From September 8th to 12th 2024, 90 young AI talents from 25 countries gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to compete in advanced AI disciplines. The event, organized by IRCAI and ICAIRE, two international AI research centres under the auspices of UNESCO, was a great success as it brought together young minds, who under the mentorship of leading AI experts and the endorsement of the ACM Slovenia and ZOTKS, showcased their remarkable AI skills and contributed to the future development of ethical AI.
AI Excellence at the Olympiad
The IAIO 2024, aimed at secondary school students, provided a unique platform where participants were evaluated not only on their foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence but also on ethical issues and real-world problem-solving skills. The competition covered advanced AI topics, including machine learning, robotics, and computer vision. This dual emphasis on theoretical knowledge and practical application created a more robust and meaningful experience, making the event a critical step in fostering AI education and innovation globally.
The event sought to stimulate global development and awareness of AI as a transformative technology, which has become increasingly integrated into education systems worldwide, since in many countries, AI is now part of compulsory computing and informatics curricula in schools.
Prestigious Global AI Summit
The last two days of the Olympiad coincided with the Global AI Summit (GAIN), organized by SDAIA, the Saudi Data and AI Authority. With more than 450 international participants from 100 countries, the Summit gathered AI leaders and experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.
At the GAIN Summit’s gala event, the winners of IAIO 2024 were announced. The overall winner was Brest Lenarčič, a young talent from Slovenia, who demonstrated exceptional expertise across all competition areas. At IRCAI, we congratulate all the medalists for their remarkable achievements and their mentors, leading AI experts, for the mentorship they extended through months of preparation prior to the Olympiad.
Looking Ahead: IAIO 2025 in Slovenia
Following the success of the inaugural IAIO, the global AI community is now turning its attention to IAIO 2025, which will take place in Slovenia. IRCAI’s Director John Shawe-Taylor, who has been elected as the IAIO President, will lead the competition, which will continue to provide a valuable platform for young AI talents worldwide, foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and ethical AI innovation on the global level.
