Amid the vibrant energy of the Deep Learning Indaba 2024, InstaDeep proudly reinforced its commitment to advancing AI innovation across Africa by supporting a new edition of this vital event that strengthens African Machine Learning and empowers AI talent. Guided by this year’s theme, Xam Xamlé “Get knowledge and share it” we embraced the spirit of collaboration, working alongside the continent’s brightest minds to push the boundaries of AI and foster knowledge sharing.
Highlights from our sessions, workshops and practicals
This year, the InstaDeep team led a range of impactful workshops, talks, and practicals. A highlight was Karim Beguir’s session, Building the Future of AI in Africa, where he explored the expanding opportunities for AI across the continent. Ruan De Kock, Oumayma Mahjoub, Siddharth Singh, Wiem Khlifi, and Jawhar Afli also guided participants through a practical From Zero to 2048: Building RL Environments with JAX. Resources from this session are available on GitHub for ongoing exploration.
Another significant session, AfriClimateAI: Fostering Climate Data and Knowledge Exchange, led by Ibrahim Salihu Yusuf, highlighted AI’s vital role in promoting climate resilience and sustainability. Our team actively participated and mentored during the poster sessions and engaged with a diverse array of talented individuals at our booth meeting a diverse array of talented individuals.
Snakes and Sequences Hackathon
Moreover, our team hosted the senegalese serpent venom sequencing hackathon, aimed at improving the predictions of a machine learning model using snake venom data. Over 100 hackers from 31 different countries participated in the 73-hour challenge, with an incredible 394 successful submissions.
Out of the many talented teams that participated, three stood out: Kasa, led by Alexander Ifenaike, Sodiq Babawale, and Busayo Awobade, secured first place. Ndjemeone, led by Nyemb Ndjem Eone André Kévin, took second, and BSpies, led by Brenda Anague, achieved third.
Introducing our Young African AI Research Fellowship
In line with the announcements made at Deep Learning Indaba, we are excited to introduce a new initiative to further support and develop the AI African talent. Following our last year’s milestone of opening our office in Rwanda, we invite brilliant individuals to apply to our Young African AI Research Fellowship at our Kigali office. This six-month program, supported by Jeff Dean and created in collaboration with AscendP360 and the Deep Learning Indaba, offers hands-on research in cutting-edge AI research, aiming to empower the selected Fellows to contribute significantly to the AI field globally and within Africa, under the guidance of Arnu Pretorius.
The first 2024 Young African AI Research Fellowship was awarded to Brenda Anague, a PhD student in Data Science at The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) for her outstanding poster at Indaba. Applications remain open until September 17, apply here: https://bit.ly/4eguZS0!
Looking ahead
We extend our gratitude to all organisers, sponsors, partners, and a special thanks to Zindi for their collaboration in making the hackathon a success. With next year’s Indaba set to take place in Rwanda, we are thrilled to further support the growth of Africa’s AI ecosystem. Our Kigali office will continue to serve as a hub for groundbreaking research and opportunities. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether through our fellowship program, internships or full time positions.
For those who are interested in attending the upcoming Indaba events, please visit the official website at: https://deeplearningindaba.com/2024/
Ready to join the team and contribute to the AI community? InstaDeep is actively hiring in a range of topics and tracks across its offices in Africa, Europe and North America.
Check out our open positions here: https://www.instadeep.com/careers/
