Introducing the 2023 3D.RC Grand Challenge

The Theme

The 3D Retail Coalition (3D.RC), Kalypso and IEEE have partnered once again to host the 6th Annual Grand Challenge. This year, in response to the emergence, adoption and explosive growth of generative Ai solutions in the market, we are calling for creative research and novel solutions with the potential to transform how retailers & brands discover, create, make, and sell new products by harnessing the dual power of generative Ai and 3D product creation.

The Prompt

This year’s Grand Challenge asks, how might generative Ai & 3D be used together to transform the way teams…

• discover, explore & experiment with product and experiences?
  
• design, develop & iterate on the creation of products & experiences?
  
• promote & sell product & experiences?

To fully satisfy the brief, entries must:

• include both generative Ai and 3D capabilities
• support the creation of products and / or experiences
• be directly applicable to the apparel, footwear & accessories industry
• represent clear potential to create value for brands, retailer and / or consumers
• demonstrate a degree of practical feasibility beyond the theoretical

To Qualify

Eligible entrants must be affiliated with an organization categorized either as a start-up or an academic institution, satisfying the respective criteria outlined below:

• Start-up Eligibility: A start-up, as defined for the purposes of this contest, denotes a legally registered organization that satisfies the following prerequisites: (1) it employs fewer than 10 full-time personnel, and (2) it serves fewer than 10 active clients in the retail, footwear, and apparel industry.
• Academic Institution Eligibility: An academic or research institution, as defined for the purposes of this contest, denotes a legally registered organization that satisfies the following prerequisites: (1) it possesses an educational mission, (2) it holds non-profit status, and (3) it has obtained formal accreditation from a recognized accrediting body or governance agency.

Additional eligibility requirements can be found in the official rules below.

The Submission & Review Process:

The Contest is conducted in two phases as outlined below. Entries received before or after the entry period are void.

Phase 1: Preliminary Round

Entry Period: 6/28-9/29, 2023

Entries Must Include: Uploaded document(s) containing entrant contact information, confirmation of eligibility and responses to the prompt(s) outlined above. In Phase 1, responses should be considered an executive summary and are not to exceed 5 pages. Links to relevant images and multimedia are permitted.

>> Submission Link: check back soon

Phase 2: Semifinalist Round

Entry Period: 10/16-11/17, 2023

Entries Must Include: Chosen semifinalists from Phase 1 will be asked to submit additional information for Phase 2 which may include a white paper, research publication, solution schematic, thesis, video, demonstration, or other materials to provide greater detail on the solution / research.

Prize Winner(s) Shall Receive

• A featured presentation (virtual) to the 3D Retail Coalition (3D.RC) Board of Directors, Committee Teams and Active Members; representing dozens of the world’s most prominent brands
• A marketing & promotional package provided by Grand Challenge Sponsors including:
  • IEEE featured blog post and / or e-publication
  • Kalypso Viewpoint article and video interview
  • Social media posts from IEEE, PI Apparel and Kalypso
• A complimentary events package provided by MarketKey including:
  • Two registration passes for one mutually-agreed upon 2024 PI Apparel event
  • On-stage recognition & promotion during the above 2023 Apparel event
  • The opportunity to present the winning research or solution during a webinar hosted by MarketKey & the 3D.RC