News DeskDubai, UAE – Samsung Electronics MENA, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has announced the ACT28 AI for Climate Hackathon, a regional initiative aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The hackathon, unveiled during a COP28-related event in Dubai, will harness the power of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and mobile technologies, to develop innovative solutions for climate challenges.
The hackathon will focus on three thematic areas: Climate Action, Life below Water, and Life on Land. Participants, comprising young data scientists, AI engineers, and researchers from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, will collaborate to create cutting-edge solutions. The use of technologies like AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, Data Analytics, Visualization, and Geospatial Technologies is encouraged to address climate-related issues.
During a fireside chat at the COP28 event, panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the climate-tech sector. Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, emphasized the importance of youth-led innovation in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, while Omar Saheb, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung MENA, highlighted Samsung’s commitment to climate protection and support for the next generation of leaders.
The hackathon will provide participants with mentorship from experienced individuals like Nora Altwaijri and Oğuz Ergen, both Generation17 young leaders with expertise in AI, mobile technologies, climate change, and sustainable development. Workshops on AI, climate change, and mobile technologies will equip participants with the necessary skills.
The event will culminate in a Demo Day where the top 10 teams will present their solutions to industry experts, investors, and policymakers. The top 3 teams will be invited to an onsite award ceremony at Samsung’s premises in Dubai, UAE. The initiative aims to encourage transformative solutions and technical knowledge acquisition among regional youth to address climate change effectively.
