AI Quest issues sustainability challenge to teams from across Ireland

Initiative a major step towards meeting UN climate goals

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Dr Chrys Ngwa, Insight; Dr Harry Nguyen, Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, AI Quest; Janet Choi, CRT-AI; Prof John O'Halloran, UCC; Steven Hollands Cadence Design Systems; Linda O’Sullivan, Insight; Prof Sarah Culloty College, Science Engineering and Food Science, UCC

A ground-breaking annual challenge that aims to bring together some of the brightest minds in computing, AI Quest UCC is a collaboration between University College Cork’s School of Computer Science and Information Technology, SFI research centres, Insight and CRT-AI (Centre for Research Training in Artificial Intelligence), and Cadence Design Systems (Ireland).

This initiative is a major step forward in the fields of artificial intelligence and sustainability aiming to foster collaboration and competition among students from Irish universities and around the world to tackle real-world challenges.

The challenge features several awards, including €5,000 for the best team, €1,000 for the most creative solution, and €1,000 for the top woman of influence. This year’s challenge focuses on the development of reliable AI for recognising vegetation patches from high-resolution aerial images of scenic Irish landscapes.

Co-originator of the Quest, Dr Harry Nguyen of Insight, expressed the hope that the UCC AI Quest would become “a gateway to a sustainable future, where amazing technologies, real-world challenges and innovative solutions converge”.

He continued: “We hope to stir great interest in artificial intelligence, nurture industry-relevant talents, and foster inventive collaborations amongst third-level education students in Ireland and worldwide.”

The UCC AI Quest 2023 will contribute to the development of robust artificial intelligence models, facilitating sustainable climate solutions. Target participants for this event include students with a strong passion for building AI solutions, representing third-level education institutions in Ireland and worldwide universities. Teams should consist of three-to-five members, with at least one team member from an Irish university.

“All AI learners and enthusiasts to embrace our AI challenge with an open heart to help foster a sustainability mindset and bring solutions that can help protect our planet,” said UCC President Prof John O’Halloran. He added that the challenge was a call to action to support the UN’s sustainable development goals.

TechCentral Reporters

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