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Obiettivi dell’Hackathlon

The Municipality of Catania is organizing an AI Hackathon for environmental sustainability to identify creative solutions that can improve waste management and urban green space care through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques.
  • Promote innovative solutions for environmental sustainability, waste management, and urban green care, through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques.

  • Encourage collaboration between students, researchers, developers, and AI enthusiasts to find real solutions to local and global environmental problems applied to the City of Catania.

  • Create a networking platform for young innovators interested in AI and sustainability, so that they can contribute “Sine die” to the innovation of the City.

When

Day 1 (May 27)
Presentation of main themes and formation of workgroups. Introductory seminars on AI, machine learning, and environmental and urban sustainability. Special session: “Waste and Urban Green Management in Catania: Problems and Opportunities.”

Day 2 (May 28)
Project development, brainstorming, and mentorship with experts in AI and urban planning. Practical activities with prototype development sessions in groups, focused on specific issues such as waste management and public green areas.

Day 3 (May 29)
Final project pitch. A jury of experts will evaluate the best projects based on environmental impact, technological innovation, and potential for implementation in the city.

Theme

Smart Waste Management: AI-based solutions can help develop a more efficient waste collection system tailored to the intrinsic characteristics of the city itself, improving waste separation and reducing waste production. Predictive analysis for optimizing the city’s waste collection service according to its urban layout, and parameterization of the collection methodology to be implemented based on data for both domestic and non-domestic users. Mapping and monitoring of micro-dumps and testing of an interactive control system.

Urban Green Monitoring: AI-based projects could monitor the health of urban green spaces in real-time, identifying situations of water stress or diseases, as well as suggesting more efficient maintenance plans for gardens and public parks, which could reduce costs and improve the city’s appearance. The analysis of environmental data will define strategies to promote green infrastructure as a key element of the urban context, designed to provide specific ecosystem services, improving the quality of life for residents in a more permeable, healthier, and therefore more livable city.

Who can participate?

  • University and high school students

  • Universities and Research Centers

  • AI professionals and AI enthusiasts

Where?

The Hackathon will be held in a hybrid format (either in person or remotely).
Location: “Palazzo Platamone” (former Palazzo della Cultura), via Vittorio Emanuele II, 121 – Catania
👉 View on Google Maps

 

How to participate?

Applications will be open from April 6, 2025, at 00:00  until May 10, 2025, at 23:59.
To apply, fill out the form available at the dedicated link, choosing whether to participate as a TALENT or as a TEAM.