How about:
Make a demo, race game, platformer, astroids, you name it.
Minimum requirements
- Should have some visual graphics (GDI, windows forms stuff, Direct3D, OpenGL, ...)
- Should have some sound (DirectSound, OpenAL, ...)
- Minimum 1 level/scene with a defined begin and end.

No menu required (as this only takes time and can be added later) (adding a menu does not get you bonus points so beginners have a chance too).
Controlles are also not required as a demo can run without any input. This way you can show off your AI. But there is no limitation of NOT using controls.