Month-Long AI Innovation Competition Launched in Muscat, Oman, Fostering Talent and Advancing Generative AI Technologies”

August 26, 2024

Muscat – The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, in partnership with SAS Media Company, has launched a month-long competition to promote innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). The event, which began on Monday, has drawn 100 participants organized into 25 teams, all focused on advancing the field of generative AI. The competition is open to students, job seekers, and professionals eager to explore and apply generative AI technologies.

The competition was officially inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Nasser bin Rashid al Mawali, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy. The launch included an introductory workshop aimed at sparking innovation, improving technical skills, and nurturing local talent in this rapidly evolving sector.

During the event, participants received a thorough introduction to generative AI and its wide-ranging applications across various industries. The launch also featured sessions on e-learning platforms and activities designed to encourage communication and collaboration among the teams.

The competition is structured in multiple phases, starting with an intensive training camp. Participants will then move on to developing technical solutions using generative AI, with the competition culminating in a final evaluation to determine the winners.

Tawwa Abdullah al Dawood, Head of the Development and Studies Department at the National Centre for Space, Advanced Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, emphasized that the future of AI depends on capacity building and talent development. She underscored the importance of creating a supportive environment, providing essential resources for innovators and developers, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to maximize the benefits of AI applications.

Tawwa also noted that the competition comes at a time of rapid global advancements in AI and expressed hope that it will help identify and cultivate local talent. She encouraged participants to take full advantage of this opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity.

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