Summer 2026 - SHORTLISTED

NOMAD

NOMAD is an AI-powered hiking ecosystem designed to make digital assistance feel almost invisible during outdoor exploration. Instead of requiring hikers to repeatedly look at a phone, the system combines an offline-capable mobile application with a discreet wearable pin. Before a hike, the system prepares route information including hazards, terrain difficulty, weather, and points of interest. During the hike, NOMAD uses AR navigation together with subtle audio and vibration cues to provide guidance without constantly interrupting the user's connection to nature. Afterward, the system records the journey and generates personalized reflections and performance insights. The concept is compelling for an award because it combines AI, UX, physical product design, and outdoor experience design into one coherent system rather than presenting another standalone app.