UAE Launches First Open AI Competition For School Students To Inspire Innovation And Wellbeing

The Emirates Safer Internet Society (eSafe) has introduced STOGOCOMP, the UAE's inaugural AI and Robotics competition for students aged 9 to 19. This event invites participants from both public and private schools to devise solutions enhancing children's well-being in educational settings. The competition aims to ignite innovation, creativity, and curiosity by encouraging students to apply their STEAM skills in AI and robotics.

Dr. Abdulla Mohamed Al Mehyas, Chairman of eSafe, expressed pride in organising this significant event with support from Disney Company. He stated, "We are proud at eSafe to organise this groundbreaking competition, generously funded by Disney Company, in collaboration with our valued partners-the Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) and the University of Dubai, which will host the final ceremony. We hope STOGOCOMP will pave the way for UAF students to meaningfully contribute to the country's vision of becoming a leading nation in artificial intelligence."

The University of Dubai is set to host this prestigious event with technical assistance from Tachyon 360. Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, remarked on the alignment of STOGOCOMP with their institutional goals. He said, "The University of Dubai is proud to host STOGOCOMP, a competition that aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering innovation and academic excellence, and represent a pivotal step towards equipping our youth with the skills and mindset needed to navigate and thrive in the digital world."

Two non-governmental organisations, eSafe and the Robotics Automation Society, have collaborated for this initiative. Their joint efforts aim to provide students with an opportunity to explore AI and robotics' potential in improving school environments. The competition encourages young minds to push boundaries within science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.

Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, President of the Robotics and Automation Society, highlighted the importance of STOGOCOMP as a platform for student innovation. He stated that it offers an excellent opportunity for students to present ideas that can have a tangible impact on society. The competition is designed not only to enhance technical skills but also to foster a mindset geared towards problem-solving.

This initiative represents a significant step towards equipping young individuals with essential skills for thriving in a digital era. By engaging in such competitions, students gain exposure to real-world challenges while contributing positively to societal advancements through technology.

The collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders underscores a commitment to nurturing future innovators who can drive progress in AI fields. As participants engage with complex problems during STOGOCOMP's first edition at the University of Dubai campus later this year; they will be better prepared for future technological landscapes.

With inputs from WAM