VOIS Innovation Challenge: Transforming Future of Workforce with AI

Innovation is the driving force behind success in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Without innovation at the core of startups, the ecosystem would collapse. The workforce innovation challenge with Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM) and NASSCOM is an excellent opportunity for startups to work on innovation. 

The VOIS Innovation Challenge

In collaboration with Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM) and nasscom, VOIS presents the VOIS Innovation Challenge: Disrupt with The Edge. This exciting challenge revolves around the theme, "Beyond Boundaries: Expanding Workforce Horizons through Innovation." It challenges startups, particularly those based in India, to harness the power of advanced AI solutions to reshape the way we work.

Two Critical Use Cases

The VOIS Innovation Challenge focuses on two essential use cases:

1. Speed to Competency for Customer Care Agents

In the realm of customer care, efficiency is paramount. Enhancing the "Speed to Competency" for customer care agents involves two crucial components:

• From Hiring to Productivity: This phase encompasses the journey from the agent's initial hiring to the day they become productive.

• Day-1 Productivity to Peak Productivity: Here, the goal is to expedite the agent's ability to confidently handle customer interactions and effectively resolve issues, reaching peak productivity.

Startups are invited to propose innovative solutions that leverage cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address these challenges.

2. Talent Uberization for Gig Workforce

Shared service organizations, like VOIS, face a significant challenge in finding and retaining the right talent. Traditionally, they rely on full-time employees for support functions like administration, HR, procurement, finance, and IT. However, this approach can hinder adaptability, innovation, and overall competitiveness.

The emergence of the gig workforce offers a solution. It allows organizations to optimize resource allocation, streamline project delivery, and enhance efficiency. In line with this transformative trend, VOIS is actively seeking innovative solutions to manage a gig workforce for their white-collar employees.

Startups are encouraged to submit applications that enable effective utilization of the gig workforce by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the VOIS Innovation Challenge, startups should meet the following criteria:

1. DPIIT-recognized: Located anywhere in India, with a preference for B2B startups.

2. Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Beyond: Proposed solutions should have an MVP or be further developed.

3. Application Submission: Interested startups should submit their solutions corresponding to the use case by filling out the application form.

4. Selection Process: Innovators will be selected based on their approach note, and shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to present their Proof of Concept or ready solution.

5. Evaluation Criteria: Submissions will be evaluated across multiple stages, considering factors such as innovation quotient, solution design, responsible AI practices, potential impact on _VOIS' operations, prior deployments, team caliber, solution scalability, total cost of solution ownership, and alignment with _VOIS' vision.

The VOIS Innovation Challenge welcomes startups at various stages:

• Ideation Stage
• Startup Validation Stage
• Early Traction Stage
• Scaling Stage

Themes for Challenges

The challenges in focus encompass a wide range of themes, including:

• Talent Sourcing and Matchmaking
• Trust and Quality Assurance
• Project Management and Collaboration
• Compensation and Payment
• Compliance and Legal Considerations
• Performance Tracking and Evaluation
• Intelligent Onboarding Processes
• Adaptive Learning & Development Platforms
• AI-Driven Agent Assist Tools
• Predictive Performance Analytics
• Employee Engagement Solutions

Incentives

The VOIS Innovation Challenge offers both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to winning startups:

Fiscal Incentives

The winning startup will receive the opportunity to implement a paid pilot project worth approximately EUR 10,000 with VOIS, driving positive transformation.

Non-Fiscal Incentives

1. Mentoring and Domain Advice: The winning startup will receive valuable mentoring and domain-specific advice.

2. Showcase Opportunities: Startups will have the chance to showcase their AI solutions at an enterprise scale.

3. Public Recognition: All winners and runners-up will be highlighted publicly by VOIS through its digital channels.

How To Apply For The Innovation Challenge? 

Interested startup founders and entrepreneurs can participate in the challenge by visiting the Startup India website or by clicking here. 

Once the application form is submitted, the evaluation panel will score it based on the prescribed criteria. Startups ranking in the top 10 or 15 in terms of their aggregate scores will move on to the next round.

The next round, a Techno-Commercial one, will involve startups presenting their Proof-of-Concept or solution to a composite team of experts from VOIS. This round will take place from Oct 16 to Nov 3. Detailed instructions will be provided to the selected startups.

Top startups will feature in the final jury round scheduled for Nov 16. More information about this round will be communicated to the finalists.

The VOIS Innovation Challenge presents an incredible opportunity for Indian B2B startups to make a meaningful impact on the future of workforce efficiency.