Monthly Student 

Challenges & Learning Labs

No cost to register or participate

May 1st - June 30th

Prize Pool: $15,000

Sponsored by

Join the IBM SkillsBuild AI Builders Challenge, a global program designed for university students in computer science, engineering, data science, and related fields to build real-world AI solutions using IBM technologies.

Through a series of innovation challenges, hands-on learning labs, and a collaborative community on GitHub and Discord, you’ll gain practical experience, strengthen your technical skills, and showcase your work to a global audience.

Each month, take on a new challenge inspired by real-world industries and global moments, with themes spanning racing, football, space exploration, and extreme weather. Build portfolio-ready projects, gain recognition, and earn the opportunity to showcase your work at IBM stages.

To be eligible to enter the Contest, you must be a legal resident of, and/or be part of an organization registered in: United States of America, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom (England, Ireland, Scotland) and India

Getting Started

To begin building your solution:

1. Complete the hands-on learning lab available on GitHub to get familiar with the tools and concepts 
2. Join the Discord community to connect with mentors and other participants
3. Explore IBM technologies and resources available on the challenge platform, create your team, and submit your project

These GitHub-based labs provide guided, practical exercises using IBM and open source technologies, allowing you to experiment, learn, and apply concepts in a real-world context. Whether you’re getting started or looking to deepen your experience, the labs are designed to support your learning and help you build stronger solutions.

The IBM SkillsBuild AI Builders Challenge includes hands-on learning labs designed to help you build the skills needed to succeed in both challenges.

These challenges are designed for university students with a technical background who want to build real-world AI projects using IBM technologies. Open to university students globally across technical fields, including:

Developers & Technical Students

Computer Science, Data Science & Engineering Students

Juniors, Seniors & Graduate Students

AI & Data-Focused Students

Team size is 1–5 participants, solo participation is also allowed.

Build real-world AI experience, strengthen your technical skills, and be part of a growing global developer community.

Real-World AI Projects with IBM Technologies

through Exclusive Hands-On Labs, Live Webinars, and Resources

the growing IBM SkillsBuild Developer Community on Discord

for a $15,000 Prize Pool Across Two Innovation Challenges

your work to IBM, potential employers, and a global audience

Join each challenge for the opportunity to compete for a share of the $15,000 total prize pool, including a Grand Prize for the top project across both challenges. Top teams will also gain recognition from IBM and the opportunity to showcase their work.

Each challenge awards:

1st Place

Runner Up

Most Innovative

Best Use of Technology

Grand Prize — $5,000

Car racing is one of the most data-intensive, fast-paced environments in the world, where teams must process massive amounts of information and make critical decisions in real time. Inspired by the excitement of the F1 Grand Prix, this challenge invites you to apply AI improve how teams, drivers, or fans experience racing before, during, or after the race.

Your solution can focus on areas such as decision support, analytics, copilots, perception, or fan engagement, but it must use AI as a core component along with at least one of the required technologies. Whether you are helping teams make better race-day decisions, turning complex telemetry into clear insights, or creating more engaging and understandable experiences for fans, your goal is to demonstrate how AI can drive smarter decisions, improve understanding, and build trust through explainability.

Building Your Solution & Examples

To build your solution, you must use at least one of the following technologies: 

• IBM Granite 
• Docling 
• Langflow
• Context Forge

You can approach this challenge from multiple angles across the racing ecosystem. Consider building a solution in one of the following areas, or explore your own idea that aligns with the challenge:

• AI Strategy & Decision Support: Race strategy, pit stop optimization, performance recommendations
• AI Analytics: Telemetry analysis, lap performance insights, driver comparison tools
• AI Copilot / Assistant: Real-time feedback systems, race engineer assistants
• AI Perception & Vision: Track analysis, hazard detection, competitor modeling
• Fan Experience: AI commentary, race explainers, interactive tools

As part of the May Challenge, you’ll have access to a hands-on learning lab designed to help you get started. Get hands-on with a racing simulator and learn how AI systems make real-time decisions. Starting from a baseline driver, experiment with decision logic and improve performance while building skills you can apply directly to your challenge solution.

2.

A public GitHub repository

1.

Use of at least one IBM AI-supported technology (e.g., Granite, LangFlow, Docling, or related tools)

All project submissions must be completed and submitted through the challenge platform. Submissions will be evaluated based on technical execution, innovation, challenge fit, and real-world impact.

To complete each challenge, your team must provide:

3.

A functioning prototype or proof of concept

4.

A clear README that includes:

• The problem you are solving
• Your AI/technical approach
• Why your solution matters in the context of racing

IBM SkillsBuild is a trademark or registered trademark of IBM Corp., in the US or other countries or both.

BeMyApp is the official organizer of the IBM SkillsBuild AI Builders Challenge, overseeing participant experience, platform management, and challenge execution.

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