Birzeit University Students Secure Third Place in Arab IoT & AI Challenge despite Travel Restrictions Due to Occupation

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, students from Birzeit University clinched third place at Gitex 2023 in Dubai. This achievement was all the more impressive as it came in the face of travel restrictions imposed by the occupation and numerous roadblocks, necessitating their participation through online channels in the Arab IoT & AI Challenge. The dedicated team consisted of five talented engineering and technology students: Nirmeen Al-Sheikh, Rawan Sous, Yuna Newahda, Mahdi Shoman, and Abdallah Audeh.
Competing against a formidable array of projects from 13 Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Algeria, KSA, Morocco, Tunisia, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Lebanon, and Libya, the Birzeit students rose to the occasion.
Nirmeen Al-Sheikh, reflecting on the obstacles imposed by the occupation, remarked, "We were prohibited from traveling to participate in Gitex 2023 due to the occupation's harsh measures in Gaza. However, this adversity only fueled our determination. We leveraged online participation as a platform to shed light on the situation in Gaza, considering it the least we can do."
The team's innovation focused on a device harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Their creation serves a dual purpose: it not only combats the proliferation of pathogens but also predicts air quality, enabling individuals to take necessary precautions.
The device is equipped with a sensor that measures air pollutant levels, issuing timely warnings when they surpass safe thresholds. Additionally, it communicates through IoT, triggering a mechanism that releases negative ions aimed at reducing disease and pollutants in the area. The device is complemented by an AI-backed app that provides users with guidance on safeguarding themselves from environmental hazards.
This remarkable achievement in the Arab IoT & AI Challenge underscores the students' unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, even in the face of adversity. Their innovative solution not only secures their place in the forefront of technology but also serves as a testament to their resilience and dedication to addressing real-world challenges.