Help launch the world’s first open mobile app ecosystem for handheld Raman spectrometers!
The Blaise® xTech Competition invites creative thinkers worldwide to submit innovative ideas for AI-powered mobile apps that use Blaise, our cutting-edge handheld Raman spectrometer. Raman spectral data is often locked behind expensive proprietary systems, restricting research and development. We’re on a mission to break these barriers by crowdsourcing fresh applications and building a collaborative, openly accessible Raman data resource.
This is Phase I: Idea Competition, the first of five phases in the Blaise xTech Competition. Submit your one-page pitch and video for a chance to advance. The top 100 ideas will be selected to move on to Phase II: Application Development. Of those, the top 10 best ideas will each receive a $5,000 cash prize plus a free developer kit (device + SDK); the remaining 90 selected teams will receive an invitation to Phase II and will be responsible for a registration fee and shipping costs to receive their developer kit.
We’re seeking outside-of-the box app ideas that harness AI and Raman data to solve real-world problems across chemistry, biology, medical diagnostics, environmental science, and bioinformatics. Whether you’re a developer, scientist, researcher, student, or entrepreneur, your vision could shape the next generation of science tools!
Share your novel app concept and outline how AI will drive its impact.
Eligibility:
Persons or entities domiciled in, incorporated under the laws of, or owned or controlled by nationals of any of the following Restricted Jurisdictions are not eligible to participate: Afghanistan, Algeria, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mali, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe. Use of a VPN or other technical means to circumvent geo-blocking constitutes a violation and grounds for disqualification. Full terms are outlined in Section 2.5 of the Blaise xTech Competition Licensing Agreement: https://support.forwardedge.ai/en/articles/10622689-blaise-xtech-competition-licensing-agreement.
Entry Requirements:
All entries must: (1) propose an application built on the Blaise Raman spectrometer; (2) demonstrate clear technical feasibility; (3) address a meaningful impact to humanity; (4) submit valid Raman spectra generated by the Blaise spectrometer; (5) present a scalable business or research pathway. Full terms are outlined in Section 10 of the Blaise xTech Competition Guidelines: https://support.forwardedge.ai/en/articles/10622654-blaise-xtech-competition-guidelines
Existing Technology Eligibility:
Applicants may incorporate existing technology into their submission, provided legal ownership and licensing rights are clear. However, to be eligible, the proposed product or concept must operate on the Blaise Raman Spectrometer and be compatible with its Raman Spectra format without conversion. Full terms are outlined in Section 13 of the Blaise xTech Competition Guidelines: https://support.forwardedge.ai/en/articles/10622654-blaise-xtech-competition-guidelines.
Awards:- $50,000
Deadline:- 01-11-2026
