Unleash Your Innovation: Announcing the Databricks Generative AI Startup Challenge with Over $1 Million in Credits, Prizes, and Potential Venture Funding

Are you an entrepreneur or startup with a groundbreaking Generative AI use case built on Databricks? Then we have a Challenge for you! Databricks is thrilled to introduce the Databricks Generative AI Startup Challenge – a competition with over $1M in prizes for early-stage startups who are using the power of Generative AI to build innovative products that solve real-world customer problems, while leveraging the power of the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. Sponsored by Databricks Ventures and Databricks for Startups and in collaboration with AWS, this is your chance to make a mark, gain unparalleled exposure and accelerate your journey to success.

Who Can Participate?

The Databricks Generative AI Startup Challenge is open to current Databricks customers or prospects who have completed a POC where Databricks is part of the architecture for a Generative AI use case. Other qualification criteria include:

• Applicant companies must have been founded in the last five years and must have raised a pre-seed, seed or Series A funding round (but not later than Series A).
• Organization must be a C corporation, LLC or other entity reasonably acceptable to Databricks.
• Must be incorporated in the US, the UK, Canada, Israel or India to be eligible.
• Entities not eligible include: student/university projects, incubators or unincorporated entities, entities explicitly established to participate in the Challenge, individuals/sole proprietorships, system integrators, companies for which Databricks Ventures is already an investor, Databricks employees and family of employees.
• Review the Official Rules for more details.

Participating startups will be judged on how the startup is leveraging Databricks, the market potential for their offering, and the overall strength and experience of the founding team.

Why Should You Enter?

1. Unprecedented Prizes and Opportunities

Competing in the Generative AI Startup Challenge means you’ll be in the running for over $1 million in prizes. This includes:

• Equity Investments: Opportunity to receive up to $600,000 USD in potential Databricks Ventures investment.*
• Databricks Product Credits: Significant Databricks product credits - up to $500,000 across the finalists - to fuel your growth and development.
• Exclusive Databricks Resources: Access to the Databricks team, executives and hands on support to aid you in your Generative AI journey.

2. Gain Global Exposure

Your startup will gain valuable visibility among industry leaders, potential investors and key stakeholders including the industry luminaries who will be judging the competition. Featured judges include Databricks Co-Founder Patrick Wendell; MosaicML Co-Founder and Databricks VP for Generative AI Naveen Rao; Andreessen Horowitz General Partner Martin Casado; and IVP General Partner Cack Wilhelm. By leveraging Databricks’ global reach as the category leader in data and AI, the challenge offers a unique stage to present your innovative ideas to a global audience and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and experts.

3. Accelerate Your Growth

Beyond the prizes, the challenge provides invaluable resources and networking opportunities. Benefit from workshops, mentorship and feedback from top industry experts who can help refine your solution and strategy.

How to Get Started

1. Learn More About the Challenge

Visit our Generative AI Startup Challenge Hub to learn more about prizes, judging criteria and to access the application form.

2. Submit Your Application

The next step to competing is submitting your application. Share your innovative Generative AI-driven solution built on Databricks and tell us how it stands out. Ensure your submission highlights the uniqueness and potential impact of your offering.

3. Compete for the Grand Prizes

The challenge culminates with judging in November and with the announcement of the winners in December. Stand a chance to win substantial rewards and gain valuable exposure in the tech community.

Important Dates to Remember

• Challenge Opens: September 16, 2024
• Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
• Finalists Announced: November 20, 2024
• Winners Announced: December 2024

Join the Generative AI Revolution!

The Databricks Generative AI Startup Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a launchpad for the future of AI innovation. Don’t miss this chance to propel your startup forward, gain critical insights and win game-changing prizes.

Ready to take the next step? Apply Now and make your mark on the AI landscape. For more details, visit our Generative AI Startup Challenge Hub or reach out to us at [email protected].

Let’s shape the future together. We’re excited to see what you’ll create!

*POTENTIAL DATABRICKS VENTURE INVESTMENT:

• The Grand Prize Winning Company will have the opportunity to receive a Databricks Ventures investment (see Official Rules for details and requirements).