Cognition First AI Challenge

CHARAL 2026

The AI Augmented Learner Challenge

"From detecting AI use to demanding higher-order critical thinking"

Event Context

Challenge at MICAI 2026

Date

Nov 2–6, 2026

Location

Tec de Monterrey, Campus Chihuahua

Submit a Prototype

Mission & Vision

Elevating Human Cognition

The Cognition First: The AI Augmented Learner Challenge Committee invites educators, researchers, faculty members, students, innovators, and industry professionals to submit technical prototypes for evaluation.

Instead of treating AI as a shortcut, these systems must interact with, audit, and evaluate the learner or researcher to ensure that critical thinking and deep reasoning are actively increasing.

Our initiative seeks to shift the educational paradigm from detecting AI use to demanding higher-order critical thinking when AI is used, enforcing rigorous engineering standards and foundational data governance.

Challenge Tracks

Tracks of Innovation

Choose the focus area that best aligns with your AI prototype's architecture.

Track 1

AI Systems for Reviewers

AI systems that empower educators and research reviewers to evaluate the depth of human cognition, shifting focus from grading final outputs to auditing reasoning, synthesis, and thought methodology.

Auditing & Evaluation Focus

Track 2

AI Systems to Stimulate Cognition

AI systems that empower learners and researchers by challenging thinking in real-time, preventing passive AI reliance by demanding reflection, synthesis, and deep reasoning during task execution.

Active Learner Engagement

Requirements & Protocol

Prototype Evaluation Framework

Accepted participants present a working prototype during showcase sessions covering five critical dimensions.

Target User

Students, educators, researchers, thesis review boards, or journal reviewers.

Cognitive Focus

Measures or stimulates deep reasoning, reflection, and source verification.

Architecture

LLMs, multi-agent frameworks, RAG pipelines, or reasoning engines.

Governance

PII data privacy, bias mitigation, and human-in-the-loop oversight.

Viability

Technical maturity, reproducibility, and readiness for academic deployment.

Formal User Interaction Protocol

As a distinctive feature of this challenge, accepted prototypes will participate in a formal user interaction evaluation process where judges and evaluators will directly interact with the systems, following a standardized protocol designed by Alexandr.ia AI Learning Systems.

Top-performing prototypes may receive access to a live sandbox environment hosted by Alexandr.ia AI Learning Systems to test, validate, and scale their solutions. Every participant receives a detailed summary report with aggregated evaluation metrics.

Get Prepared

Submission Requirements

Ensure your submission package includes all mandatory artifacts before entering the challenge portal.

1. Functional Prototype

A live, publicly accessible web URL showcasing a functional, working version of your application.

2. GitHub Codebase

Full source code repository containing end-to-end stack, architecture diagrams, and setup instructions.

3. Demo & Pitch Deck

A 5-minute video demonstrating system functionality paired with a concise slide deck highlighting your solution.

4. Governance Document

A 3–5 page PDF detailing prompts, guardrails, human-in-the-loop controls, PII privacy, and bias mitigation.

Submission Portal — Coming Soon

Scoring Framework

Peer Review Criteria

Submissions undergo rigorous peer review weighted across five core dimensions.

Evaluation Criterion	Weight
Originality and Innovation	25%
Relevance and Pedagogical Impact	25%
AI & Ethical Governance	20%
Prototype and Technical Maturity	15%
Quality of Presentation and Documentation	15%