By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Egypt’s Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is backing the launch of the
Responsible AI Cup 2.0, an initiative aimed at encouraging small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
to adopt responsible artificial intelligence practices.
The competition, described
as the region’s first incentive-based initiative for SMEs developing or using
AI systems, is being organised by the Access to Knowledge for Development
Center (A2K4D) at the American University in Cairo’s Onsi Sawiris School of
Business, in collaboration with the MENA Observatory on Responsible AI.
The initiative seeks to
support the development of startups and SMEs that integrate responsible AI
principles into their products, services and business operations. It will also
provide participating enterprises with capacity-building opportunities through
workshops and training while fostering collaboration among academia, the
private sector, civil society and regulators.
Participating companies will
be assessed against eight core areas of responsible AI, including privacy,
accountability, environmental sustainability, safety, transparency, fairness,
human control and responsibility.
The competition will follow
a two-stage application process. Interested enterprises are required to first
submit an Expression of Interest confirming their eligibility and providing an
overview of their AI solution. Shortlisted applicants will subsequently
complete a Responsible AI Self-Assessment Form examining their systems against
established responsible AI principles and practices.
The top-performing
enterprises will be recognised at an awards ceremony scheduled for November 24.
The first-place winner will receive USD 4,000, while second and third place
will receive USD 3,000 and USD 2,000 respectively. Honorary awards will also be
presented to the fourth- and fifth-ranked participants.
MCIT’s support for the
Responsible AI Cup 2.0 forms part of Egypt’s broader efforts to promote
responsible practices within its expanding AI ecosystem and encourage
businesses to make transparency, fairness and accountability central to AI
development.
The deadline for submitting
Expressions of Interest is September 10.
