Two Atlantic Fellows are semi-finalists in the Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge

 We are thrilled to announce that Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health Meron Abey, and Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity U.S. + Global Qusai Hammouri are among the 12 semi-finalists of the inaugural Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge.

Run by the Rhodes Tech and Society Forum in collaboration with Equitech Futures, the Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge aims to develop solutions for a future where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not perceived as a threat to livelihoods worldwide but rather as a tool with the potential to build more productive and meaningful lives. This year, innovators from across the globe were invited to propose solutions that align AI with human-centered progress.

Meron's project, Real-world AI Applications for the Youth in Ethiopia, focuses on addressing educational challenges by using AI to foster technical skills, critical thinking and career exploration among young people in Ethiopia.

Qusai and his team have developed “MDusai,” an AI-driven platform that simplifies complex medical information, transforming it into engaging, animated videos that can empower patients worldwide to make informed health care decisions.

The semi-finalists will have the opportunity to present their projects at the Rhodes Tech and Society Forum at Rhodes House, Oxford, on Nov. 2, 2024. They will be competing for non-dilutive funding of £25,000  and the chance of ongoing mentorship from the top experts who make up the panel of judges. The Forum will convene some of the most influential leaders at the intersection of technology and society.

We wish all the best to Meron and Qusai, who have done extremely well to reach the semi-finals of this competition. We know they are up to the challenge!