AI Action Summit: Launch of the "AI CONVERGENCE" challenges

The goal of these challenges is to promote projects tackling ambitious technological problems or societal issues, demonstrating the value of AI  for humanity as a whole.

This initiative also represents a significant opportunity to unite ecosystems, foster a shared vision, and generate stimulating ideas and solutions around this transformative technology. AI convergence is underway, already showcasing its potential as both an accelerator and a differentiator.

Researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from all sectors: if you have an ambitious project that addresses an unresolved issues using AI, respond to this call by submitting your challenge!

Selected projects will receive significant visibility during the summit period.

• FIVE THEMES TO ADDRESS AI CHALLENGES

The challenges aim to foster innovative solutions in the following priority areas of the Summit:

- Public interest AI
- Future of work
- Innovation and culture
- Trust in AI
- Global AI Governance

The AI Action Summit, hosted by France on February 10–11 2025, will spotlight concrete actions ensuring that AI development and deployment benefit society, the economy, and the environment while upholding the common good. The summit will bring together Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations, CEOs of small and large companies, representatives of academia, non-governmental organizations, artists and members of civil society.

"Together with the French President and the Prime Minister, we aim to open a third way for AI. One of an ethical, sustainable, and inclusive AI. One of a trustworthy AI. It is under these conditions that AI will be fully adopted within our society, our economy, our administrations, and our common uses. I am delighted with the launch of the AI Convergence challenges. Their precise aim is to showcase projects using AI to address societal and general interest issues." Clara Chappaz, Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs.

"The AI action Summit aims to provide the collective momentum that will put AI at the service of everyone, our societies, and the planet. AI has been improving for several decades through interactions between researchers as well as links between research and industry. The AI Convergence challenges are an opportunity for the Summit to build on this vitality of the French and international ecosystems and to simultaneously showcase talents from around the world working to solve concrete problems with these technologies." Anne Bouverot, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic for the AI Action Summit.

"The AI Convergence challenges are unique opportunities to contribute to a world where AI concretely improves every aspect of our lives. AI is a formidable accelerator and differentiator in all areas of society: from health to education, through environment and economy. Taking on technological challenges is not simply about contributing to progress or pushing the limits of what’s possible, it’s also about seeking to define it to transform our economic, social, and societal practices for a more resilient and sustainable world. Together, through the immense opportunities offered by AI, we wish to construct, together, a better future for all citizens." Bruno Bonnell, Secretary General for Investment in charge of France 2030.

• APPENDIX - FAQ

What are the objectives for these challenges?

The challenges should aim for technological breakthroughs or structural sectoral advancements, including economic, social, and organizational improvements (e.g. AI adoption in traditionally distant sectors).

What technological maturity is expected?

The challenges can address obstacles at various maturity levels.

What type of challenge can be submitted?

Several formats are possible:

1 Open or closed competitions to address a given issue (e.g., hackathons).
2 Development and execution of an ongoing project, with initial results ready by February 2025.
3 Market-ready solutions addressing previously unresolved challenges.

What is the timeline for the “AI Convergence” challenges?

The call for challenges runs over several weeks, supported by Government communication to promote selected challenges :

- November 25 – December 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM: Application period opens.
- December 6: Selection committee convenes.
- Week of December 9, 2024: Kick-off meeting, AI Action Summit label awarding, and distribution of communication materials.
- Until February 9, 2025: Challenge execution and interim results presentation to the selection committee (mid-January).
- February 10–11, 2025: Final results presented on the occasion of the Summit

Can challenges that have already started apply ?

Yes, if your project meets the Summit’s labeling criteria, it can receive its labeling.

What are the selection criteria?

Proposed challenges must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. International outreach: Projects involving stakeholders or data sets from multiple countries will be prioritised. French-led initiatives are highly encouraged to partner with international actors.
2. Relevance and disruption: Demonstrates significant risk-taking with innovative or breakthrough solutions addressing immature or unresolved issues, especially in life sciences & health, greentech, work, and mobility sectors.
3. Value creation: Offers transformative impacts for French, European, or global society, contributing to economic growth, sustainable development, and socio-economic resilience. The expected outcomes of the challenges aim to enhance the growth potential of the economy, accelerate the ecological transition, contribute to sustainable growth, and strengthen the resilience of a country’s or region’s socio-economic organisation. The challenges may also aim to raise awareness among stakeholders less familiar with AI to engage with these issues.
4. Mobilising relevant stakeholders: Showcases the ability to engage and amplify an innovation

Coherence and feasibility of the challenge’s implementation process will also be taken into account.

To apply, submit your proposal by Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 23h59 CET 
https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/ai-action-summit