Digital Imagination Challenge is a program run by UPC that encourages participants to face the most pressing challenges of the modern society. It encourages them to develop innovative ideas based on cutting-edge digital technologies that can solve three selected issues: health monitoring, choosing a career path, and smart living.
The Challenge is addressed to Polish entrepreneurs and idea makers. Until 12th September, they have the opportunity to enter the competition with their innovative solutions. All of the solutions need to be based on the creative application of internet and digital technologies. They also need to be scalable and have a validated business model.
On 25th September, the jury will choose six most promising solutions to compete for the final prizes, including the main prize of 40k PLN in cash and mentoring sessions worth another 40k PLN. All finalists will receive professional support in fleshing out their solutions and will present them during the great finale on 17th-20th October.
The first of three challenges, health monitoring, addresses the issue of Poland’s aging society. The existing systems for monitoring the health of citizens are not sufficient, especially in the sector of cardiovascular system diseases. As an increasing proportion of European seniors live on their own and receive no support from younger generations, e-health solutions are becoming more and more indispensable. The industry expert supervising this challenge is Kamil Adamczyk, the CEO of Intelclinic.
Another challenge presented by the program is the choice of a career path. The most recent trend of lifelong learning is affecting thousands of Poles. As many jobs will become obsolete due to the developing digitization and automation, many people are facing the danger of becoming unemployed and needing to obtain new qualifications in response to market’s demands. Digital Imagination Challenge searches for solutions that will allow their users to systematically diagnose their potential (in terms of interests, skills, and predispositions), recognize the opportunities in the labor market and create effective teaching methods on all stages of education. The industry expert for this challenge is Natalia Hatalska, a trend analytic and a blogger.
Smart living, the third challenge, is targeted to startups that use newest technologies to simplify our lives in terms of saving money or time. The ideas can touch upon fields such as smart city, smart home, or smart farming. The industry expert for this challenge is Piotr Płoszajski, a professor and the head of the Department of Management Theory at the Warsaw School of Economics.
The program is supported by multiple partners, including the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Digital University, Kairos Society, Warsaw University of Technology, and Startup Poland.
