AI and Tech Awards will feature three main categories – product design, system design and spatial design.
Product design celebrates innovative, technology-driven products that leverage AI and advanced design principles; system design recognises large-scale systems that integrate complex technological and socio-economic factors to create impactful solutions; and spatial design highlights physical spaces enhanced by technologies such as urban analytics, generative architecture, and immersive environments.
Entries will be evaluated on six key criteria: the application of design thinking processes and strategies; originality and creativity; utilisation of AI and advanced technologies; ethical considerations and sustainability; aesthetic and functional qualities; and quantitative and qualitative impact.
The goal of the awards is to highlight practical applications of AI and design, providing a platform for businesses to demonstrate their ability to address challenges and create value for their stakeholders.
By fleshing out the practical value of AI and design in solving real-world problems, the awards aim to inspire trust and spark conversations that will encourage even more businesses to adopt these transformative technologies.
The awards specifically encourage SMEs to participate, as they often face constraints that can be addressed through the innovative use of AI and design.
It will also serve as an opportunity for SMEs to gain recognition for their efforts in embracing digital transformation and adopting cutting-edge technologies. This visibility in turn can help smaller businesses connect with potential partners, investors, and clients who value innovation.
This deadline extension is expected to result in a wider array of high-quality submissions, showcasing the rich diversity of design and AI applications across industries. The organisers hope that the extra time will allow participants to refine their entries and submit comprehensive nominations that reflect their innovative approaches.
For more information, check https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/events-awards/design-ai-and-tech-awards
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