Syngenta and the AI for Good Foundation have partnered to launch the Syngenta AI Challenge, a new international competition focused on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for use in seed breeding.
The competition is accepting submissions from applicants who are ready to put their programming skills to the test for the chance to win $7,500.
The competition challenges participants to develop a model that can be used to analyze large amounts of seed data more effectively, ultimately leading to improvements in the world's ability to grow more food in the face of changing environments – without using more resources. The premise of the competition underscores Syngenta's commitment to make crops more efficient – an important tenet of The Good Growth Plan, Syngenta's global initiative to improve the sustainability of agriculture.
Entrants will be provided datasets that include seed genetic information as well as soil, weather and climate data. Entries will be evaluated based on the rigor and validity of the process used to determine which variety or varieties are selected for planting and should include a documented methodology. The winner will receive $7,500; the runner-up, $5,000; and the third-place entry, $2,500. Entries must be submitted by June 1, and finalists will be announced July 14. Contestants must be 18 years or older to participate.
The 2017 Syngenta AI Challenge is the first of two collaborations between Syngenta and the AI for Good Foundation to bring artificial intelligence tools such as machine learning and data modeling to the agriculture industry.
To enter the challenge, visit ideaconnection.com/Syngenta-AI-Challenge/.