NYU Abu Dhabi Concludes Annual Hackathon Competition
Institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi, ETH Zurich, American University of Beirut, MIT, Khalifa University, and Stanford University contributed expertise, guidance, and experiences in tech innovation and academic research.
NYU Abu Dhabi has wrapped up its twelfth annual international hackathon competition aimed at benefiting the Arab world community, organized in partnership with Tamen, focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This year's edition spotlighted solutions leveraging quantum computing and artificial intelligence, as per an emailed press release to Inc. Arabia.
"Gas Detector" won first place at the competition, "Coral Compass" came in second, and "Purety & Safety" took third. These teams outperformed 180 participants from 50 countries, mentored and judged by global experts from institutions such as NYU, IBM, ETH Zurich, Stanford University, Yale University, and MIT.
A strategic partner of NYU Abu Dhabi, the Open Quantum Institute, offered winners opportunities for mentorship, professional networking, and academic research execution. Additionally, winners will attend the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Summit in Switzerland, interacting with diplomats, UN leaders, scientists, and business executives.
The winning team, "Gas Detector," also bagged the Audience Choice Award for their project aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure by promptly detecting anomalies in pipelines and optimizing emergency resource allocation using quantum sensing and AI. Meanwhile, "Coral Compass" focused on identifying optimal sites for coral restoration with minimal resources.
Securing third place, "Purety" aims to purify water sources for drinkability, while "Safety" facilitates effective coordination of emergency services during crises, ensuring access to food and shelters through AI-enhanced logistics.
Participants showcased quantum computing applications across diverse fields such as machine learning, complex physical simulations, chemistry, computer science, healthcare, mathematics, gaming, security, social sciences, and even art.
Institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi, ETH Zurich, American University of Beirut, MIT, Khalifa University, and Stanford University contributed expertise, guidance, and experiences in tech innovation and academic research.