Walmart Spaton Challenge Overview

Introduction

• Walmart is offering a special challenge for final year students (3rd year).
• Participants can receive internship opportunities and prizes.
• Chak, last year’s winner, shares insights about the competition.

Key Details

• Eligibility: Final year students in India.
• Application Deadline: Last date for application is August 15.
• How to Apply: Interested students can apply via the link shared in the description.

What is Spaton?

• Spaton is an open innovation challenge aimed at Indian students.
• Participants can win cash prizes and internship opportunities.

Benefits of Participation

• Prize money for winners.
• Opportunity to attend Walmart's Converge event in Bangalore.
• Sponsored flights and accommodation for the event.
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and speakers.
• Chance to interview for full-time roles post-internship.

Challenge Phases and Submission Process

Phase 1: Idea Submission

• Participants must submit an idea including:
  • A clear problem statement.
  • Proposed solution.
• Requirements:
  • Submit a 2-minute video presenting the solution.
  • Upload the video on a publicly accessible platform (e.g., YouTube).
• Judging Criteria:
  • Innovation and creativity.
  • Technical feasibility.
  • Potential impact on Walmart.
  • Quality of proof of concept and demonstration.

Phase 2: Final Selection

• Eight teams are selected for the Grand Jury Round based on submissions.
• Finalists will pitch their ideas:
  • 3-minute pitch.
  • 2-minute video presentation.
  • 10 minutes Q&A session with judges.
• Winners will be announced later at the Converge event.

Team Formation and Project Ideas

• Project Themes:
  • Data management.
  • Supply chain solutions.
  • Emerging tech applications.
  • Future of retail solutions.
• Importance of team composition based on skills (e.g., frontend/backend development).
• Example Project by Chak's team: XR solution for assembly guidance in e-commerce.

Lessons and Advice for Participants

• Start brainstorming ideas early to ensure clarity.
• Be unique and address specific problems related to Walmart.
• Review and pivot ideas based on research and feedback.
• Participate actively; you might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

Final Thoughts

• Encouragement to participate:
  • Valuable experience and potential opportunities await.
  • Engage with the process, as it may lead to unexpected success.
• If you have questions, feel free to ask in the comments.

Closing

• Thankful acknowledgment to Chak for sharing his insights and experience.
• Good luck to all prospective participants!