Intel has once again celebrated the incredible potential of artificial intelligence (AI) with the announcement of the winners of the 2024 AI Global Impact Festival. This prestigious event, held from August 29 to September 5, showcased innovative projects from students, educators, and aspiring technologists from around the world, all using AI to solve pressing global challenges. With over 1,000 entries from 25 countries, the competition was fierce, but six student teams and three teachers stood out for their groundbreaking contributions.
A Platform for Global AI Innovation
Intel AI Global Impact Festival is not just a competition but a platform for young innovators to present real-world solutions using cutting-edge technology. By providing $500,000 in cash prizes, laptops, certificates, and mentorship opportunities, Intel ensures that these ideas can be further developed and potentially implemented on a larger scale. The festival’s mission is aligned with Intel’s larger vision of making AI technology accessible, inclusive, and a force for societal good.
“We are thrilled to witness the incredible passion and ingenuity displayed by the participants,” said Dawn Jones, Intel’s Vice President of Corporate Social Impact. “These young innovators demonstrate how AI can be a tool for solving some of the world’s most pressing problems, from healthcare to environmental sustainability.”
2024 AI Global Impact Festival Winners
AI Changemakers – Ages 13-18
1. Chong Yao Ong & Zi Xuan Mok (Malaysia) – AI Storage Sentinel
The AI Storage Sentinel project by Chong Yao Ong and Zi Xuan Mok addresses the often-overlooked issue of item misplacement, especially among people with cognitive impairments like dementia. Their AI-powered cabinet uses machine learning and cameras to track item movement and provide real-time reminders about item locations. This intelligent storage solution aims to reduce frustration and anxiety caused by misplaced objects, helping users feel more in control of their daily lives.
2. Tomasz Kozłowski, Wojciech Czubak, & Zofia Remi (Poland) – CMA (Comprehensive Medical Assist)
The Polish team’s CMA project offers a comprehensive AI-driven solution for overburdened healthcare systems. Powered by Intel hardware and software, this platform supports doctors in diagnosing and managing patients, while also serving as a training tool for new physicians. With the global healthcare workforce stretched thin, CMA aims to enhance decision-making and improve health outcomes worldwide. The team envisions a future where AI not only supports diagnosis but reshapes medical education.
3. Crystal Yang (USA) – Audemy
Crystal Yang’s Audemy project focuses on inclusive education through AI. It’s a collection of audio-based games designed for blind students, powered by natural language processing (NLP) models, including Intel’s OpenVINO toolkit. Used by over 1,000 students across seven schools, Audemy provides an immersive, accessible learning experience for students with visual impairments. The platform is set to expand across all 50 U.S. states, and its innovative approach has the potential for international adoption through multi-language support.
AI Changemakers – Ages 18+
1.Nikita Moglan & Daniela Malancea (Moldova) – Empowering Healthcare Equity: AI-driven Diagnostics for Underserved Communities
Nikita Moglan and Daniela Malancea’s project tackles healthcare inequality by providing underserved communities with AI-driven diagnostic tools. Leveraging advanced algorithms and Intel technology, the platform offers instant medical insights for lung, eye, and thyroid diseases using a dataset of over 20,000 images. The project is transformative for remote areas with limited access to specialized healthcare, delivering a much-needed bridge to equitable health services.
2. Jiarui Zhang, Qiming Zhang, & Yuqing He (China) – OpenEdu4All Personalized Course Teaching Intelligent Support Platform
The OpenEdu4All platform combines locally deployed large language models with a sliding window strategy to offer personalized teaching tools for students and educators. This AI-driven system adapts to different learning needs, enhancing educational equity and helping students worldwide to access quality education. The project aligns with Intel’s goal of making technology inclusive, especially for underserved populations.
3. Seth Olav Yong, Balasubramanian Manish, & Lim Le Shi (Singapore) – AgriGate AI: Technology-enabled Rejuvenation of Soil
Addressing the growing challenge of soil degradation in urban environments, the AgriGate AI project integrates soil sensors, Intel’s AIxBoard, and a real-time digital twin to monitor soil health. This innovative approach helps rejuvenate urban soil, making it viable for agriculture while reducing flood risks and stabilizing infrastructure. With scalability in mind, the project could revolutionize urban farming practices across Singapore and beyond.
AI for Accessibility Award
1.Tanisha Kaur, Yatharth Wazir, & Yashkumar Dubey (India) – Ishaara
Ishaara is an AI-powered platform designed to break down communication barriers for the deaf and mute communities in India. It translates between Indian sign language (ISL), English, and 12 regional Indian languages. Powered by NLP and machine learning, the platform enhances accessibility and preserves ISL as a cultural asset. With the potential to transform communication in diverse linguistic environments, Ishaara offers a promising step towards greater inclusivity.
2.Iris Yan Ning (Malaysia) – Pediatric Allergy Life Saver (PALS)
Iris Yan Ning’s PALS project leverages AI to help parents and caregivers manage pediatric allergies. Using NLP and computer vision, the app scans food labels for allergens and provides real-time emergency action plans. With its AI-driven features, PALS ensures the safety of children with allergies in school settings, offering personalized meal plans and crucial health information.
3.Arda Gökalp Batmaz, Ağa Saltıkalp, & Efe Arda Ulun (Turkey) – AI-based Customizable Dyslexia Education Application (DysTherapy)
Designed for children with dyslexia, the DysTherapy application uses AI to provide customized learning experiences. Incorporating NLP, generative AI, and computer vision, the app interacts with children, adapting lessons based on their specific needs. By offering real-time feedback and personalized content, DysTherapy empowers children with learning disabilities to thrive in educational environments.
The AI Global Impact Festival is part of Intel’s broader mission to democratize AI and ensure it is used for the greater good. As the world becomes increasingly digital, the need for responsible, ethical AI development has never been more urgent. Intel is committed to expanding digital readiness, aiming to reach 30 million people in 30,000 institutions across 30 countries by 2030
AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, improve lives, and solve global challenges. The projects highlighted at this year’s festival demonstrate that when young innovators are given the tools and platform to succeed, they can create technology that addresses some of the world’s most pressing issues. From healthcare accessibility to industrial safety and privacy protection, the solutions presented at the 2024 AI Global Impact Festival show that AI can indeed be a force for good.
Intel’s continued investment in such initiatives ensures that the future of AI will be shaped by diverse voices and perspectives, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and innovative world.
