The search is on to find solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems using artificial intelligence (AI), with the winner promised a grand prize of £1m. The government’s Manchester Prize, named after the birthplace of modern computers, is now open for entries. AI minister Viscount Camrose visited Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry to mark the occasion, where he was shown a replica of the Manchester Baby, the world’s first modern computer. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the minister explained why the competition was named after the city, stating, “Manchester is the place where the digital age was invented. The Manchester Prize is just to honor that and to honor the city of Manchester as the place that is the foundation stone of all digital work that has ever happened ever since then.”
Viscount Camrose also highlighted the significance of Manchester in the development of science and technology. He noted the city’s contributions to digital research and its role as one of the great centers of new scientific capabilities and technologies. Recognizing Manchester’s potential, the AI minister stated that the city should be at the forefront of utilizing rapidly-advancing technologies like AI.
The Manchester Prize aims to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. For the first two years of the competition, the focus will be on energy, environment, and infrastructure. The competition seeks solutions that optimize charging methods for electric vehicles, reduce household energy usage, and automate energy-intensive processes in manufacturing to lower costs for consumers. The brief is intentionally broad, with the winner expected to meet strict criteria on safety and ethics.
UK-based companies, non-profits, universities, and charities are encouraged to apply before the deadline of February 1, 2024. In April, up to 10 entries will be shortlisted, with each finalist receiving £100,000 to develop their ideas into a working prototype. From these finalists, one team will be selected as the grand prize winner, receiving £1m. The competition will run until March 2025, and with a general election scheduled before then, there could be a change of government by the time the winner is selected. Nevertheless, Viscount Camrose hopes that the next government will recognize the importance of the prize and continue to support it, as AI has the potential to drive innovation and benefit humanity on a global scale.
The Manchester Prize marks the beginning of a decade-long funding commitment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, building on the £3.5bn announced in this year’s spring budget to establish the UK as a science and technology superpower. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt commended Manchester as the birthplace of the world’s first modern computer and expressed his hope that the prize would inspire the next generation to tackle society’s biggest challenges. He emphasized that initiatives like the Manchester Prize can cement the UK’s position as a leading science and technology hub, contributing to economic growth.
With the competition now open, the spotlight is on Manchester as it seeks to harness the power of AI to address global challenges. As the birthplace of the digital age, the city has a rich history of technological innovation. The Manchester Prize not only recognizes this legacy but also propels Manchester into the future as a center for cutting-edge research and development. As the competition unfolds and the solutions take shape, the world eagerly anticipates the positive impact that AI will have on society, thanks to the efforts of brilliant minds and the support of visionary leaders.
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