SDAIA concludes training programs for datathon winners in US, UK

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority said on Saturday that it had successfully concluded specialized training programs in the US and UK for the top-two-ranked teams of the Open Data Datathon.

The datathon was held in October last year in Riyadh.

The initiative aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of those excelling in data and artificial intelligence, equipping them with expertise from leading international institutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The first-place team, Traffix AI, received a grant of SR250,000 ($66,600) for participating in the Hero Training Program at Draper University in California.

During the program, the team gained essential skills for launching successful business ventures, developed innovative ideas, and networked with experts and entrepreneurs.

Their project, which predicted damage and error rates in vehicle accidents using data such as images and damage locations, earned them chance to compete at the datathon.

The system aims to improve the identification of liability in traffic accidents and reduce congestion.

The second-placed team, Team 2030, received a grant of SR150,000 for attending the Data Science for Competitive Advantage training program at London Business School.

This program focused on advancing their projects in data and AI, identifying challenges, and discovering data science-based solutions.

Their project developed a system that used driver image data to detect early signs of fatigue, such as eye closure, providing alerts to prevent driving while drowsy and enhancing road safety.

The datathon brought together more than 200 contestants from countries including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, Palestine, Bangladesh, Syria, Algeria and Nigeria. The event featured workshops and mentorship sessions with local and international experts to help participants develop solutions using open data.

The initiative is part of SDAIA’s broader efforts to build national capabilities in data and AI, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The authority aims to empower young Saudi talent to excel in these fields, enabling them to compete globally and lead in the technologies of the present and future.