The Bias Busters, a five-member team from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), has secured victory in both the Northwest regional round and the National Finals of the prestigious National AI Challenge 2024. Organized by TechIreland and supported by major sponsors including Google, OpenAI, ALPHA Innovation EU, Enterprise Ireland, and Data2Sustain, the competition showcased Ireland’s most innovative AI talent over two weeks from August 24 to September 5, 2024.
Led by ATU’s Dr. Saritha Unnikrishnan and Dr. Alan Hernon, the Bias Busters team won the Northwest regional round held on August 31, 2024, and continued their success by claiming the top spot at the National Finals in Galway on September 5, 2024.
The team’s winning prototype addresses bias in AI systems—an increasingly critical issue in ethical AI development. Their innovative solution detects bias in qualitative reviews, compares the results with Google Vertex AI model predictions to identify potential issues, and suggests mitigation strategies to avoid biases in data. This approach impressed judges and sponsors, demonstrating significant potential for real-world application.
The ATU team members are:
- Oladosu Oladimeji
- Dr. Alan Hernon
- Nihal Elfodil
- Obed Adjei Peprah
They were commended for their innovative and ethical approach to AI development.
Dr. Saritha Unnikrishnan, PhD, team lead and supervisor at ATU, expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishment:
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creativity of each member of Bias Busters. It’s not just about winning; it’s about making a meaningful contribution to the AI community by using AI for societal good. I’m incredibly proud of how the team worked together to develop a prototype that has the potential to create positive change.”
Obed Adjei Peprah, a team member and PhD researcher at ATU, shared his experience:
“Participating in this challenge has been an incredible experience. From concept development to prototype implementation, the entire process taught us the importance of responsible AI development. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our work on such a prestigious platform and to contribute towards building ethical AI systems.”
The Bias Busters are now focused on refining their prototype with the goal of collaborating with industry partners for real-world implementation.
As a major sponsor, Data2Sustain is proud to have supported the National AI Challenge 2024. The competition aligns with our commitment to promoting ethical and sustainable AI practices. By supporting initiatives that foster innovation and address critical issues like bias in AI systems, Data2Sustain contributes to advancing responsible AI development.
