AI for Startups Challenge
+400 Points
Step into the dynamic world of artificial intelligence and discover how it’s reshaping startups and small businesses! Did you know AI can enhance customer service, streamline operations, and even help businesses predict future trends? In this Challenge, you’ll explore how startups can leverage AI to grow, save time, and boost customer engagement. From chatbots and automated marketing to predictive analytics and intelligent inventory management, AI solutions offer endless possibilities!
As you navigate this Challenge, you’ll develop a product, service, or marketing campaign idea addressing the big question: How can AI help startups work smarter and serve customers better?
Get ready to impress the KPMG judges. You could win big $$$!
This challenge will be available September 15 - October 19, 2025.
Skills you'll develop
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Social Awareness
Mentor Moment: Ask Questions!
Did you know that there are professionals, who created the Challenge, standing by to help you? They will also be judging your final pitches, so be sure to take advantage throughout the Challenge and post your questions on your dashboard. They want you to win!
What are you curious about? Ask them any questions that came up for you during the Explore phase.
Three Approaches: Your Choice!
One important part of The KnoPro Challenges is choosing the type of solution you plan to create (in a group or solo) and ultimately pitch to the judges. Check out an example of each of your choices: a product idea, a new business concept, or a marketing campaign. You can also get inspiration from all the winning projects.
Flip the cards to help you decide which approach you may want to take. Later in the Challenge, you'll choose ONE approach.
Product Idea
Product Idea
Get creative and come up with a new product idea that addresses the problem. This might be an app, a game, or a consumer product, for example. The possibilities are endless! You’ll write a design brief to plan your product, and ultimately create a “prototype” to pitch to the judges.
Business Concept
Business Concept
Imagine a unique business idea that addresses the problem. This might be a for-profit or non-profit venture, an online platform, or an in-person experience/pop-up shop, for example. The possibilities are limitless! Write a business plan, and then create a fun way to share your business idea with the judges.
Marketing Campaign
Marketing Campaign
Design an exciting and catchy marketing campaign that addresses the problem and inspires people to act! The campaign might be a viral social media video, a series of emails, or a live event, for example. You’ll write up a marketing plan and then create some "assets" and pitch your idea to the judges.
Student Project Idea: "SmartShopper AI"
Problem Addressed: Small businesses often struggle to compete with big companies when it comes to knowing what customers want and keeping track of inventory.
Solution: SmartShopper AI is a tool that helps local businesses predict what products people will want, when they’ll want them, and how much to stock. It uses simple dashboards so even non-techy owners can understand trends and make smarter choices.
Why It Works: It helps small shops save money, avoid waste, and keep customers happy by always having what people actually need. Plus, it gives small businesses the same “superpowers” as giant retailers.
Student Project Idea: "Startup Buddy"
Problem Addressed: New founders often feel overwhelmed by all the different tasks—marketing, hiring, money management, and customer service—and don’t know where to start.
Solution: Startup Buddy is an AI-powered platform that acts like a virtual co-founder. It offers step-by-step guidance, suggests AI tools for specific problems (like QuickBooks for finance or Intercom for customer chats), and even provides motivational check-ins when things get tough.
Why It Works: It gives students and future entrepreneurs confidence by showing them they don’t need to have all the answers on day one—AI can help guide them through the hardest parts of running a business.
Student Project Idea: "#AIStartupStories"
Problem Addressed: A lot of people don’t realize how tough it is to run a startup or how AI can make the journey easier.
Solution: The #AIStartupStories campaign uses TikTok and Instagram Reels to share funny skits, real founder stories, and challenges where students create mini AI startup ideas. It also features collabs with influencers who explain AI in simple, relatable ways.
Why It Works: It makes AI and entrepreneurship feel fun, not intimidating. By spreading real stories and creative ideas, it inspires more young people to believe they could start something too.
Narrow the Issue
Get ready to choose a focus, an audience, and a brainstorming question!
