The AI P.T team’s idea of a personal trainer with artificial intelligence was enough to finish third in the open division. They were one of three Launceston teams to take part in the competition, which ran from Friday through until Sunday.

Now in its second year, the contest challenges students and members of the public to come up with a software application or digital device complete with a business plan and pitch video.

UTAS IT Services associate director (Strategy Innovation and Architecture), Richard Eccles, said there was collaboration not just between teammates, but also between teams. 

“There maybe prizes awarded at the end, but this is definitely a friendly competition,” he said.

“We’re finding the teams are helping one another, which is great.” 

The competition consists of two divisions - one for students, and one featuring members of the public working with students. More than 100 contestants from Hobart, Burnie and Launceston competed for a $24,000 cash prize, as well as the opportunity to work on their creations with established IT forms.  Mr Eccles said the sky’s the limit for the successful teams.

“We’re working with Startup Tasmania and Enterprise Tasmania, as well as IT firms who sponsor the event and are monitoring the outcome,” he said.

“All the intellectual property belongs to the contestants, so they can pick that up and do what they want with it.”