To inspire and enable next generation of curious minds to invent the next big thing in conversational AI

What is Amazon Alexa Voice Prize?

In 2018-19, USC Viterbi is proud to pilot the new innovation prizes generously sponsored by Amazon. All students are eligible to compete for customer discovery funding and ultimately prizes for voice-enabled applications. These prizes are designed to inspire and enable student entrepreneurs to enhance their products with voice. As conversational AI advances, voice interfaces are transforming how humans interact with technology.

Selected students will have access to:

  •  Special Amazon-led technical works to help integrate voice capabilities into their start-ups
  • Funding for customer discovery and implementation
  • Devices and equipment supplied by Amazon
  • Amazon technical mentors

If you are looking for a team to join or if you have an idea, please post on our cofounder matching spreadsheet and specify Amazon Alexa in your description.

The 2019 Winning Teams

1st Place – Amplify

Amplify provides at-home speech therapy through audio-based adventure games. Huzzah!

2nd Place – MyGIBuddy

MyGIBuddy incorporates a personal health tracking device and an integrated mobile/web app allowing users to monitor their GUI bacterial microbiomes.

3rd Place – Bluetooth Radio

Bluetooth Radio is a social media platform for people in developing countries to share and hear stories.

Amazon Tech Workshop

Two voice experts from Amazon will be leading a tech workshop on Thursday, February 21, 2019. Please RSVP by Friday, February 15, 2019.

Funding

Each team can apply for funding of up to $1200 to work on their innovation.

Please write a proposal for funding and then submit your document by February 24, 2019 at 11:50 PM.

Application

There are two ways to apply for the Amazon Alexa Voice Prize.

  1. If you are already applying to MEPC or ABC, simply check the “Amazon Alexa Voice Prize” box on the application.
  2. Directly through the Amazon Alexa Voice Prize Application.

Note, to be eligible, there must be at least one Viterbi student on your team.

Applications are due by November 18, 2018 at 11:59 PM.

Prizes

  • 1st place: $7,500

  • 2nd place: $5,000

  • 3rd place: $1,000

Sponsor

Key Dates

0November 2018
Application Deadline
0November 2018
First Business Workshop
0February 2019
Special Technical Workshop
0February 2019
Funding Proposal Due
0April 2019
Finals