Brief 1: How might we empower communities to use AI to tackle the local challenges of climate change?

Winner: Beta Electronics

Democratising and decolonising the physical design of consumer electronics.

Two electronic projects sit on a white surface. One features a grid-like structure with wires and components; the other is a colorful, speaker-like setup. A patterned box with illustrations and a booklet are in the background.
A collage of various small electronic projects using breadboards and components like wires, resistors, and sensors. They are arranged in creative setups, with some placed on stands, near windows, or surrounded by additional objects.
Collage showing a step-by-step process of reusing components for electronics. Includes images of a computer screen, disassembling devices, sorting parts, and a robotic creation by a window. Emphasizes recycling and finding components for new projects.

Beta Electronics offers a holistic approach to electronic recycling and education. Users engage in recycling or create their electronics, aided by AI to identify components and receive tailored project suggestions. Beta Electronics not only promotes recycling but also empowers users to learn more about their electronics.

Kristina Betha Suwarso

(University of the Arts London, England)

Winner of £2,000 Apply AI Award

Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

Commendations

A hand holding a smartphone with the Terra Hex app displaying farm management options. The background shows young corn plants sprouting in a field and a nearby soil sensor. Terra Hex logo is visible at the bottom right.

Tess Taylor, Arts University Bournemouth, England

Terra Hex: An AI soil sensor and app that promotes regenerative agriculture and accurate fertilisation to diminish farmers’ contribution to climate change while fostering community-led mitigation of climate challenges.

Tess’s Terra Hex solution has also won this year’s Anjool Maldé Young Innovator of the Year Award.

A modern underground station tunnel with a textured, wavy wall on the left. The ceiling features bright lighting. A directional sign points towards the Central Line and lifts, while two blurred figures walk in the tunnel.

Danyang Yu and Fei Tian, Kingston University, England

Eco Evaporation System: Integrating AI and traditional evaporative cooling to mitigate climate impacts in the underground environment of London.

In partnership

Google DeepMind logo featuring "Google" in the standard multicolored font and "DeepMind" in a modern black font.
Logo of Anjool Maldé Memorial Trust featuring a white dove in flight on a gray circular background. The text "Anjool Maldé Memorial Trust" is inscribed along the circle's edge, with the website "www.anjool.org" at the top.

There is a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence these days, but Tess Taylor demonstrates what all AI innovations require: keen knowledge of the issue at hand, and a pragmatic solution.

Ismael Kherroubi Garcia
FRSA & member of AI judging panel

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