Abu Dhabi's AI Hackathon Engages Over 80 Students To Develop Innovative Solutions

42 Abu Dhabi, a forward-thinking coding academy in the UAE capital, recently hosted an AI Hackathon in partnership with SambaNova Systems. Over 80 students participated, developing innovative projects using Agentic AI to address challenges in sectors like healthcare, legal, and transportation. The event highlighted the potential of AI-driven solutions to make significant impacts across various industries.

The hackathon's first winning project introduced an AI-powered emergency response system. This system aims to enhance emergency care by efficiently linking paramedics with hospitals. The second project developed an intelligent legal assistant using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). It analyses UAE legal documents, generates contracts, and verifies regulations, providing precise insights.

The third project focused on public transit services. It featured an AI voice assistant offering real-time updates on routes and connection times. By utilising advanced agentic AI and geocoding APIs, it ensures accurate information delivery. These projects demonstrate the transformative potential of AI technologies in improving public services.

Organised with CloudingAI and SambaNova Systems, the hackathon showcased the capabilities of AI hardware and chip design. Experts from Abu Dhabi Executive Office, ADNOC, SambaNova Systems, CloudingAI, and BrandMoxie formed the judging panel. Their expertise ensured that the most impactful solutions were recognised.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Acting CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi, stated that the hackathon underscores their commitment to preparing a future-ready workforce. "This hackathon reflects our role in building a future-ready workforce that can actively contribute to Abu Dhabi’s leading role in AI and digital transformation on a global scale," he said.

Soufiane Chami from SambaNova Systems expressed pride in their collaboration with 42 Abu Dhabi. "At SambaNova, we are committed to democratising AI access and empowering the next generation of innovators in the UAE," he noted. The event demonstrated how SambaNova’s technology supports fast AI training and real-world solution development.

Building a Talent Pipeline

The hackathon provided students with a collaborative platform to tackle real-world challenges critically. This aligns with 42 Abu Dhabi’s mission to nurture talent that supports both local digital economies and global innovation leadership. Such initiatives are crucial for positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for technological advancement.

The innovative solutions crafted during this event promise substantial change across various sectors. By equipping students with essential skills for AI innovation, 42 Abu Dhabi supports the Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027. This initiative is pivotal in driving digital transformation efforts within the region.

With inputs from WAM