Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority Empowers Top Datathon Winners with Specialized Training Programs
In a groundbreaking move, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority announced the successful conclusion of specialized training programs in the US and UK for the top-two-ranked teams of the Open Data Datathon.
Taking place in Riyadh last October, the datathon aimed to elevate the knowledge and skills of exceptional individuals in the realm of data and artificial intelligence, providing them with expertise from renowned international institutions, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Claiming the first-place title, Traffix AI was awarded a grant of SR250,000 ($66,600) to partake in the Hero Training Program at Draper University in California.
Through this program, the team honed essential skills for launching successful business ventures, cultivated innovative ideas, and networked with industry experts and entrepreneurs.
Their project, which utilized data like images and damage locations to predict damage and error rates in vehicle accidents, secured them a spot at the prestigious datathon, with a focus on enhancing liability identification in traffic accidents and reducing congestion.
Securing the second place, Team 2030 received a grant of SR150,000 for attending the Data Science for Competitive Advantage training program at London Business School.
This program was designed to advance their projects in data and AI, address challenges, and devise data science-based solutions.
Their innovative project involved developing a system that utilized driver image data to detect early signs of fatigue, such as eye closure, providing alerts to prevent drowsy driving and enhance road safety.
The datathon brought together over 200 contestants from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, Palestine, Bangladesh, Syria, Algeria, and Nigeria. The event featured workshops and mentorship sessions with local and international experts to aid participants in developing solutions using open data.
This initiative is part of SDAIA’s overarching efforts to cultivate national capabilities in data and AI, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The authority is dedicated to empowering young Saudi talent to excel in these fields, enabling them to compete on a global scale and spearhead advancements in present and future technologies.