FORMAT & timelines

Focused on the presentation and subsequent familiarity with the theme of AI and its concepts, applications and definitions.

PURPOSE: Spark curiosity in AI fundamentals, creating excitement around core concepts and possibilities.

• Round 1 will focus on being the first contact with artificial intelligence concepts and skills free from media and artistic biases. The participant will take a test and will not be required to have any prior knowledge other than the ability to interpret text and basic mathematical concepts (logic, sequencing and analytical problems).
• Due to the lack of knowledge about everything that involves AI-related topics, the first stage is designed to introduce and encourage the participant to realize their understanding and, consequently, want to understand more in the subsequent stages.
• Participants of the first round will have basic knowledge of AI, its history, digital security, ethics and applications. The test will serve to engage students and disseminate key concepts that will provide greater confidence in the fundamentals of AI.
• The test will consist of objective questions, with only one correct answer, formulated and reviewed by experts in multiple choice question (MCQ) format.
• Participants will be able to and are encouraged to research while taking the test.

OBJECTIVE: Since this is a round of exposure to the topic, the objective here is to reach a wider audience, to demystify the topic for those who have had had little exposure and may want to know more and this is would be the first step in that direction. 

This is not a "knockout" round, but rather to attract participants’ interest and build their own skills.

PURPOSE : Establish a foundation by deepening understanding and guiding students through essential AI principles.

• In this round, the participant will be introduced to more in-depth concepts about artificial intelligence and its applications in everyday life. This stage will also not require extensive prior knowledge, but it will be more difficult than the previous round and will require more challenging research for participants taking the test;
• Already aware of the basics of what AI actually is and some of its applications, the student will be confronted with sensitive issues such as social, political and security implications related to the topic. Here the participant becomes someone aware and confident so that, for example, he or she does not fall victim to the wave of untruths that usually accompanies recent innovations.
• The format of the 2nd round test will be the same as the 1st round test (MCQ).
• Participants will be able to and are encouraged to consult and research on the questions during the test since this is a more complex approach to the topics.
• Participants completing the the first 2 rounds with a mark higher than 60% in round 2 will proceed to round 3. 

Focused on more advanced mathematical and AI concepts and practical content.  Preparation and training will begin to be more focused towards the scientific round of the competition. Students will complete this round with an understanding of their strengths and areas for development for future AI competitions. 

PURPOSE: Develop practical skills and critical problem-solving abilities through hands-on challenges.

• Participants will perform a practical task with tools that are within the spectrum of artificial intelligence. The stage can be carried out with or without programming, with encouragement and support material provided so that the participant can perform the tasks using programming as is done in the academic and business world.
• Participants will receive data sets for analysis and will have to submit a response set according to the scientific committee’s prior specifications.
• Participants will be given one week to complete the analysis and submit the document according to the specifications.
• Participants may and will be encouraged to consult on the topic and methodologies during the exam period;
• This is the stage we will begin to exchange with the International  Olympiad in AI organisation to ensure greater preparation ahead of the international competition.  

• The approval rate for this round will result in 6 to 10 finalists who will begin preparations in round 4 for the final team selection.

PURPOSE: Fully engage students in intensive preparation for the international competitions such as the  IOAI, refining knowledge and readiness and upskilling students who wish to reach the advanced stages in the following years. 

• Participants of the 4th round receive specific advanced training for either the final round focused on preparing for the international competitions or for more structured fundamentals and intermediary training intended to close gaps and boost results in the SAAIO in the following year.

• During this stage, all finalists will be evaluated and, following the well-known model of scientific Olympiads, the top 4 participants will be awarded "gold" badges, while all the finalists will be awarded bonze or silver based on their performance throughout all the rounds of the competition.