While technology has become the backbone of ensuring the fundamental rights – AI is getting more relevant in human’s life and lifestyles. In such a situation, the ‘MOFA-a2i AI Innovation Challenge 2023’ has been started from Sunday after a year and a half effort. This competition worth tens of millions taka will be conducted in three stages; i.e., Prototype, pilot and implementation. Using neural network technology, AI will support informed decision making by providing timely and accurate information from large amounts of unstructured data. It will bring an automated solution for extracting and analyzing key data from various mission documents, which will improve efficiency, accuracy and scalability in informed decision-making in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). To participate in this competition, innovative ideas can be submitted by clicking on this link till April 19.
An Innovation Corner – iLab was inaugurated at the same ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Segunbagicha of the capital. Foreign Minister Abul Kalam Abdul Momen inaugurated the ceremony being connecting virtually.
The Director General of International Trade, Investment and Technology Department and ICT Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun moderated the program while the a2i Policy Adviser Anir Chowdhury delivered the welcome speech. In his speech, he discussed how ChatGPT can be used in services such as agriculture, education and health sectors or vision processing in food security; He shed light on the idea that power transmission lines can be monitored through drones. He said that a2i has about 12,000 such ideas.
Advisor Anir Chowdhury said, by participating in the ‘AI Innovation Challenge 2023′ competition, various individuals and institutions of the country will get an opportunity to keep up with innovation in this regard. From which many innovative ideas are expected to emerge; which will make a significant contribution in facilitating the mission document activities of the Ministry of External Affairs. Besides, instead of relying on just one project procurement, various stages of bootcamps, grooming sessions and research through competition will result in several dynamic and user-friendly solutions and we hope that it will contribute to simplifying the work of the authorities.’
The a2i Technology Lead Sohel Rana explained on how Bangladesh will be established globally by providing AI services to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Medtronic CEO Omar Ishraq and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller also spoke at the event.
Appreciating this joint venture between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a2i, Mr. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said, ‘This partnership is a great instance of how we can work together to solve problems by harnessing the power of innovation.’
An affordable Bangladesh-made surveillance drone that can travel 1.8 kilometers carrying an object weighing 300 grams was showcased at the event. The Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Masud Bin Momen presided over the opening ceremony of Mofa- a2i AI Competition while the Secretary of the ICT Department Md. Samsul Arefin spoke.
Md. Samsul Arefin said, if artificial neural network can use machine learning algorithm in data-based decision-making in the international context, Bangladesh will go a long way in diplomatic data analysis in the future. The use of artificial intelligence- AI technology in the communication process with various missions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs worldwide will open up new possibilities and make it easier to take intelligent decisions in the national interest.
Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masood bin Momen in his speech emphasized the use of advanced technology to provide public services. He expressed optimism that the Innovation Lab and AI Challenge Fund will strengthen the ICT capabilities of the Ministry of External Affairs and directly connect with the technology-capability of the future world.
The a2i Innovation Fund Expert Naeem Ashrafi offered a presentation about the process of Innovation Challenge in the event. The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and a2i along with media persons among others. Besides, 81 Bangladesh embassies abroad participated in the program through the online platform.