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SMART Visualization Platform Challenge

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What is the SMART VP Prize Challenge?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) “Science-informed Machine Learning to Accelerate Real Time Decisions in the Subsurface” (SMART) Visualization Platform (VP) Challenge prize competition aims to develop an intuitive data visualization tool for the subsurface environment that can be readily accessible by scientists, engineers, subsurface operators, and decision makers. The tool should work in unison with data generated by the SMART Initiatives machine learning solutions to resolve static and dynamic subsurface properties, features, and processes at scales ranging from sub-meters to hundreds of kilometers.

Competitors are asked to focus on bringing the subsurface to life through the development of an innovative, user-friendly, intuitive and attractive visualization platform. We are seeking competitors with software development expertise who are up to the challenge of creating a new visualization platform which will assist in making subsurface insights accessible to a wider range of users and stakeholders.

The SMART VP Prize Challenge offers up to $1.5 million in total cash prizes. This software development prize challenge is designed around the following two-phased approach:

  • Phase 1 – 4 Months – Expected to award up to five prizes and up to a total of $600,000. Competitors will design an independent partial development/prototype visualization solution for subsurface applications using supplied data sets and complete a minimum set of feature requirements.
  • Phase 2 – 10 Months – Expected to award one prize of up to $900,000. Phase 1 prize winners will work in collaboration with our SMART Initiative team of scientists and engineers through in-person workshops and online forums to develop a fully operational visual platform of the subsurface.

For full instructions and judging criteria, please refer to the Official Rules.

 
Important Dates and Deadlines
Prize Competition/Registration Begins: September 29, 2020
Phase 1 Registration/Question Submission Deadline: January 22, 2021 8:00 PM EST
Phase 1 Submission Entry Deadline: January 29, 2021 8:00 PM EST
Phase 1 Winners Announced on or around: April 16, 2021
Phase 2 Quarterly Workshops: April 2021; June 2021; September 2021; December 2021
Phase 2 Question Deadline January 21, 2022 8:00 PM EST
Phase 2 Submission Entry Deadline: January 28, 2022 8:00 PM EST
Phase 2 Winner Announced on or around: April 15, 2022

*All dates are subject to change including deadlines and announcements.