Latest news with #GDGKolachi
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Karachi hackathon showcases real-world solutions powered by generative AI
Listen to article The Build with AI Mini Hackathon, hosted at Folio3 on May 31, 2025, brought together over 120 participants — a mix of professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts — for a high-energy, four-hour innovation sprint centered on Generative AI. Organized by GDG Kolachi in collaboration with Folio3, the event showcased how AI can address pressing real-world challenges. The day opened with two impactful sessions that set the tone: 'Vibe Coding' by Muhammad Aashir and Hassan Mujtaba, which ignited the room with creativity and curiosity, and 'Vertical AI Agents' by Jaya Rajwani, Technology Lead at iENGINEERING, who explored the rise of domain-specific AI agents in transforming digital ecosystems. Working under tight constraints, 25 teams prototyped solutions powered by Gemini, Google's latest generative AI technology. Projects spanned diverse domains, including vehicle detection, FIR automation, import-export document intelligence, AI bidding systems, urban sanitation monitoring, and public transport tracking — all within just four hours. Participants were guided by an incredible team of mentors, including Raheel Siddiqui (Mozaik), Zain Ahmed (Neem), Farah Mehboob (Valider), Umar Shaikh (EY), Huzaifa Shahbaz (Swift Dynamics), Muhammad Taha (Consultant), Saleha Shujaat (Software Engineer), Ramsha Zaheer (Propellus), Eman Ahmed (Technical Consultant), Talha Ashraf (Polymath), Rashid Wassan (DevOps Engineer), and Arbab Siddiqui (Folio3). Their real-time feedback and support elevated team ideas from concept to MVP, making the mentorship experience a highlight of the event. The hackathon concluded with three winning teams, each receiving a PKR 25,000 cash prize. The judging panel — comprised of industry leaders Aaqib Sayed (DigitalOcean), Yunus Jamal (Atompoint), and Talha Ashraf (Polymath) — evaluated submissions based on innovation, relevance, and technical execution. The event was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and the potential of AI. With Folio3's generous venue support and GDG Kolachi's seamless execution, the Build with AI Mini Hackathon proved that Karachi's tech ecosystem is not just growing — it's thriving.
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
‘AI Seekho' takes Karachi by storm: Students engage in Google's AI initiative
Google and GDG Kolachi arranged an inspiring session to learn about AI, machine learning, data science and related disciplines. The event took place at the National Incubation Center (NIC) Karachi – Google, in collaboration with GDG Kolachi, hosted AI Seekho, a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip aspiring professionals with expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data, and Infrastructure. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with 100+ attendees actively participating in the sessions. The theme of the event was 'Karachi Walo AI Seekho,' highlighting the importance of AI education for Karachi's tech community. AI Seekho is a Google Cloud initiative, offering a structured curriculum and hands-on training to empower individuals with the skills necessary to excel in the ever-evolving AI landscape. This in-person training program in Karachi brought together industry experts, seasoned mentors, and an expert-led community to provide participants with an immersive learning experience. Through AI Seekho, learners gain practical insights into AI, ML, and cloud-based technologies, helping them build proficiency in leveraging Google Cloud's powerful tools and frameworks. Under the guidance of Arhum Ishtiaq, CTO and Co-founder of ConnectHear, and the GDG Kolachi team—Danella Patrick, Hassam Jawed, Hassan Mujtaba, Aashir Ahmed, Muhammad Ateeb, Hafiz Munim, Fizza Khan, and Huzaifa Habib—participants gained practical knowledge and hands-on experience with AI and ML tools. The program was structured to help individuals build their technical capabilities, enhance problem-solving skills, and engage with a dynamic network of AI practitioners. The Karachi edition of AI Seekho was organized by GDG Kolachi, a leading tech community dedicated to fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovation in the region. Through workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions, AI Seekho aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing real-world applications of AI/ML technologies. 'AI is shaping the future of technology, and with AI Seekho, we want to ensure that Pakistani professionals have access to world-class learning resources and mentorship. This initiative is a step towards creating an AI-driven workforce that can contribute to the global tech ecosystem,' said the GDG Kolachi team. The event featured insightful discussions, live demos, and networking opportunities, making it an unmissable occasion for AI enthusiasts, students, and professionals looking to advance their careers in data science, AI development, and cloud infrastructure. AI Seekho – Google Cloud self-study program In addition to the in-person training, AI Seekho also offers an online Google Cloud self-study program designed for developers in Pakistan. This program provides access to hands-on Google Cloud labs and fosters learning through a supportive community of peers. Participants can explore cutting-edge technologies like Gemini and Vertex AI, develop AI/ML, Data, and Infrastructure skills, and engage with industry experts. To encourage continuous learning, participants can complete the learning challenges between January 23 - February 20, 2025, to qualify for a Google Cloud swag pack. GDG Kolachi remains committed to supporting more developers in joining this initiative and advancing their AI skills. For more details on AI Seekho and how to participate in future events, visit About AI Seekho AI Seekho is a Google Cloud Skills Boost initiative designed to provide hands-on training in AI, ML, and data technologies. The program is tailored for aspiring professionals and students seeking industry-relevant skills to excel in the tech sector. Participants gain access to Google Cloud's AI/ML learning pathways, enabling them to develop expertise in cutting-edge cloud solutions. About GDG Kolachi GDG Kolachi is a vibrant developer community in Pakistan that brings together tech enthusiasts, developers, and industry experts to collaborate, learn, and innovate through meetups, workshops, and large-scale events.
