NCW Tech Alliance launches AI use case showdown with $5,000 in prizes

WENATCHEE — A new regional pitch competition focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence has been launched by the NCW Tech Alliance, with $5,000 in prize money available and a call for presenters now open.

The “AI Use Case Showdown,” presented by Microsoft, invites individuals and organizations from sectors including education, business, government, healthcare, and nonprofit to showcase how they are using AI to solve real-world problems and drive measurable impact.

“We’re thrilled to launch the AI Use Case Showdown. It's a fresh, dynamic way to spotlight real stories of AI in action,” said David Mabee, Marketing Director at NCW Tech Alliance. “We’re looking for storytellers who can show how they’re using AI to solve problems, spark innovation, and make a real difference. If you’ve got results, this is your moment to share them.”

Selected participants will give an eight-minute live pitch before a panel of judges and an audience, followed by an eight-minute Q&A session. A $4,000 grand prize will be awarded to the audience-selected "Fan Favorite," with four additional finalists receiving $250 each.

The competition will be held during the 2025 AI Expo on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Wenatchee Convention Center. The Expo is a free, regional event co-hosted by the NCW Tech Alliance, North Central Educational Services District, and the Apple STEM Network.

The deadline to apply for the competition is July 15. Selected presenters will be notified in early August. More information, including registration for a free informational session on July 1, is available at www.ncwtech.org/ai-expo.

The event is supported by sponsors Sabey Data Centers, Native Network, and Microsoft.