The University of Illinois Springfield, in partnership with the University of Illinois System’s Illinois Mexican and Mexican-American Students Initiative (I-MMÁS), is inviting high school students to explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence through an international video competition and free virtual symposium this fall.

The event, U.S.–Latin America Day of Artificial Intelligence, encourages students to create original AI-generated short videos that share their perspectives, ideas or innovations. Students will have access to faculty mentors throughout the creative process and will compete for cash prizes.

The competition, titled “AI: My Perspective,” challenges students to produce a video of up to seven minutes demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be used to solve problems, inspire creativity or share new ideas. Entries are due by Oct. 1.

The top prize is $1,000. Second place will receive $500, third place will receive $300 and honorable mentions will receive $100 each.

Contest winners will be announced during the U.S.–Latin America Day of Artificial Intelligence virtual symposium from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 15. The free event will feature presentations from internationally recognized experts in artificial intelligence, engineering, chemistry, communications and finance and will be broadcast live to a global audience.

Featured speakers include:

• Victor Batista, John Gamble Kirkwood Professor of Chemistry, Yale University
• Ellie Buxton, associate professor of computer science, University of Illinois Springfield
• Jessica Bian, chief technology officer, Robotics and Autonomous Systems Fusion
• Doug Hamilton, vice president of artificial intelligence, Nasdaq
• Ricardo Swain-Oropeza, dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey
• Carla Tejada Lopez, assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering, University of Illinois Chicago
• Mike Z. Yao, professor of digital media and marketing, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Submissions are now being accepted for the “AI: My Perspective” video competition, and registration is open for the free virtual symposium. The event is open to participants throughout the United States and Latin America, and all attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the University of Illinois System.

I-MMÁS builds educational, cultural, scientific and research partnerships between the University of Illinois System and institutions throughout Mexico while expanding educational opportunities for Mexican and Mexican American students.

For more information, contact ui-mexico@uillinois.edu.