Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
Marking a transformative milestone in Qatar’s innovation journey, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a key pillar of Qatar Foundation (QF), inaugurated ‘AI Week 2024’ on Sunday.
Running from November 24 to 28, the event positions Qatar at the heart of the global AI revolution, celebrating 15 years of QSTP’s commitment to empowering technological advancements and fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem.
AI Week 2024 brings together an eclectic mix of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, students, and policymakers to delve into the cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Packed with interactive workshops, thought-provoking keynotes, panel discussions, and live demonstrations, the event is set to redefine perceptions about AI and its transformative potential across industries.
In his statements to press, Dr Jack Lau, president of QSTP, emphasised the event’s importance in shaping Qatar’s innovation landscape.
"AI Week is not just an event; it’s a platform for collaboration, creativity, and the exchange of bold ideas,” he said. "It reflects Qatar’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to address global challenges while fostering a culture of innovation that benefits society at large.”
Dr Lau highlighted the integral role of QSTP in nurturing a dynamic ecosystem that empowers students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to translate ambitious ideas into impactful ventures. "For 15 years, QSTP has been a launchpad for innovation in Qatar. AI Week builds on this legacy by focusing on one of the most transformative technologies of our time,” he added.
The opening day set the stage for an engaging week, featuring a keynote by Dan Givens, vice-president of Computer Science and Digital Innovation at Shell.
Givens shared insights on integrating AI into digital transformation strategies, particularly in sustainability and operational efficiency.
AI Week’s sessions cover a wide range of topics, including ‘Sustainability’, exploring how AI is optimising energy efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and advancing smart city solutions; ‘Healthcare’, revolutionising early disease detection, personalised medicine, and efficient healthcare delivery systems; ‘Education’, harnessing AI for personalised learning experiences through advanced EdTech platforms; ‘Transportation and Public Safety’, addressing traffic management, autonomous vehicle innovation, and AI-driven safety measures.
Interactive workshops led by industry experts promise hands-on learning experiences.
Tashan Technology showcased a groundbreaking demonstration on robotic grasping with tactile sensing, highlighting AI’s potential in robotics and human-AI collaboration.
AI Week includes initiatives like the Ride and Pitch competition, where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their AI-driven business ideas aboard the Education City Tram. Participants are mentored by experts before presenting their innovative concepts to a distinguished panel of judges.
Additionally, the AI Hackathon, organised in collaboration with Qatar Scientific Club and the Ministry of Sports and Youth, invites students to tackle real-world challenges using robotics and AI programming. From smart waste management to sustainable agriculture, the hackathon encourages creativity and problem-solving among Qatar’s youth.
Workshops throughout the week focus on practical applications of AI, with topics including ‘Cybersecurity’, using AI to detect vulnerabilities and enhance digital safety, ‘Marketini’, optimising strategies through advanced user experience insights, and ‘Human-AI Collaboration’, redefining how humans and machines work together in professional environments.
In the coming days, participants will explore AI’s applications in maritime logistics, automotive technology, and public safety.
Sessions will also delve into AI’s role in boosting operational efficiency and fostering sustainability across industries.