OpenEdge & AIGS Innovation Challenge
Build real-world AI ideas with OpenEdge and showcase your innovation.
In partnership with
Join the OpenEdge & AIGS Innovation Challenge and put your AI ideas into action with OpenEdge. This challenge brings students, developers and aspiring builders together to explore real-world innovation, collaborate with peers and create something showcaseable.
Taking place in partnership with Progress, AIGS and AIE, the challenge is designed to encourage practical thinking, creativity and hands-on learning.
The challenge begins with an on-site kick-off at AIE Campus in Midrand on 15 July 2026, followed by a remote hacking phase from 16 to 23 July. Final project submissions are due by 2:00 PM South Africa Standard Time on 23 July, with on-site presentations and awards taking place at AIE Campus on 24 July 2026.
Registration deadline: Please register by Friday, 10 July 2026 to secure your place in the OpenEdge & AIGS Innovation Challenge.
What You’ll Build
Create an AI-powered project or solution concept that:
- Explores how OpenEdge and AI can be used to solve a real-world challenge
- Demonstrates creativity, practical thinking and technical problem-solving
- Responds to one of the challenge use cases shared during the kick-off day
- Shows how AI can support areas such as automation, decision-making, productivity or user experience
- Can be clearly presented and explained to a panel of judges during the final presentations
Required Deliverables
All projects must be submitted by 2:00 PM SAST on 23 July 2026 and should include:
- A GitHub repository containing the project submission
- A comprehensive and clearly written README file
- A project overview explaining the idea and problem being addressed
- A summary of the technical approach and how OpenEdge and AI are used
- Setup instructions and a usage guide
- Supporting materials such as diagrams, screenshots or documentation where relevant
- A final presentation to be delivered during the Presentations & Awards ceremony on 24 July 2026
Who Should Join
This challenge is for students, developers and aspiring AI builders who want to explore practical innovation with OpenEdge and AI, including:
- AIE students interested in AI, software development and real-world technology projects
- Developers looking to explore OpenEdge and AI innovation
- Early-career technologists who want to build, collaborate and learn
- Individuals or teams who want to develop a project in a live innovation challenge environment
Program Timeline
Starter Kits and relevant documentation will be distributed through the dedicated Discord channel. Participants are encouraged to join the channel in advance, review the resources and come prepared for the kick-off.
The challenge officially begins with an on-site kick-off at AIE Campus, 1 Oracle Close, Halfway Gardens, Midrand. The day will include registration, welcome remarks, technical sessions, lunch, use case discussions and team formation.
Participants will work remotely from any location, developing their solutions and using Discord for technical support, announcements, progress sharing and team coordination.
All projects must be submitted via GitHub by 2:00 PM South Africa Standard Time. Submissions should include a comprehensive README file covering the project overview, technical approach, setup instructions and usage guide.
The challenge concludes with an on-site Presentations & Awards ceremony at AIE Campus, where teams will present their solutions to a panel of judges and outstanding projects will be recognised.
Prizes & Recognition
Bring your best ideas to the challenge for the chance to win prizes and recognition.
- First Prize: R20,000 - Awarded to the winning project or team.
- Second Prize: R10,000 - Awarded to the runner-up project or team.
- Certificates of Participation - Recognising your involvement, creativity and contribution.
- Final Presentations - Present your solution to a panel of judges during the Presentations & Awards ceremony.
- Industry Recognition - Gain visibility with Progress, AIGS, AIE and the wider developer community.
FAQs
- Is the Challenge Remote?
The challenge includes an on-site kick-off at AIE Campus on 15 July 2026, followed by a remote hacking phase from 16 to 23 July. The final Presentations & Awards ceremony will take place on-site at AIE Campus on 24 July 2026.
- Where Will the On-Site Sessions Take Place?
The on-site kick-off and Presentations & Awards ceremony will take place at AIE Campus, 1 Oracle Close, Halfway Gardens, Midrand, South Africa.
- Do I Need Prior OpenEdge Experience?
No. Prior OpenEdge experience is helpful, but not required. Starter Kits, documentation and support will be provided to help participants explore how OpenEdge can support AI-powered innovation.
- How Will Participants Receive Updates?
All key updates, announcements, technical support, team coordination and community engagement will take place through the dedicated Discord channel.
- When Are Projects Due?
Projects must be submitted via GitHub by 2:00 PM South Africa Standard Time on Wednesday, 23 July 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
- What Should Be Included in the Submission?
Each submission should include a GitHub repository and a comprehensive README file covering the project overview, technical approach, setup instructions and usage guide.
For any additional questions or more information, please contact Soumaya Eddahech.
Register
Competition Terms & Conditions: Please download and read the Official Rules for the AIGS Innovation Challenge before registering or submitting an entry.