EY announces the 2021 Better Working World Data Challenge, a global competition for aspiring data scientists. The Challenge is part of the EY commitment to innovate and use technology to address some of the world's largest environmental and climate change problems. The focus of this year’s competition is on leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to help find solutions to better manage wildfires.
- Global competition calls on aspiring data scientists to innovate for sustainable economic growth
- AI models to focus on helping prevent loss of life, property and biodiversity caused by wildfires
- Microsoft provides Azure cloud platform for participants to develop algorithms
The global Challenge has been expanded to include all university students and non-students with less than two years of professional experience in data science or a related field, from around the world, including Cyprus.
EY is working in collaboration with Microsoft, which is providing its Azure cloud platform to participants. Individuals will use the platform along with satellite imagery provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to create algorithms to help wildfire management teams improve front-line decision-making during fire emergency responses. These models will include capabilities to generate fire-edge maps or predict where a fire may spread.
During the three-month competition period, a series of webinars jointly provided by technologists from EY and Microsoft will provide participants with additional information about the tasks in the Challenge and help them familiarize themselves with the Azure environment, develop additional skills and refine their work. A network of wildfire authorities, earth observation groups and science education organizations will also provide support and knowledge so the participants’ work can create maximum impact and change through data, AI and technology.
The winning algorithms will be announced in July 2021 and winners will receive cash prizes. In addition, after the completion of the global competition, the Cypriot participation with the highest score will be given an internship opportunity with our Consulting Services team at EY Cyprus.
Commenting on the competition, Charalambos Constantinou, Partner and Head of Consulting at EY Cyprus, stated: “At EY we have committed ourselves to help build a better working world. We firmly believe that technology today provides us with the tools to achieve this. The global competition we have just announced, in which EY Cyprus proudly participates, seeks to address the major issue of wildfires, which is a top concern for all of us in Cyprus. We feel sure that this initiative will help raise awareness for the need to work together for a sustainable future. It will also give the opportunity to aspiring data scientists to practice their skills in data analytics and artificial intelligence while helping address a major environmental challenge”.
For more information and to apply for the competition, please visit ey.com/datasciencechallenge.
The platform will remain open for applications until June 15, 2021.
