RAWALPINDI — A team of students from Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, clinched the Best AI Use Award at the 2025 Asia-Pacific (APAC) Solution Challenge, a prestigious global technology competition supported by Google and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The contest attracted more than 750 teams from 12 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, with the top 10 finalists including teams from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Team GeoGemma, comprising Ahmed Iqbal, Hanzila Bin Younas, Khalil Ur Rehman, and Abdullah Asif, developed an innovative solution that leverages satellite imagery and artificial intelligence through the Gemini API to provide early warning alerts and risk assessments for disaster-prone areas. Their use of geospatial technology holds significant potential to save lives by enhancing disaster preparedness and response.
Additionally, Team i+1 from NUCES FAST secured a place among the Top 10 finalists with their AI-powered document classifier designed to simplify complex texts for neurodivergent individuals, promoting inclusivity and broader access to information.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Asima Rabbani, hosted both teams at her official residence to celebrate their achievements. She praised the academic mentors, institutions, and organizers for their crucial support, highlighting that these successes underscore Pakistan’s growing role in the global AI and innovation ecosystem.
