Elly Yates-Roberts |
EY has launched its 2021 Better Working World Data Challenge, a competition that this year invites data scientists to use data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to help wildfire management.
EY say that the challenge is part of its “commitment to innovate and use technology to address some of the world's largest environmental and climate change problems”.
Participants will be able to use the Microsoft Azure cloud platform and satellite imagery from Nasa to create algorithms to help wildfire management teams improve front-line decision-making during emergency situations.
“The EY purpose of building a better working world drives us every day,” said Carmine Di Sibio, global chairman and CEO of EY. “We are committed to enabling the next generation of talent in finding solutions to some of the most pressing challenges globally. Many countries have faced significant loss of life and disruption due to wildfires and we are proud to support efforts that can look to address this issue using the power of data and technology.”
During the three-month competition period, EY and Microsoft will offer a series of webinars to provide participants with additional task information and support in using the Azure platform. A network of wildfire authorities, earth observation groups and science education organisations will also support participants to create impactful solutions.
“It is essential to encourage aspiring data scientists and help them recognise that they can apply their skills to analyse real-world problems and develop algorithms that can have a lasting positive impact,” said Beatriz Sanz Saiz, global consulting data and analytics leader at EY. “We want participants to use the power of data science to find innovative solutions to the most complex and demanding problems.
“We are very excited to see the kinds of transformative AI models that our 2021 Better Working World Data Challenge participants will propose this year, and in years to come, to help build a better world.”
The winning algorithms will be announced in July 2021 and winners will receive cash prizes.