MBZUAI is hosting the K2 Think Hackathon, challenging participants to develop applications using the K2 Think reasoning model developed with G42. The hackathon involves a global idea call followed by a 48-hour build challenge in Abu Dhabi for the top 10 teams. The winning feature will be integrated into the K2 Think application. Why it matters: This hackathon provides a valuable opportunity to test and shape a cutting-edge AI model, potentially leading to innovative applications in various sectors like finance and education within the UAE and beyond.
KAUST and the Social Responsibility Association (SRA) are hosting their third annual AI hackathon at KAUST with 73 participants from across Saudi Arabia. The hackathon aims to deliver 14 social projects in technology and innovation across the tracks of social issues, housing, tourism, and education. KAUST supports the event to foster entrepreneurship and transform ideas into scalable solutions that serve society. Why it matters: The event highlights the growing focus on AI-driven solutions for social challenges within Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030's goals for digital entrepreneurship.
The K2 Think Hackathon, organized by MBZUAI, selected 16 finalist teams from nearly 900 applications across 57 countries. The teams will compete in Abu Dhabi to build applications powered by K2 Think, an open-source reasoning system. The winning team's idea will be integrated into the K2 Think app. Why it matters: This hackathon highlights the growing interest in AI development and provides a platform for global talent to contribute to open-source AI projects in the UAE.
MBZUAI and the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) jointly hosted the inaugural Human Phenotype Project Hackathon in Abu Dhabi, focusing on AI-driven healthcare solutions. 24 postgraduate students and researchers analyzed "real data" from a deep-phenotype multi-omic biobank to develop personalized and predictive analytics. The hackathon utilized data from WIS and Pheno.AI’s Human Phenotype Project (HPP) in Israel, marking the first time an international university has been granted access to this data. Why it matters: This collaboration demonstrates the growing emphasis on leveraging AI for healthcare innovation in the UAE and fostering international partnerships to address global health challenges.
The Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) recently concluded a Generative AI Hackathon, bringing together participants to innovate with generative artificial intelligence technologies. The event aimed to foster local talent and drive advancements in the field within Qatar. Participants developed various solutions and prototypes using generative AI models and tools. Why it matters: This hackathon signifies Qatar's commitment to cultivating a strong AI ecosystem and developing skilled professionals in cutting-edge AI domains like generative AI.
MBZUAI has launched the K2 Think Hackathon, an international challenge focused on building applications powered by the K2 Think open-source system for advanced reasoning. The hackathon has two stages: a global open call for proposals and an in-person build challenge in Abu Dhabi for the top 10 teams. The winning team's idea will be integrated into the K2 Think app. Why it matters: This hackathon fosters innovation in AI reasoning and provides a platform for developers to create impactful solutions using a system developed in partnership with G42.
KAUST is launching the "Dear AI" campaign and hackathon to address gender bias and under-representation of women and Saudi/Arab people in AI, after finding AI image tools return only 1% women for prompts like "imagine entrepreneur." The campaign calls for accurate representation in AI datasets from Saudi Arabia and beyond. KAUST notes that 47% of graduates in their AI academy are women. Why it matters: This campaign highlights the need for more inclusive AI training data and addresses gender imbalances in STEM fields in Saudi Arabia.