Samsung Electronics MENA, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has unveiled the ACT28 AI for Climate Hackathon, a regional initiative aimed at combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. This innovative hackathon, announced during a joint high-level discussion between Samsung and UNDP, seeks to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), mobile technologies, and other cutting-edge technologies to address climate change challenges.
The fireside chat, part of their COP28 participation, featured key figures such as Omar Saheb, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung MENA, Alessandro Fracassetti, Resident Representative of UNDP in Egypt, and Nora Altwaijri, a Samsung Generation17 Young Leader from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Topics ranged from challenges and opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the climate-tech sector to Samsung’s commitment to green and sustainable technology.
Alessandro Fracassetti emphasized UNDP’s support for youth-led innovation in the climate-tech sector, viewing it as crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted the potential of youth to offer creative technological solutions, praising the ACT28 AI for Climate Hackathon as a platform for regional youth to showcase their skills.
Omar Saheb expressed Samsung’s global commitment to environmental protection and climate action. The hackathon, aligned with COP28, serves to inspire the next generation of leaders dedicated to addressing climate change, providing them with technical knowledge and support.
The ACT28 AI for Climate Hackathon, organized in partnership with UNDP and Samsung Electronics, follows the success of the ‘Hack for Climate Action Hackathon’ at COP27. Targeting young data scientists, AI engineers, and researchers across the region, the hackathon encourages collaboration in developing solutions for Climate Action, Life below Water, and Life on Land.
Utilizing advanced technologies such as AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, Data Analytics, Visualization, and Geospatial Technologies, participants aim to create transformative solutions. The hackathon also promotes the development of mobile-based solutions for wider outreach. Mentorship from experienced leaders like Nora Altwaijri and Oğuz Ergen, along with workshops on AI, climate change, and mobile technologies, ensures participants are well-equipped to develop effective solutions.
The hackathon will culminate in a Demo Day, where the top 10 teams will present their innovations to industry experts, investors, and policymakers. The top 3 teams will be invited to Samsung’s premises in Dubai for an onsite award ceremony, solidifying the commitment to fostering sustainable practices and addressing climate change challenges.