Blaise™ XTech Competition FAQs
February 24, 2024
DRAFT
Important Links
Registration - (TBD)
What is the Blaise XTECH Prize Competition?
The Blaise XTECH Competition is a global challenge aimed at developing AI-powered mobile applications that integrate with Blaise, an AI-driven Raman spectrometer for disease detection, aviation fuel analysis, and environmental monitoring. The competition seeks to foster innovation in machine learning, spectroscopy, and mobile computing.
Who can participate in the competition?
The competition is open to:
Developers, AI specialists, and software engineers
Researchers in spectroscopy, healthcare, public safety, and environmental monitoring
Startups, companies, and academic institutions
Independent innovators, student teams, and non-profits
How does the competition work?
The competition is structured into four key phases:
Registration & Proposal Submission – Teams submit their concepts and gain access to Blaise SDK & API.
Semifinals System Technical Verification – Teams develop working prototypes and undergo technical review.
Finals Testing & Live Demonstration – Teams conduct real-world tests and present their solutions at CES 2026.
Winners Announcement & Commercialization Support – Top teams receive prizes, mentorship, and investor access.
What are the main focus areas of the competition?
Participants will develop AI-driven mobile applications for:
Healthcare – Disease detection using Raman spectroscopy.
Public Safety – Detection of date rape drugs (spiked drinks), food and waterborne pathogens, quality (e.g., cosmetics).
Environmental Monitoring – Real-time material and chemical analysis.
How do I register for the competition?
To register, visit [Competition Website], complete the team registration form, and submit your initial proposal outlining your application concept and intended use of Blaise technology.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, the registration fee is:
$500 per team (Standard Registration)
$2,000 per team (Late Registration after the initial deadline)
Discounts or fee waivers may be available for academic institutions, non-profits, and early-stage startups.
Can I register as an individual or do I need a team?
You can register as an individual; however, we strongly encourage forming a team with diverse technical and scientific expertise to enhance your chances of success.
Can teams be modified after registration?
Yes, teams may add or change members before the Semifinals round. However, any modifications must be approved by the competition organizers.
Are international teams allowed to participate?
Yes! The Blaise XTECH Competition is open to teams worldwide. However, teams must comply with export control laws and local regulations regarding AI, spectroscopy, and healthcare applications.
What are the key deadlines for the competition?
Early Registration Deadline: [TBD]
Prototype Submission Deadline: [TBD]
System Testing & Evaluation Period: [Timeframe]
Announcement of Finalist Teams: [TBD]
Final Application Submission Deadline: [TBD]
Final Testing & Field Deployment Period: [Timeframe]
Live Presentation at (TBD): [TBD]
Winner Announcement & Awards Ceremony: [TBD]
How will applications be judged?
Teams will be scored based on the following criteria:
1. Innovation & Technological Advancement (20%)
The quality of the datasets submitted and the degree to which the application introduces new or groundbreaking functionality in AI-powered spectroscopy. Originality and uniqueness of the solution compared to existing technologies. Effective use of machine learning, spectroscopy analysis, and AI-driven decision-making to enhance Blaise’s capabilities.
2. Technical Feasibility & Performance (20%)
Accuracy and precision of spectroscopic data interpretation within the application. Stability, reliability, and efficiency of the application’s data processing and AI algorithms. Scalability of the solution, ensuring it can handle large-scale deployment without performance degradation.
3. Usability & User Experience (15%)
Intuitive user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, making the application accessible to diverse users. Seamless integration of Blaise’s SDK and API to provide a smooth and functional user journey. Error-handling mechanisms to ensure robust performance in real-world conditions.
4. Real-World Impact & Application Potential (20%)
Practical applicability of the solution in healthcare, public safety, and environmental monitoring. Potential for real-world adoption and long-term usability in industry-specific settings. Measurable impact on efficiency, cost reduction, and accuracy improvements in spectroscopic analysis.
5. Compliance & Ethical Considerations (10%)
Adherence to industry regulations and data privacy laws in healthcare and aviation. Compliance with ethical AI practices, ensuring fairness and transparency in decision-making. Strict adherence to the competition’s prohibition against reverse engineering of Blaise hardware.
6. Market Viability & Commercialization Potential (10%)
Market size, business feasibility and commercial scalability of the application. Potential for investment or industry partnerships, ensuring long-term sustainability. Strategies for monetization, deployment, and user adoption beyond the competition.
7. Presentation & Demonstration (5%)
Clarity and effectiveness of the final live presentation. Quality of the live demonstration, showing real-world functionality and impact. Ability to convincingly communicate the application’s value proposition and competitive advantage.
Each submission will be scored based on these weighted criteria, with judges providing detailed feedback at every stage. The highest-scoring teams will advance through the competition rounds, culminating in a live demonstration and final selection of winners at an international consumer show such as CES 2027. The Blaise XTECH Competition aims to recognize not only technological excellence but also real-world applicability, market readiness, and positive global impact in AI-powered Raman spectroscopy solutions.
What are the prize amounts?
🏆 Grand Prize Winner – $TBD
Awarded for developing the most innovative, scalable, and high-impact application integrating Blaise’s AI-driven spectroscopy technology. This team’s application has demonstrated unmatched accuracy, usability, and real-world applicability, setting a new standard in mobile spectroscopy-based diagnostics and analytics.
🥈 Best Data – $TBD
The Best Data Award in the Blaise™ XTech Competition recognizes the team that demonstrates the highest standard of data quality, accuracy, and usability in Raman spectra generation and analysis. To achieve this distinction, participants must implement rigorous methodologies for sample preparation, instrument calibration, and data preprocessing, ensuring consistency and reliability in spectral measurements.
🥈 Runner-Up – $TBD
Recognized for their technically superior and innovative application that effectively integrates Blaise’s AI and spectroscopy capabilities. Their solution offers high reliability and a user-friendly interface, making significant contributions to spectroscopy-based diagnostics and industrial quality control.
🏅 Best AI Implementation – $TBD
This award goes to the team that demonstrated the most advanced AI integration in their application, enhancing spectroscopy data processing, accuracy, and automation. Their solution showcases how machine learning and AI-driven analytics can significantly improve real-time Raman spectroscopy interpretation.
🎨 Best UX/UI Design – $TBD
Recognized for designing the most intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing user experience. This team’s application ensures that users, regardless of technical expertise, can seamlessly interact with complex spectroscopy data through a well-crafted and engaging interface.
🏅 Highest Societal Impact – $TBD
Awarded to the team whose solution has the greatest potential to drive positive change in public health, environmental safety, or industrial efficiency. Their application has been identified as a game-changer in providing accessible and scalable spectroscopy solutions for underserved industries and communities.
What other benefits do winners receive?
Investor & Commercialization Support – Access to funding opportunities & venture capital.
Business Mentorship – Guidance on market adoption & regulatory approvals.
Industry Partnerships – Potential collaborations with Forward Edge-AI, Inc. and tech leaders.
Do teams retain ownership of their intellectual property?
Yes! Teams retain full ownership of their original code, AI models, and application designs.
Are there restrictions on how teams use Blaise technology?
Yes. Teams must adhere to licensing agreements, including:
No reverse engineering of Blaise hardware or software.
No unauthorized commercialization during the competition.
Compliance with industry regulations & ethical AI standards.
How can I get help during the competition?
Teams have access to:
Technical workshops & webinars hosted by AI & spectroscopy experts.
Office hours with mentors for guidance on development & commercialization.
Networking events to connect with industry professionals & investors.
How can I stay updated or get help?
Visit: https://support.forwardedge.ai/en/?q=XTECH and follow the steps below:
The Blaise XTECH Prize Competition is your opportunity to innovate, compete, and make an impact in the future of AI-powered Raman spectroscopy. Join us and be part of this global innovation challenge!