No. On the contrary! You get free Microsoft Azure credits, mentorship and access to industry leaders.

Yes, as a project owner you can invite people you already know to your team. However, you cannot exclude other participants that are matched to your project, as we want to create a fair and interdisciplinary environment for all teams.

Yes, there will be experienced designers, developers, AI experts, and other specialists that can help your team on demand.

Each registered participant on the N3XTCODER Open Innovation Platform is matched to a project of their liking before the working phase starts. The matching algorithm will consider the skills needed for the projects to find the best fit for each individual.

Participants can indeed propose their own project ideas for the "AI for Impact" programme, provided that these ideas fall within the confines of the outlined challenges. This approach allows for creativity and innovation while ensuring that the projects remain aligned with the program's goals and objectives.

Each team receives 500 Azure Credits during the programme. They are a form of currency for using Microsoft Azure services, allowing users to experiment and deploy on Azure. Credits are applied to your Azure account, reducing the monthly costs of the services you use. However, it's essential to monitor usage during the programme.  Azure Credits have an expiration date, emphasizing the importance of strategic usage to maximize their benefits.

The first prize is a custom, one-day workshop with Obungi AI GmbH, a distinguished Microsoft partner, at the N3XTCODER Berlin facilities. This workshop aims to refine and prepare your winning solution for deployment, with support from N3XTCODER. It's important to note that while the workshop is coordinated with the winning team for an in-person experience, participants will need to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.

The top three teams enjoy several perks:

1. An exclusive tour of Microsoft's headquarters in Munich, including a deep dive into the EMEA: Experience Center, offering a firsthand look at Microsoft technologies.
2. Each of the top four teams also receives one of 30 tickets to Europe’s largest digital society festival, re:publica 2024, providing a unique platform for pitching their project and networking.
3. A spotlight in a professional video recording at the re:publica event, where teams can showcase their solution and discuss AI's role in the public sector.

Beyond the main prizes, special recognition includes:

1. Distribution of 50 Microsoft exam vouchers for certification among attendees who engage with at least 80% of our program, aiding their educational journey in technology.
2. Access to expert coaching from Capgemini and Microsoft in a 4-week learning programme during the AI for Impact: Civil Society and Public Life - Open Innovation Programme for all teams. This is designed to further enhance the teams' knowledge and skills.
3. Eligibility for the Phineo Startups accelerator program for impact startups, valued at €50,000 per team. This opportunity is available for teams that complete the program and have a prototype fitting the Phineo Startups profile, supporting impactful and sustainable solutions.

Microsoft Exam Vouchers for Certification, raffled among participants who complete at least 80% of the program, are prepaid vouchers used to register for various Microsoft certification exams at no cost. These vouchers facilitate validating technical skills and knowledge in Microsoft technologies, encouraging professional development.

Phineo Startups is a platform supporting impact startups to tackle societal challenges. It offers incubator and accelerator programs, focusing on solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative helps social entrepreneurs by providing expertise, skills, networking, and resources to ensure both significant social impact and financial returns. The program includes coaching, workshops, expert mentoring, and co-working spaces designed to accelerate startup growth and impact​​.

Each team should select one of the challenges and propose a solution, or work together on one of the solutions that can be found in or joining the platform. At the end of the programme each team should have prototyped a solution to present it to the jury.

The programme is fully remote and open to people living in the EU. Although the final presentation for the finalists teams will be in person in Berlin at the end of May.