Work

Introducing AI practitioners to international standards through online competitions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Online artificial intelligence (AI) challenges are structured competitions that invite participants to apply machine learning (ML) methods to solve real-world problems using curated datasets. These challenges attract a wide spectrum of participants, from university students to researchers and senior AI engineers, offering a bottom-up approach to training, which democratizes access to data for specific problem statements. They also foster an interactive, community-driven environment that encourages iterative experimentation, peer learning, and innovation. Some platforms that host online challenges focus on engaging participants in specific regions, such as the Global South, while others encourage global collaboration. In both cases, data and problem statements are typically provided by clients (e.g., universities, researcher organizations, or industry), ensuring that competitions remain grounded in practical applications (e.g., identifying natural hazards for disaster management). A leaderboard plus attractive prizes motivate participants to refine their models iteratively while encouraging both competition and collaboration.

Source: npj natural hazards.

DOI: 10.1038/s44304-025-00154-8