Design·AI Funny Machine Challenge

Each entry must include:

1. Concept description
   Short write-up explaining how the machine works, what makes it funny, and how it sparks joy or curiosity (max 250 words recommended).
2. Drawings or sketches
   • Two drawings showing the design process (AI-generated artwork is allowed, but both drawings must be original).
   • Image specifications: 30cm × 30cm per drawing, 300dpi, in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format.
   • Total maximum file size: 10MB

3. AI credit
   Any AI tool or model used in your visuals or design must be clearly credited.

• Creativity and originality: 25%
• Functionality and execution: 15%
• Storytelling and user experience: 15%.
• Use of AI or technology: 10%.
• Design and aesthetic appeal: 20%
• Presentation and communication: 10%.
• Popular vote: 5%.

Note: The judges’ decisions are final and binding; no appeals or correspondence will be entertained.

• Shortlisted finallists must build a prototype for the final judging which will be held on 10 January 2026 at the Festival of Funny Machines at SUTD.
• Prototype specifications:
  • 1:1 scale or scaled model
  • Maximum dimensions: 50cm (L) × 50cm (W) x 100cm (H)
  • Maximum load: 15kg
• Must be safe and appropriate for public display, use and interaction, especially for children and families.
• Must not pose electrical, mechanical, chemical or any other safety hazard.
• Participants must follow all festival and venue instructions, rules, guidelines and policies.

• By entering the challenge, participants warrant that their submission

• • is their original work or creation
  • does not infringe any third-party’s intellectual property rights or breach the terms or conditions of any embedded software or services used in the submission

• Participants own all rights to the intellectual property produced or created by each of them or their team.
• Each participant hereby grants to the organisers a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free right and license to use the intellectual property rights comprised in his/her submission for the purposes of publicity and promotion of the festival and other events and their student recruitment, education, teaching and research purposes.

• By entering the challenge, participants agree that their personal data, including photos, video and audio recordings taken before or during the challenge, will be used by the organising committee and third parties for the management and administration of the challenge, email communications, publicity and promotion of the festival and challenge, and notification of results.

• The organiser may in its sole discretion disqualify any participant or submission if it reasonably finds or believes that the participant or his/her submission has violated any of the terms and conditions herein, or any other rules, regulations or guidelines it issues, or breaches or violates any applicable law.
• The organiser reserves the right to change the challenge dates, rules, or requirements and/or to amend these terms and conditions at their sole discretion, reasonably exercised.
• The participants agree that the organiser shall not be liable for any death or personal injury suffered by the participant as a result of or in connection with their participation in the challenge provided the same is not caused by the negligence of the organiser.
• The participant agrees that the organiser shall not be liable and that he/she shall not hold the organiser liable or make any claim against the organiser for any property damage, claim, cost, damages, debt, expense, liability, loss, suit, action, demand, cause of action, proceeding or judgment of any kind which are made or brought against or suffered or incurred by the participant including any indirect, special, consequential, or punitive damages which arise directly and/or indirectly out of or in connection with his/her participation in the challenge.
• The participants agree to keep the organiser and its directors, officers, employees and agents indemnified against any and all such claims by third parties for any losses or damages arising from their submission(s) and/or participation in the challenge.