Two students from Texas A&M University Qatar (Tamuq) received a top award at the 2022 global Shell.ai hackathon competition, a Shell statement said.
Every year, Shell challenges teams around the world to join a hackathon to tackle real energy challenges and help build a lower-carbon world.
The 2022 edition required teams to optimise an electric vehicle (EV) charging network, by maximizing the efficiency and availability of EV charging infrastructure.
Tamuq students Mohammad Lameh and Marcello Di Martino showcased their exceptional skills and expertise in developing an innovative solution to win the top prize for the university edition of the programme.
Speaking at an award ceremony, Marcello said: “It’s an honour to win this award from Shell. It was a difficult problem to tackle, but we took all the right steps to develop one of the top-ranking answers. We’re now excited to take part in the 2023 challenge. Shell’s hackathon really pushes us to think of innovative solutions to build a more sustainable future.”
Daniel Jeavons, vice president of Computational Science and Digital Innovation at Shell said: “The Shell.ai hackathon is a platform for brilliant minds to channel their skills and expertise towards tackling critical challenges that shape the future. It is our mission of uniting individuals who possess a shared vision of constructing a net-zero world. By focusing on real-world issues, we empower participants to make a tangible impact and contribute to a sustainable and economically viable energy landscape.”
In the three years that the Shell.ai hackathon has been running, over 24,000 solutions have been received, with more than 11,000 participants representing over 50 countries. The programme has partnered with more than 80 renowned universities worldwide, fostering a strong ecosystem of academic excellence and innovation. The 2023 edition will open for registration on June 30. This year participants will be challenged to develop a solution to turn waste into energy.
Marwa al-Ansary, general manager, Next Generation Breakthrough Research at Shell, said: “Imagine a future where we reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills while simultaneously harnessing renewable energy to power communities and industries. This is the power of waste to energy, and we invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Together, let's create a more sustainable future through the power of innovation and collaboration.”
Participants can register their interest in the 2023 Shell.ai hackathon at www.shell.com/hackathon.