New Delhi: The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will take place in New Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024. This marks the first time in ITU’s history that this prestigious global tech event will be held in the Asia-Pacific region. Over 3,000 world leaders and technology experts from more than 190 countries will collaborate to shape the future of technology standards in areas such as 6G, AI, IoT, big data, cybersecurity, M2M communications, and quantum technologies.
As part of the WTSA side events, the second phase of the AI Bharat 5G/6G Hackathon was launched in collaboration with the ITU and the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. The two-day, in-person coding competition is being held at Bharat Mandapam with 12 shortlisted teams—seven Indian and five international—working together to develop cutting-edge AI and machine learning (AI/ML) solutions for next-generation 5G and 6G networks. Supported by an elite panel of Indian and international mentors, the teams have access to guidance from ITU Programme Officers.
The first phase of the hackathon, which took place from August 7 to September 30, 2024, was launched by the Secretary, Department of Telecom, alongside senior ITU officials and experts from IIT Delhi. During this phase, participants competed in a series of challenges aimed at integrating AI/ML into 5G/6G infrastructures. The event saw a diverse range of participants, and mentoring sessions were held weekly in August, with additional outreach programs in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
The hackathon focuses on two problem statements. The first is the AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox, where teams will build AI/ML models for 5G/6G, leveraging ITU recommendations. The second is the development of xApps to enhance autonomous 5G/6G networks.
During the inaugural session, the Member (Technology), Digital Communication Commission, welcomed participants and emphasized the hackathon’s role in turning innovative visions into real-world solutions. The integration of AI/ML into 5G and 6G, she noted, opens up limitless possibilities, and the solutions emerging from this hackathon could shape the future of global telecommunications.
Participants are working on critical challenges with real-world applications, including smart city transit, flood monitoring, traffic optimisation, women's safety through the "AuratRaksha" platform, and sim fraud protection. Teams have access to resources such as cloud credits, simulators, and compute servers, with expert talks delivered by global leaders in AI and telecommunications.
Notable projects being developed include a 5G-enabled smart city public transportation system, a flood monitoring and alert system, a waste management initiative to prevent riverbed pollution, and an AI-driven 5G/6G solution to improve agricultural resilience for small-scale farmers in Africa. The event highlights the diversity and scope of AI-driven innovations aimed at addressing global challenges.
The top three teams will be awarded prizes of $1,000, $700, and $500 respectively. Special recognition will also be given to the best student team, best startup, and best female team, each receiving $500. The hackathon has emerged as a hub for innovation, uniting students, startups, and technology enthusiasts from across India and the world.
As the event progresses, participants will refine their projects, and the winners will be announced and recognised at the closing ceremony. The AI Bharat 5G/6G Hackathon promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI and next-generation telecommunications.
For further updates on the hackathon, visit: https://challenge.aiforgood.itu.int/match/matchitem/95.
About WTSA 2024:
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) will be held in New Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024, marking a significant step towards the advancement of 5G and 6G networks. As a quadrennial event, WTSA serves as the governing conference of the ITU Standardisation Sector (ITU-T) and plays a pivotal role in setting global telecommunication standards.
With over 3,000 delegates from 150+ countries, including more than 1,000 foreign delegates and 50 global ministers, WTSA 2024 aims to bridge the digital divide through universal and affordable connectivity. Critical areas of focus include 6G, AI, IoT, big data, cybersecurity, M2M communications, broadcasting, satcom, and quantum technologies.
WTSA will be preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) on October 14, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The GSS will serve as a high-level forum for policy debates on ICT standardisation, addressing its evolving dynamics and technical implications.
The event will also feature the ITU Kaleidoscope conference, ITU exhibitions, and initiatives such as the Network of Women and AI for Good, enriching the discourse and promoting inclusivity in the telecommunications sector.
BI Bureau
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