Page 12 - Crowdsourcing AI and Machine Learning solutions for SDGs - ITU AI/ML Challenges 2024 Report

Crowdsourcing AI and Machine Learning solutions for SDGs

Since 2020, the ITU AI/ML Challenge has evolved to include multiple domains, each addressing
specific areas of interest and impact. The challenge connects participants from over 100
countries, including students, professionals, industry experts, and academia, to solve real-
world problems using AI/ML. The competitions offer carefully curated problem statements, a
mix of real-world and simulated data, technical webinars, mentoring, and hands-on sessions.
Participants create, train, and deploy ML models, enabling them to showcase their talent, test
their concepts on real data, and compete for global recognition, including prize money and
certificates. This initiative also provides a gateway to the world of ITU standards, as participants
map their solutions to ITU specifications.

The domains covered in the ITU AI/ML Challenge include AI/ML in 5G and 6G (or communication
networks), GeoAI, tinyML, AI for Climate Action, and Fusion. Each domain offers unique
opportunities for participants to apply their skills and gain hands-on experience in addressing
critical issues. The AI/ML in 5G Challenge focuses on the application of AI/ML in communication
networks, optimizing the development and performance of 5G and 6G technologies. The GeoAI
Challenge addresses geospatial problems related to the UN SDGs. The tinyML Challenge
explores the application of ML in tiny devices and embedded systems. The AI for Climate
Action Innovation Factory aims to develop AI solutions for combating climate change, while
the Fusion Challenge focuses on using ML for predictive modeling in fusion energy systems.
Through these diverse domains, the ITU AI/ML Challenge continues to drive innovation and
collaboration, contributing to the advancement of global standards and the development of
impactful solutions.

Figure 3: Various domains covered in the ITU AI/ML Challenge

The 2023 ITU AI/ML Challenge saw more than 3300 participants from 100+ countries in the
challenge. These participants contributed over 20'000 submissions and received 56'267 CHF
in prize money from ITU and sponsors. Detailed statistics of the challenge can be found in
section 4.2.

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