Build with Gemma - Innovate in Windsor

about this event

About the Challenge: We invite teams to submit proposals showcasing innovative on-device solutions that use a Gemma model running locally or on edge hardware to solve a real Windsor-Essex problem.

Build For Windsor — Example Ideas: Solve a real problem we face in Windsor-Essex. This comes down to a convincing pitch. Be ready to explain why the problem you selected is on theme, and back it up with stats and sources!

Track 1. Border, bridges, tunnel, and transportation: A crossing-time predictor for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Ambassador Bridge, and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel that runs offline in the cab of a truck; a commercial driver's document assistant that checks customs paperwork on-device, so shipment data never leaves the truck; an offline bilingual (or multilingual) assistant for travellers and newcomers approaching the border; pothole and road-defect detection from a dashcam feed, running entirely on the phone, that files a 311-style report; a transit assistant for Transit Windsor that answers questions offline at the stop.

Automotive, battery, and manufacturing: A shop-floor assistant for NextStar Manufacturing that answers process and safety questions without sending anything off-premises; an anomaly listener that flags a failing bearing, pump, or press from sound or vibration on a cheap edge device; a vehicle-diagnostic copilot that reads the fault in plain language, offline; a visual QA inspector for a parts line, running on a single-board computer.

Windsor life: An offline pizza-shop line cook's assistant that reads handwritten or phoned-in orders and turns them into ticket-ready items, so a busy Friday night doesn't depend on the shop's Wi-Fi; an offline guide to Windsor festivals, patios, and riverfront events for visitors on roaming data; a tool that helps local small businesses write and translate their own signage and menus on-device; an accessibility tool or post for navigating Windsor's downtown and waterfront.

Your solution can be a web app, desktop application, mobile app, embedded device, or any other software that showcases the power of local AI.

Teams must include 2–4 people. This challenge is open to everyone: students, recent graduates, professional developers, hobbyists, makers, and career changers. You do not need to be enrolled in a program, and you do not need to work in tech.

At least one team member should be able to attend in person.

Teams must be able to attend the in-person presentations on November 20th and DevFest on November 21st in Windsor, Ontario. (https://wedevfest.com/)

Each team may work with one mentor or faculty advisor, who may represent multiple teams. Mentors are encouraged, but not required, to attend the event. Only team members are eligible for prizes; mentors and advisors are not included in awards.

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