IFCC Recognition for Innovation - AI Implementation Contest
The IFCC Committee on Artificial Intelligence in Laboratory Medicine (C-AILM) has announced the launch of AI Implementation Contest, an international initiative designed to recognise and showcase applications of artificial intelligence in clinical laboratory settings.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform healthcare and laboratory medicine, the contest aims to provide a global platform for laboratory professionals, researchers and institutions to share practical implementation experiences and encourage peer-to-peer learning across the profession.
Advancing AI Knowledge in Laboratory Medicine
The competition reflects IFCC’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovation and advancing education in emerging technologies. Through this initiative, C-AILM seeks to strengthen clinical laboratory professionals’ understanding of AI implementation while promoting discussion around key technical considerations throughout the AI and machine learning (AI/ML) implementation pipeline.
Participants are invited to submit examples of AI systems that have already been implemented or are currently in the process of implementation within clinical laboratories. Eligible submissions may include both discriminative AI applications, such as predictive models, and generative AI technologies, including large language models.
The contest welcomes projects developed internally by laboratories as well as externally provided solutions, including commercial AI products. Applications may involve regulatory-approved or non-approved systems, provided they are being used or evaluated within a clinical laboratory environment.
Focus on Practical Implementation
An objective of the contest is to highlight not only innovation, but also responsible and effective implementation practices. Participants are expected to provide information regarding:
- The intended use of the AI system
- Validation or verification studies
- Performance metrics and evaluation outcomes
- Workflow integration within the laboratory setting
- Post-deployment quality control and monitoring strategies
Both published and unpublished applications are eligible for submission.
Deadline - 1 July 2026
According to C-AILM, submissions will be evaluated based on: clarity and relevance of the use-case scenario, the comprehensiveness of validation or verification procedures, and the strength of the proposed quality control and monitoring plans.
Recognition
Outstanding submissions will be recognized through the IFCC Emerging Technology Division Recognition for Innovation, with first, second, and third-place winners as well as honorable mentions selected by the C-AILM Committee. In addition, awardees will be invited to present their implementation experiences and success stories at an IFCC Webinar, with selected projects also highlighted across IFCC communication channels, including IFCC eNews, official platforms, the C-AILM website, and social media.