Overview
What Is ClearSPARK?
ClearSPARK is ClearFuze's internal AI exploration program — a monthly, science-fair-style challenge where team members experiment with AI tools and share what they discover. Whether you're building something useful for a client, automating a task that's always bugged you, or just tinkering to see what AI can do, ClearSPARK is your stage.
The program runs on three simple ideas:
- Curiosity over perfection: There are no wrong experiments.
- Sharing is the point: What you learn benefits and inspires the whole team.
- Recognition matters: Every presenter gets credit, and one winner per month gets a prize.
Participation
How It Works
1. Choose to Participate
ClearSPARK is completely voluntary. There is no requirement to join, and no penalty for sitting out. If you're curious about AI — even a little — this is the place to explore it.
2. Pick a Project
Your project can be anything AI-related. Work-relevant projects earn bonus points, but open exploration is equally welcome!
3. Work Alone or As a Team
Teams are encouraged but not required, solo projects are equally welcome, and any combination of people works! There is no minimum or maximum size for a team.
4. Present at the Weekly Staff Meeting
At the end of each monthly cycle, participants will present their projects at the all-hands staff meeting and should meet these requirements:
- Presentations are 5 minutes
- Tell us what you set out to do
- What AI tools did you use?
- Why did you choose that specific tool instead of others?
- What you built, found, or discovered
- What surprised you or what you learned
- Would you use that tool again, recommend it to others, or choose differently next?
- Be prepared for a Q&A!
No success and no polished demo required! A screenshot, live walkthrough, or just talking through your experience all count.
5. Monthly Winner Selected
After all presentations, the team votes to select the winner. Each attendee casts one vote for their favorite project. Presenters may not vote for their own project.
It's pretty simple: The project with the most votes wins! Votes will be cast and tallied at the same meeting — no waiting to find out who wins!
Schedule
Monthly Timeline
| Weeks 1–2 | Pick your idea and start experimenting. No sign-up required — just start. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Wrap up your project. Fill out the Submission Form and notify Ellie you'll be presenting. |
| Final Week | Presentations at the all-hands staff meeting. The team votes immediately after. Winner announced at the end of the meeting. |
📅
May 2026 — First Month
Signups are now open for May 2026. Presentations will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at the all-hands staff meeting. Submit your project form to Ellie before that date.
Selection Process
How Voting Works
Winners are selected by popular vote of everyone in attendance at the monthly staff meeting. Voting is simple, transparent, and run by Ellie after all presentations are complete.
| Rule | Details |
|---|
| One vote per person | Every attendee at the staff meeting gets exactly one vote. You may only vote for one project. |
| No self-voting | Presenters may not vote for their own project. If you present, your vote goes to someone else. |
| All presenters are eligible | Every project presented that month is on the ballot — there are no preliminary rounds or cuts. |
| Highest vote count wins | The project with the most votes receives the monthly prize. In the event of a tie, leadership will vote between the tied projects. |
| Work Relevance Bonus | Projects that connect directly to ClearFuze's clients, services, or internal operations receive 2 bonus votes. |
Recognition
Prizes
Each monthly winner receives a prize, to be announced at launch. Prize details will be shared when the program kicks off in May 2026.
✨
Every Presenter Counts
Winning isn't the only goal. Every person who presents at ClearSPARK is contributing to the team's AI knowledge base. Participation itself is recognized — even if you don't take the top prize. A well-explained "we tried this and here's why it flopped" is one of the most valuable presentations you can give.
Official Rules
Program Rules
- Participation is voluntary. No one is required to join.
- Projects must use AI in some meaningful way — tools, models, APIs, or AI-generated content.
- Teams may be any size. Solo projects are equally welcome.
- Each team or individual may submit one project per monthly cycle.
- Presenters must submit the ClearSPARK Submission Form before presenting.
- Presentations are 5 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A from the team.
- Projects do not need to be complete or polished — experiments and "failures" are celebrated.
- Presenters may not vote for their own project during the monthly vote.
- ClearFuze reserves the right to adjust voting rules or prize structure with advance notice.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an engineer to participate?
Not at all. Many AI tools require zero coding. Even if you've never used ChatGPT, Copilot, or any AI assistant before, you can show us your creativity!
What if my project doesn't work out?
That's completely fine — actually it may be more interesting! A well-explained "we tried this and it didn't work, here's why" is a valid and valuable presentation.
Can I work on the same project across multiple months?
Each monthly cycle should represent a distinct project or phase. If continuing previous work, make sure your presentation clearly covers what's new this month.
Who picks the winner?
The whole team does. After all presentations are completed, every attendee casts one vote for their favorite project. Presenters cannot vote for their own project. The project with the most votes wins. In the event of a tie, leadership will vote between the tied projects.
Can I use company tools or data?
Yes — with care. Follow existing data handling and security policies. Do not use sensitive client data without proper authorization. When in doubt, ask your manager.
How do I submit my project?
Fill out the
Submission Form and notify Ellie (ehoschet@clearfuze.com) that you'll be presenting. That's it — no approval needed to start exploring.
🚀
Ready to Spark Something?
ClearSPARK kicks off in May 2026. No sign-up needed — just start exploring. Fill out the Submission Form when you're ready to present and let Ellie know you'll be on the agenda.
⚡ Open Submission Form
Questions? Reach out to Ellie! ehoschet@clearfuze.com