Stronger Together | Artificial Intelligence for the Common Good

The Department of Computer Science of the University of Nicosia supports the hackathon “Stronger Together through the Power of Artificial Intelligence for the Common Good”.

The hackathon is organised by the British Council, in collaboration with CYENS – Centre of Excellence, and with the financial support of Microsoft.

AI is seen as a technology that has the power to solve some of the biggest global challenges facing us today. Young people have the power to influence the future of AI and whether it will be used as a tool for shaping solutions to real problems. It is a field in which they will be called to act critically, influence others and support wider society. It is crucial to channel our youth leadership work towards a field that will enable young people to be at the forefront of progress as actors of positive impact through social action.

Who we are looking for

Applicants must be aged 18–35, have a good understanding of English and a background in one of the following fields:

• Computer science/engineering/mathematics/life sciences etc.– people who have a background in sciences. Can be basic knowledge of what AI is and how machine learning works but there is no need to be an AI expert. We will guide you through the process.
• Climate activism/environmental or social sciences– people who support social justice, are proponents of environmental/human rights and know what the Sustainable Development Goals are.
• Social innovation or entrepreneurship– people who design solutions that aim to improve the welfare and well-being of individuals and communities. We are looking for people who can be creative and think outside of the box.

How it works

Participants will form teams and receive training from a UK expert on how they can use artificial intelligence to design solutions to contemporary critical challenges. There is no need to be an expert on AI or climate change/social justice topics to participate as the hackathon will involve training on AI fundamental principles. Mentors will support each team through the process.

The teams will then try to generate creative ideas and design a solution through AI tools to respond to the challenges of the global climate crisis, create an original idea and present it in front of the jury committee. The winning team will win a study visit to a relevant institution in the UK in March 2023.

When and where

The hackathon will take place on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December 2022.

On Friday 16 December it will take place at The Classic Hotel  in Nicosia, on 17–18 December it will take place at the Nicosia Municipal Polydynamo Centre .

Participants are expected to be present for the whole duration of the event.

How to apply

To take part in the hackathon, complete the online application form by Tuesday 6 December 2022 (23.00 EET):

Participation is free. For more information and how to apply click here.

Further information

For further information, please contact Marilena Kyriakou at [email protected].

Reposted from the websites of the European Office of Cyprus here, and the University of Nicosia here