Excited to join in with Axelera AI’s first ever project challenge, but have a few questions before you get building? This FAQ might help, and feel free to join the group and post any other questions in the comments. 
Pioneer 10: Recognize and React Project Challenge FAQ
Q: Is the Project Kit free?
🟢 Yes! If your project pitch is selected, you’ll receive a full Project Kit (worth over €1,500) at no cost. And you keep it upon completion of your project, too.
Q: Can we apply as a team?
Absolutely—teams are welcome. Just note that each selected project will receive one kit, so you’ll need to share it.
Q: What kind of projects can I pitch?
Anything that uses the Axelera AI Metis system and triggers a real-world action based on what it detects. Get creative—think alerts, robotics, automation, IoT, even music and art! AI detection is the first step, and a real-world action is the next one. As long as your project does both, you’re all good.
Q: Do I have to use the entire kit?
🧩 Not at all. Use what’s relevant to your idea. We’ve packed in a mix of equipment so you can go big—but you must use the Metis system in your project.
Q: Can I add my own hardware or software?
Absolutely. Add anything you like—sensors, screens, code libraries, even LEGO. Just make sure the Metis system stays at the core of your project.
Q: How old do I have to be to apply?
Anyone can apply. If you’re under 18, we may need parental/guardian consent before we can ship you the kit, if your project is selected to go forward.
Q: How will projects be selected?
Our internal team will choose based on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact. Be realistic—we expect you to build what you pitch, so you’ve a better chance with a good but practical project than you have with a brilliantly ambitious one that probably won’t get finished.
Q: What if I can’t finish my project?
You’re committing to follow through. If you can’t deliver without a valid reason, we may ask you to return the kit. Make sure to read the full terms before applying.
Q: Do I need to train my own AI model?
🧠 Nope. We provide a ready-to-go options in the Axelera AI model zoo that can recognise everyday objects. You can expand it if you want, but it’s not required.
Q: How long do I have to build my project?
You’ll get around 4 weeks to build and document your project. We’ll ask for progress updates that you can post right here in the community.
Q: What do I submit at the end?
To get into the finals, we’ll need to see your project in glorious operation. So whatever you need to do in order to show it doing everything clearly. That will probably work best as a short demo video, but also need a written project summary, and any code (GitHub, etc.). A good project demo is one that will help other people to do what you’ve done, and the grand prizes will be based around that.