At INNOVATE GERMANY, originality, critical thinking, and authentic learning are core values of all projects. This policy explains how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may and may not be used during the preparation of projects, abstracts, research papers, designs, games, and presentations.
1. Principle of Originality
All projects submitted to INNOVATE GERMANY must be primarily the original work of the participants.
- Participants may be inspired by previous projects, academic literature, or online resources
- However, fully AI-generated projects or texts are not accepted
- Projects must clearly reflect the participant’s own research, thinking, experimentation, and development process
The purpose of INNOVATE GERMANY is not the final product alone, but the learning journey behind it.
2. Educational Philosophy
INNOVATE GERMANY projects are built on:
- Research-based learning
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Hands-on experimentation and testing
- Problem-solving through exploration
- Building new academic and professional networks
Working closely with mentors during this process is considered extremely valuable and irreplaceable. Mentor–student collaboration is a key educational pillar of INNOVATE GERMANY.
3. Acceptable Use of AI Tools
AI tools may be used responsibly and transparently for purposes such as:
- Brainstorming ideas
- Exploring alternative approaches or perspectives
- Language support (e.g. grammar suggestions, wording improvements)
- Preliminary research guidance
However, AI must not replace the participant’s own thinking, research, or creativity.
4. Unacceptable Use of AI
The following practices are not permitted and may lead to disqualification:
- Submitting projects, research papers, essays, or designs that are entirely AI-generated
- Copy–paste use of AI-generated text without understanding or modification
- Using AI to generate full research papers, abstracts, or creative works without participant ownership
- Presenting AI-generated content as personal work
INNOVATE GERMANY does not support a copy–paste mentality.
5. Ownership, Understanding & Referencing
Even when AI tools or online sources are used:
- The project must remain clearly owned by the participant
- Participants must understand, internalize, and explain all content they submit
- Any external sources, including AI tools, must be properly referenced
AI usage that replaces the participant’s intellectual contribution is not acceptable.
6. INNOVATE GERMANY Motto
INNOVATE GERMANY summarizes its approach with the following motto:
Not copy–paste, but copy–taste.
Participants are expected to digest, reinterpret, and personalize the knowledge they use — not simply transfer it.
7. Review & Compliance
- Projects may be reviewed for originality and responsible AI use
- Participants must be able to clearly explain their work to jury members
- Inability to explain submitted content may be considered evidence of improper AI use
INNOVATE GERMANY reserves the right to request clarifications or take action in cases of misuse.
Final Note
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but human curiosity, creativity, and effort remain at the heart of innovation. INNOVATE GERMANY encourages participants to use AI wisely — as a support, not a substitute — while developing meaningful, original, and impactful projects.