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Over 3,000 local and global tech experts, academics and entrepreneurs joined inaugural AI Week hosted by Qatar Foundation’s QSTP

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“AI’S POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM ENERGY SECTOR WILL DEPEND ON COLLABORATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST“, SAYS SHELL VP OF DIGITAL INNOVATION, AT QSTP AI WEEK 2024

DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Middle East has seen significant progress and investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications particularly in the energy industry and has the potential to lead in both developing and applying the transformative AI technology to the benefit of society, said Dan Jeavons, Vice President, Computational Science and Digital Innovation at Shell, speaking at Qatar Science & Technology Park’s (QSTP) – part of Qatar Foundation (QF) – AI Week 2024.

“AI has the power to revolutionize industries, especially energy, by addressing pressing challenges like climate change. AI tech is being applied to renewable assets, whether in terms of optimizing the way we configure and design wind turbines, or understanding the weather forecast around solar parks.”, said Jeavons.

Looking into other opportunities and trends for AI development in the Middle East, Dr Sanjay Chawla, Chief Scientist at Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), said, “There is a lot of talk about big data but surprisingly there is a dire shortage of big Arabic data to build a bigger AI model.”

Arabic is spoken by over 500 million people and is the national language of 27 countries, “but the Arabic content on the web is only 0.5 percent,” Dr Chawla pointed out. “What we really need, at a national and regional level, is collaboration to collect more Arabic data, he emphasized, adding that efforts in promoting Arabic through the fields of science and engineering will propel more innovation in AI in the region”.

The subject of ethics in AI was also central to discussions during the week with experts calling for transparency and education as fundamental principles to embrace in an increasingly AI-centric world. “Foundational models have trained vast amounts of data from around the world. As we have bias in society, we have bias in these models, and it affects our future,” underlined Bekir Ciftler, Head of Data Sharing & Artificial Intelligence Department at University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST). “We need more democratized, open-source technologies,” he said, urging decisionmakers to establish academic and regulatory initiatives that drive responsible AI usage.

AI’s pivotal role in powering Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and ushering in a new era of transportation in the region was another key discussion point at the event. Experts agreed that the region is an ideal testbed for autonomous technologies, particularly due to its advanced infrastructure and emphasis on sustainability, but much work is required to address issues around trust, privacy and safety before widespread adoption.

QSTP AI Week 2024 gathered more than 3,000 local and global experts, innovators, academics and researchers, students and tech enthusiasts. It was organized in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Shell, and Qatar Scientific Club. Al Jazeera Media Institute served as the event media partner. The week featured 54 speakers, 92 local and international exhibitors featuring cutting-edge technologies, 40 AI immersive workshops, a series of expert panel discussions, inspirational talks, and student competitions

Commenting on the occasion, Dr Jack Lau, President of QSTP, said, “QSTP is exceptionally proud of what we have achieved as a team. The amazing turnout at the event and the conversations we have had as a community are only the starting point. We are confident that these discussions will fuel future partnerships unlocking new possibilities for AI development in Qatar and beyond – especially with the participation of 13 regional and international tech startups, part of QSTP’s Global Innovation Link program, who were introduced to Qatar’s thriving tech ecosystem, opening opportunities for cross-border collaborations.  We call on the community to take advantage of such gatherings to understand the impact of technology and how we can contribute and collectively shape a future of boundless possibilities.”

Leading organizations including Google and Shell utilized the platform to engage the community and advance knowledge exchange. Google’s DevFest 2024 was held during the event featuring hands-on demos, workshops, and code labs on the latest Google tech.

Ramesh Chander, Head of Developer Relations for Middle East North Africa, Turkey & Central Asia at Google, said: “Google has always been committed to empowering developers around the world. In the Middle and North Africa, we have witnessed remarkable growth in our developer community and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey. GDDs (Google Developer Days) are more than just meetups. They are vibrant communities that bring developers of all levels and connect them with experts, to enable them to stay up to date with the latest technologies.”

Shell showcased a range of different technologies, offering visitors a chance to understand the role of robotics, 3-D printing, and virtual reality in enhancing safety and efficiency of operations at oil and gas facilities. They also engaged visitors through digital twin technology that presented a digital representation of an oil and gas facility.

Shell has a world-class research and development program based at Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre (QSRTC) which has been an anchor tenant at QSTP since 2008. QSRTC is a member of Shell’s wider R&D community, which includes technology centres in cities such as Amsterdam and Houston.

To learn more about QSTP, please visit: https://qstp.org.qa/.

Qatar Science & Technology Park

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation, is a Free Zone, accelerator and incubator for tech-product development in Qatar. The park fosters an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar that works to accelerate commercialization of market-ready technologies to realize Qatar’s national diversification drive.

QSTP’s focus ranges across four overarching themes, comprising Energy, Environment, Health Sciences and Information & Communication Technologies (ICT), in line with the Qatar National Research Strategy announced in 2012.

Located in Qatar Foundation’s Education City, QSTP has access to the vital resources of a cluster of leading research universities. Members of QSTP’s Free Zone include Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), international corporations and research institutions. They are collectively committed to investing in new technology development programs, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills and developing innovative new products.

QSTP supports QF’s economic and human development objectives for Qatar and is increasingly recognized as an international hub for applied research, innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship.

For more information, please visit the QSTP website at www.qstp.org.qa  

Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF’s world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation’s development.

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa

To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2575042/Dan_Jeavons_Shell.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2575043/QSTP_Logo.jpg

 

 

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NICE Recovery Systems Partners with Norwegian Alpine Ski Team – Team Telenor to Elevate Performance and Recovery on the World Stage

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December 12, 2024

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BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NICE Recovery Systems, a leader in recovery and performance technology, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Norwegian Alpine Ski Team – Team Telenor. This partnership will provide Norway’s top alpine athletes with NICE’s best-in-class recovery solutions, including the NICE1 Iceless Cold + Compression Therapy System, supporting their performance throughout the 2024/2025 World Cup season and beyond.

As the Strategic Partner and Preferred Supplier of Recovery Products for Norwegian Alpine Ski Team – Team Telenor, NICE Recovery Systems is committed to advancing recovery solutions for elite athletes. This collaboration underscores the critical role recovery plays in competitive sports, enabling the Norwegian team to achieve peak performance while highlighting NICE’s innovative technology.

“Recovery is no longer a luxury for elite athletes; it’s a necessity,” said Michael Ross, CEO of NICE Recovery Systems. “We are honored to partner with the Norwegian Alpine Ski Team, whose dedication to excellence aligns with our mission to provide unmatched performance and recovery solutions.”

“We are excited to partner with NICE Recovery Systems and bring their top-tier recovery technology to our team,” said Claus Ryste, Sports Director, Norwegian Alpine Ski Team – Team Telenor. “This collaboration ensures our athletes have the best tools for recovery during a demanding season, and from our experience, the best alternative when injuries occur. We look forward to the support this partnership will provide at the highest level.”

A Partnership Built for Champions

Through this partnership, Norwegian Alpine Ski Team – Team Telenor athletes will incorporate NICE products into their training and competition recovery routines. The partnership kicks off during the Birds of Prey World Cup at Beaver Creek, Colorado (Dec 6-15), where Norwegian Alpine Ski Team – Team Telenor will use NICE products to recover between races.

About NICE Recovery Systems

Based in Boulder, CO, NICE Recovery Systems is dedicated to the uncompromising pursuit of the highest quality recovery and performance technology. With a commitment to innovation and expert-informed design, NICE products empower users to recover smarter, faster, and better. Learn more at www.nicerecovery.com.

About the Norwegian Alpine Ski Team – Team Telenor

Norwegian Alpine Ski Team – Team Telenor represents Norway’s elite alpine skiers, competing on the world’s biggest stages, including the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and the Winter Olympics. Known as the “Attacking Vikings,” the team is a symbol of excellence and dedication in the sport of alpine skiing.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nice-recovery-systems-partners-with-norwegian-alpine-ski-team–team-telenor-to-elevate-performance-and-recovery-on-the-world-stage-302329595.html

SOURCE NICE Recovery Systems

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OCLC is among Computerworld’s ‘Best Places to Work in IT’ for the 16th year

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December 12, 2024

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Global library technology leader ranked second overall among midsize global organizations, first in DEI strategies, and first in benefits

DUBLIN, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OCLC, the leading library technology and research organization, has been named among Computerworld’s Best Places to Work in IT 2025. This is the 16th time OCLC has been named a top workplace for information technology professionals by Computerworld.

OCLC was ranked second overall for midsize employers (1,001 to 4,999 employees). The recognition is part of the prestigious IT publication’s annual selection of the Best Places to Work in IT. In past years, the survey had been offered only to U.S.-based companies, but for the last three years Computerworld has included organizations worldwide.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized among the top IT workplaces in Computerworld’s global survey,” said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. “This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to create a culture in which our associates can excel. I’m often told that our associates come to OCLC because of our mission, and they stay because of the people and culture. It’s our talented, dedicated team that makes OCLC such an exceptional place to work.”

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, OCLC provides state-of-the-art technologies and services, research, and community programs to libraries of all types and sizes. Together, thousands of OCLC member libraries in more than 100 countries support access to the world’s collected knowledge. WorldCat, the world’s most comprehensive online resource for finding library materials, is among many services provided by OCLC. Anyone can search the collections of thousands of libraries through WorldCat.org.

“OCLC is an inclusive workplace where different experiences and viewpoints are represented in our work on behalf of libraries and their users worldwide,” said Tammi Spayde, OCLC Chief HR Officer. “We know that diverse views create the best services. Our goal is to provide an environment where people thrive professionally, while enjoying the benefits they need to succeed outside of work.”

In addition to placing second overall in the midsize category, OCLC placed first for its DEI strategies, first for exceptional benefits, sixth for IT growth, and seventh for remote/hybrid work experience.

“Our global IT teams are responsible for systems and services that libraries, researchers, students, and lifelong learners depend on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, worldwide,” said Bart Murphy, OCLC Chief Technology and Information Officer. “We employ a great combination of IT professionals who are committed to our mission and are eager to grow their careers with a world-class information technology leader.”

More about careers at OCLC is on the OCLC website.

For more information: Contact Bob Murphy at murphyb@oclc.org or +1-614-761-5136

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SOURCE OCLC

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E2IP’s Edge AI Sensing Platform with Machine Vision. An ST Micro based Edge AI platform

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December 12, 2024

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MONTRÉAL, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Today, we are excited to announce the launch of the E2IP Edge AI Sensing Platform (EAISP), our platform for developers, engineers, and early adopters eager to explore the next frontier of intelligent Edge AI computing. EAISP enables intelligence to be added to devices at the edge, unleashing the real power of smart devices. Powered by the ST Microelectronics AI MCU processor, the STM32N6, EAISP is designed to bring unparalleled AI-powered general sensing and machine vision capabilities to cross vertical applications on edge devices.

The Edge AI Sensing Platform combines high-performance machine vision with robust edge AI processing, delivering real-time insights and enabling smarter decision-making directly on the device. With its seamless integration of machine learning and support of AI algorithms, this platform is built to handle demanding applications in medical, security, industrial automation, smart cities, and more. The platform is designed for situations where time (low latency), efficiency (low power and reduced data transmissions), security (no transmission of sensing data) all matter; extremely compact and power-efficient to deploy, EAISP minimizes the data that needs to be stored and transmitted — enabling low-latency, real-time decision-making at the device level.

Key Features:

STM32N6-Based Architecture: Powered by the latest STM32N6 microcontroller, providing exceptional processing power, energy efficiency, and a proprietary NPUReal-Time Edge AI Processing: Process data locally with low latency to provide faster insightsMachine Vision Integration: Built-in support for computer vision, enabling real-time object recognition, motion tracking, and intelligent scene understandingScalable Whether you’re developing a smart factory, autonomous vehicle system, or AI-enhanced surveillance network, the platform is designed to scale for diverse applications

Why Early Adopters Should Take Notice:

Innovation at the Edge: Leverage powerful AI models and machine vision at the edge, reducing reliance on centralized computing resources and enhancing privacyFuture-Proof and Flexible: The EdgeAI Sensing Platform allows users to future-proof their designs with an ecosystem that supports both hardware and software advancementsLow Latency, High Efficiency: With edge-based processing, latency is minimized, allowing for near real time inferencing —critical for applications requiring split-second decision-makingEasy Development: Development tools and models from STM32Cube.ai make it easier than ever to get started with AI-powered sensing and machine vision without requiring deep expertise in hardware design

“We are excited to deliver a platform that accelerates AI innovation at the Edge for general sensing and machine vision applications,” said Eric St-Jacques, CEO at e2ip technologies. “EaiSP’s combination of processing power, energy efficiency, and AI capabilities, along with support for development tools and services offers an unprecedented opportunity for early adopters to lead the way in smart, AI-powered solutions, by adding intelligence at the edge where sensors operate.”

Availability:

Developed in partnership with Siana-Systems, the first version of the Edge AI Sensing Platform with Machine Vision will be available for purchase in January of 2025 and demonstrated at CES in the ST Pavillion.

Contact us to learn about our Early Adopter Program.

About E2IP TECHNOLOGIES

Smart Structural Surfaces™ and Devices. We create new possibilities through fundamental research in embedded system architectures, material sciences, printed electronics, and advanced manufacturing processes. Our Innovations reduce the eco footprint of the global electronics industry, add intelligence and simplify how we all interact with electronic systems in our everyday lives. E2IP is the HMI, IIoT and now Edge AI partner to global market leaders of the world’s most demanding markets. For more information, visit our website www.e2ip.com 

About ST

At ST, we are over 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are committed to achieving our goal to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

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SOURCE E2IP Technologies

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