Manama, The curtain has fallen on the fourth edition of the “Khalid bin Hamad Competition for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence”, themed “A Resilient Future: Innovation for Water, Energy and Climate”. The closing ceremony was held at the campus of the Bahrain Polytechnic today.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman, General Sports Authority Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President, the competition is organised by the Bahrain Polytechnic, in cooperation with HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad’s Media Office and the Information and e-Government Authority (iGA).
The competition, which is part of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad’s scientific and humanitarian initiatives, is sponsored by Microsoft, Almoayyed Computers Middle East (ACME), Hope Talents (the talent management arm of Hope Fund) and Noventiq Company.
Upon arrival, HH Shaikh Khalid was welcomed by Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bahrain Polytechnic, Dr. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, iGA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Ciarán Ó Catháin, Bahrain Polytechnic CEO, and Shaikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager of Microsoft Bahrain and Oman.
Sponsors’ representatives, jury members, and the winning teams were present.
Commenting, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad stated that the continuation of the competition confirms its success in achieving its goals of highlighting the creative and innovative capabilities of students in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), expressing pride in this scientific gathering, which will have a positive impact on the development and advancement of the scientific movement in the kingdom.
His Highness said: “Our efforts in support of education will continue through the initiatives that we launch, to implement the directives of His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to advance education in a way that raises the competence of young people and develops their ability to contribute to the implementation of the development projects launched by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister, in order to achieve more progress for our dear nation.”
“By holding the ‘Khalid bin Hamad Competition for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence’, we are keen to implement the goals that are consistent with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030,” His Highness said, noting that the competition aims to support and encourage students to acquire new scientific concepts and modern technical means that develop their levels and enhance their abilities, in order to form a young generation that possesses advanced scientific tools, to be able to innovate and contribute to achieving more civilisational achievements.
HH Shaikh Khalid congratulated the winning schools and universities, paying tribute to the Bahrain Polytechnic and sponsors for organising the competition and ensuring its continued success.
Minister Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, while addressing the ceremony, expressed thanks and appreciation to HH Shaikh Khalid for patronising the event and constantly supporting the Bahrain Polytechnic, affirming that thanks to HM the King’s interest in the sciences of the future, including AI, and HH Shaikh Khalid’s directives and unlimited support, the competition has achieved outstanding success, reflecting youth’s recognition of the importance of AI in the present and the future.
He indicated that the Khalid bin Hamad Competition for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence is consistent with the Bahrain Polytechnic’s 2023-2026 strategic plan focusing primarily on investing in developing education outputs in a way that meets the goals of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and the labour market’s needs.
The Bahrain Polytechnic CEO also delivered a statement in which he expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad for patronising the competition aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,
Dr. Ciarán Ó Catháin congratulated the finalists of the competition, noting that the 13 creative projects confirmed the distinguished capabilities of Bahraini youth in taking advantage of Microsoft’s artificial intelligence features.
Shaikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni expressed delight over the success of the competition, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to supporting youngsters and pushing them to take their leadership positions in the field of artificial intelligence and technology.
Then, sponsors and jury members were honoured, and the winners were announced.
The Al Estiqlal Secondary Girls School clinched the first and second places for their “Child Saver” and “Port Eye” projects, respectively, while the American University of Bahrain won the third place for their “EnviroBot” project.
The ceremony also featured the distribution of accompanying awards. The Naseem International School won the “Innovation Award” for their “Innovators” project, and the Al-Fateh Secondary Boys School clinched the Technology Award for their “Apollo 23” project.
Meanwhile, the Jidhafs Secondary Girls School team won the “Best Idea Award” for their “Los Gerberas Brillantes” project, and the Al Hekma International School team won the “Feasibility” Award for their “Energy Wise” project.
All the participants were also honoured in recognition of their efforts.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad was presented with a commemorative gift from Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, the Bahrain Polytechnic Board of Trustees Chairman.
His Highness also toured the exhibition of the competition and was briefed on the participants’ projects,
Source: Bahrain News Agency