In a landmark development, Pakistan is set to host the Asia-Pacific region’s largest Meta Llama Hackathon. Spearheaded by the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT) and Ignite National Technology Fund, this event promises to unlock the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) using Meta’s cutting-edge Llama 2 and Llama 3 models.
NICAT: Driving Innovation in Aerospace and DeepTech
NICAT, Pakistan’s premier hub for Aerospace and DeepTech innovation, is at the forefront of this technological revolution. As a joint venture between Ignite NTF, MoITT, and the National Aerospace and Science Technologies Park (NASTP), NICAT is uniquely positioned to foster the development of AI solutions that can reshape industries and drive economic growth. NASTP, led by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), is a nationwide network of Science and Technology Parks dedicated to advancing aerospace and scientific innovation.
Unleashing the Power of Generative AI
Generative AI, especially as embodied by Meta’s Llama models, has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, from healthcare to finance. Llama 2 and Llama 3 have garnered over 180 million downloads, highlighting their significant impact on the AI landscape. The hackathon aims to harness this potential, empowering innovators to create solutions that address pressing challenges and generate new opportunities.
A Platform for Global Innovation
The Meta Llama Hackathon is not just a competition; it’s a platform for innovation and collaboration. Winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore for the Regional Finals, sponsored by Meta. This provides a unique opportunity to showcase their creations on a global stage, connect with industry leaders, and potentially secure investment.
Esteemed Jury Panel
The hackathon will be judged by a distinguished panel of experts, including Muhammad Rashid Mukhtar, Dr. Muhammad Usman, Zeeshan Qedwaee, Ammar Jaffri, Barira Hanif, and Dr. Adnan-ul-Hasan. Their expertise spans various fields, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the proposals based on technical feasibility, impact, and responsible use of AI.
Imran Jattala, Project Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This is a transformative event for the region, providing a unique platform for innovators to push the boundaries of AI. The Meta Llama Hackathon is an unparalleled opportunity to create solutions with significant economic and social impact. We eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking projects that will emerge.”
Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite NTF, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are thrilled to launch an event that pushes the frontiers of AI innovation! The Meta Llama Hackathon is a unique chance for creators to develop impactful solutions with real business and community benefits. We look forward to witnessing the remarkable projects that will come to life.”
Join the AI Revolution
The hackathon is open to businesses, non-profits, and academic or research institutions. If you have a vision for how AI can shape the future, this is your chance to make it a reality. Submit your proposal before August 1st, 2024, and join us in this exciting journey to harness the power of AI and create a better future.
The Semi-Finals will be held on August 20, 2024, at NICAT Islamabad. Hackathon winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore for the Regional Finals, sponsored by Meta. The Finals will be organized on October 02, 2024, in Singapore, with prize money of up to $100,000. This includes travel and accommodation, offering winners a global platform to showcase their innovations, connect with international industry leaders, and gain valuable exposure.
For more information and to submit your proposal, visit the Meta Llama Competition website.
