The World Artificial Intelligence Competition for Youth (WAICY) commenced at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) headquarters, organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with KAUST. Engaging students from 39 countries, the competition attracted over 18,000 participants from public schools.
The opening ceremony featured insights from ReadyAl CEO Roozbeh Aliabadi, KAUST Academy Director Sultan Albarakati, and SDAIA representative Ahmed Al-Senan, emphasizing the competition's role in nurturing AI skills among youth. Teams presented their projects in 15-minute sessions, followed by a lecture on AI in K-12 education by Research Professor Dave Touretzky from Carnegie Mellon University.
A KAUST tour and an AI and education lecture by Instructional Assistant Professor Naeemullah Khan were organized for teachers, coordinators, and students. The first day concluded with a boat trip from the KAUST marina, providing a memorable experience.
WAICY, a global initiative adopted by SDAIA, encourages young minds to harness the potential of AI. The competition inspires students to develop AI projects addressing real-world challenges, fostering understanding of AI's impact on diverse aspects of life and promoting participation in STEM fields. The event underscores SDAIA and KAUST's commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing AI education and innovation globally.
