(Frankfurt a. M., 05.02.2024) The next generation of technology pioneers is waiting in the wings: INVENT a CHIP (IaC), the renowned student competition organized by VDE and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), is entering its 23rd round in 2024 and is focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and microchip development. Pupils in grades 9 to 13 have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of innovation and design their own microchips with their own AI voice control. "Artificial intelligence and microchips are already the key drivers of innovation in many industries and are extremely important for our digital future. INVENT a CHIP gets young people excited about precisely these topics and invites them to try out, discover and tinker," says Dr. Martin Hieber, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at VDE.
We are looking for the next generation of technologists. All students in grades 9 to 13 can apply. The competition gives them the opportunity to gain new knowledge about the design of microchips and artificial intelligence, gain practical experience and get involved in a forward-looking field.
The Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Education and Research, Mario Brandenburg, emphasizes the importance of the competition: "INVENT a CHIP enables young people to get involved in the development of artificial intelligence and microelectronics. In this way, they can shape their own future, because in ten or twenty years' time, our lives will be shaped much more by AI than they are today. INVENT a CHIP is therefore a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in this fascinating world and put their creative ideas into practice. It is crucial that we support young talent now and awaken their enthusiasm for MINT professions. After all, our goal is to create trustworthy AI 'Made in Europe' in order to strengthen Germany's innovative power in the long term."
Microchips and artificial intelligence can be found in smartphones, computers, voice control, control industrial processes and monitor our health. From sustainable, efficient energy supply, mobility and healthcare to smart homes – the areas of application are diverse. "Microelectronics offers young people exciting and secure training, study and career prospects. We want to find the specialists of tomorrow and inspire them for these future tasks," emphasizes Dr. Martin Hieber from VDE.
No special prior knowledge is required to take part in INVENT a CHIP. However, an interest in and desire for technology and science is an advantage. The young people can try out chip design for themselves and work on their projects with experts.
The competition: Discovering revolutionary paths to tomorrow
The online quiz with 20 questions about microchips and artificial intelligence, which runs until May 31, 2024, provides an introduction to the topic. There are microcontrollers and prizes to be won by the schools at which the pupils performed best.
The practical elements: Shaping the future yourself
The online tasks in the IaC Challenge offer a step-by-step introduction to the practical part of the competition. Participation is possible until July 31, 2024. It starts with logical gates, followed by insights into the field of artificial intelligence.
If you want to experience even more practice, apply for the IaC Camp. The deadline is March 31, 2024. Under the direction of Leibniz Universität Hannover, the 25 best participants in the IaC Challenge will deepen their knowledge in a four-day workshop at the beginning of May and develop their own chip with an AI voice control system.
The results of the IaC Challenge and the IaC Camp are available until September 23, 2024. The winners of the IaC Camp will receive an invitation to the award ceremony, cash prizes of up to 2,000 euros, an internship at Robert Bosch GmbH in Reutlingen, will be nominated for the German National Academic Foundation and will be invited to major technology events. The INVENT a CHIP award ceremony will take place in Berlin in the fall.
INVENT a CHIP is supported by numerous sponsors in the current round of the competition: Bosch, Cologne Chip, Globalfoundries, Infineon, Siemens and DKE. Further information on the student competition can be found at www.invent-a-chip.de
The best electronics projects for schoolchildren will also be in the spotlight again in 2024. LABS for CHIPS is a competition that promotes interest in and enjoyment of electronics among young people. Applications are open to people and institutions that have specific offers for young people. VDE and the BMBF will award these ideas with prize money of 500, 1,000 and 2,000 euros. Further information can be found at www.labs-for-chips.de
