AI After Hours I The Lovable Innovation Cup

| An X Networking Initiative | Huntsville, Alabama

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➡️ Want to win from a $2,000 prize pool using AI to build an app? The Innovation Cup is the flagship "live-build" competition of — a premier innovation ecosystem where applied research, entrepreneurial execution, and next-generation AI development converge.

In this high-intensity competition, competitors don’t just brainstorm — they architect, build, and launch live applications powered by - in two hours! Participants harness ’s AI-native development environment to transform raw concepts into functional, launch-ready products at extraordinary speed. Experience in vibe coding or platforms is helpful but great ideas and execution are the highest determinants of success.

This is not a pitch contest. It is a production challenge. Every solution must be built on Lovable. You can compete individually or team up with one other person.

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➡️The Lovable Innovation Cup (LIC) is a live, high-velocity, 2-hour live-build competition where single competitors or teams of two design, develop, and demo a working application using — in real time.

➡️ This is not a pitch competition. This is a live execution challenge. All meaningful development must occur during the official build window.

➡️ Every team will receive a free trial of 100 credits through our competition partnership with . A credit card will be required to validate the account and get the credits but participants can cancel after the event. The monthly fee of 100 credits is $25, but you will not pay if you cancel in time.

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🚀 Kickoff & Category Selection / 10-minute briefing and declaration of build requirements.

📲 Live Build Sprint / 2 hours of real-time product development using .

📝 Judging / While the judges review the apps, participants or attendees will eat a catered dinner.

🥇 Finalist and Award Presentation / 5-minute stage presentation per team.

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At kickoff, the official challenge will be revealed. No participant will know the full details in advance—everyone starts on equal footing.

All projects will be evaluated within the context of the selected category and official judging rubric.

To compete:

• Your application must be built primarily using
• Core functionality must be developed within the platform
• All development must occur during the 2-hour live build window
• Pre-built applications are strictly prohibited — your workspace and account may be inspected at any time
• No third-party APIs are permitted to ensure a level playing field

You may include up to 500 words of written instructions or context to support your demo if needed. Judges may request a live walkthrough of your workflow to verify platform usage.

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• All ideas and builds must be original to your team.
• No recycled projects
• No pre-developed applications
• No copying other teams’ ideas or structures
• No direct copying of previous programs or uploading of screenshots of comparable software.
• Violations may result in immediate disqualification.

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➡️ Effective Use of
How powerfully and intelligently did you leverage ? Judges are looking for advanced prompting, rapid iteration, and clear AI-native execution. Prior experience isn’t required—but those who master the tool will stand out.

➡️ Functional Execution
Does it work—cleanly, reliably, and without explanation? Judges will interact with your product independently. If it’s not intuitive or breaks under pressure, it will cost you. You may include up to 500 words of supporting context.

➡️ Innovation
How bold is your thinking? Judges are looking for originality, creativity, and solutions that go beyond the obvious. Safe ideas won’t win.

➡️ Real-World Relevance
Does this solve a real problem for a real user? Strong submissions demonstrate clear use cases, practical value, and potential beyond the competition.

➡️ User Experience
Is it seamless, intuitive, and compelling? Great ideas fail without strong execution. The best products feel effortless to use.

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AI will be helping you but another human will make all the difference. They too can bring their own laptop to look up ideas, document progress, or write explanations.

You simply can’t run out of 100 credits in 2 hours. If you bring a friend, switch off who is using to keep up the momentum. Build as much as you can.

Like people, AI thrives on specifics. Clearly define what you want. Also avoid large lists of tasks in a single prompt. Break down all instructions into smaller segments to maintain control.

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• 1st Place – The Lovable Innovation Cup - $1000
• 2nd Place – $500
• 3rd Place – $350
• Honorable Mention - $150

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The Lovable Innovation Cup is designed for individuals who want to move beyond ideas and into execution.

Test an idea, validate a concept, or build your next MVP—fast.

Push your speed, experiment with AI-native development, and ship under pressure.

Stand out by building something real—not just talking about it.

Shape user experience, define product flow, and bring ideas to life visually.

If you can think clearly and communicate effectively, Lovable will help you build.

If you’re comfortable moving fast, learning on the fly, and executing under pressure— this is for you.

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• If you’re looking to just watch or “see how it goes”
  This is a build-first environment. Passive participation won’t cut it.
• If you rely on slides instead of products
  There are no pitch decks here. If it doesn’t work live, it doesn’t compete.
• If you’re uncomfortable with pressure
  You have 2 hours. No extensions. No resets. Execution happens in real time.
• If you plan to reuse old work
  Everything starts from zero. Pre-built ideas or recycled projects will be disqualified.
• If you don’t want to engage with AI tools
  is the core of this competition. You’ll need to use it—effectively.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

I2C, 850 Ben Graves Drive, Huntsville, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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