The Young Engineers Uganda teams recently made headlines in victory through stellar glory at the ENJOY AI 2024, which took place in Shanghai, China, between the 12th and 18th of December.
Organized by the Federation of Global Youth Artificial Intelligence, the event gathered talented innovators globally to demonstrate their AI skills and collaborate on innovative projects. This year’s championship saw participation from 34 countries globally, including Uganda, competing in different challenges. Uganda, in one of the challenges they participated in, emerged as a champion with the Ethiopian team following suit.
Just like many other teams from various countries, Young Engineers Uganda had extensive practice sessions leading to their victory. Competing fiercely against teams from various countries, they demonstrated technical prowess, creativity, and teamwork—qualities essential for success in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape.
The Galactic Defence Battle
The ENJOY AI 2024 event showcased a series of innovative challenges that pushed the boundaries of creativity and technology. The challenges of Space Animal City, Space Traveling, the 3D Virtual Robot Competition, the Galactic Defense Battle, and the Closing Ceremony of Sports provided a platform for participating teams worldwide to demonstrate their expertise in AI, robotics, and problem-solving.
Young Engineers Uganda proudly represented their country in the Galactic Defense Battle and Closing Ceremony of Sports challenges —where three and two teams participated respectively. The Galactic Defense Battle challenge required them to design and operate robots capable of performing intricate attack and defense maneuvers, while the Closing Ceremony of Sports emphasized robotics, programming, and artificial intelligence.
Young Engineers Uganda triumphed in the challenges. The team’s ability to design and control robots for space-themed attack and defense tasks proved unmatched as they outperformed their opponents in the intense one-on-one format. Their success demonstrated their technical expertise and ability to adapt and execute strategic decisions under pressure, securing a well-deserved victory on the global stage.
The teams’ robots also stood out, winning the “Dedicated” and “Team Spirit” awards.
“This victory is a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of our young innovators,” Ms. Maureen Ayebare Karamagi, CEO of Young Engineers Uganda, said in a post on X. “I extended my appreciation to the Young Engineers Uganda coaches for their commitment to training young innovators in STEM and robotics projects.”
The Ugandan team gave their best in this challenge; they devised innovative strategies and solutions that won the day for them. Their performance earned them well-deserved recognition, making their nation proud as they returned home with a trophy symbolizing their dedication and skill.
Beyond the competition, Young Engineers Uganda had a memorable experience in Shanghai —taking part in a STEM tour that rolled out across the halls of the Shanghai Minhang Polytechnic. There they were guided around by local officials such as the governor and president of the institution. During that visit, they participated in hands-on exercises to explore advanced technologies and innovations. The most memorable was face painting, which turned out creative and relaxing after such high levels of competition.
Celebrating STEM Education
Young Engineers Uganda operates under the African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST) Ltd, an initiative championing a holistic approach to nurturing young minds aged 4 to 17 in STEM education. It aims to turn these children into future scientists, innovators, and problem solvers.
The program, which originated from the Young Engineers Foundation in 2008, has spread to over 50 countries around the world with more than 30,000 students benefiting.
It’s their victories at the ENJOY AI competition (China), Young Engineers Pan Africa STEM Competition (Tanzania) Vex World Robotics Championship (USA), and the Pan African Robotics Championship (Senegal) that confirm the reason for such educational initiatives —they practically show how jugged structured programs may help the youth work towards attaining their potential in a competitive environment.
