Punjab School Education Board Hosts AI Hackathon to Foster Tech Skills Among Students
In a significant move to integrate cutting-edge technologies into the educational framework, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) organized an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hackathon as the grand finale of a pilot project. This initiative aimed at building AI competencies among students in government schools across the state.
Collaborative Effort and Extensive Training
The project was launched in partnership with the First Academy of Artificial Intelligence (FAAI) and Skilleareum, reaching over 1,000 students and 22 teachers from 22 schools. As part of the program, participants underwent 12 weeks of live, interactive online training sessions conducted by AI experts. These sessions were designed to provide hands-on experience and deepen understanding of AI concepts.
Government Support and Vision for the Future
Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains emphasized that the initiative is more than just a competition; it is a movement to prepare children for the future. "AI is the language of today, and we are ensuring that students in government schools are ready to lead in the technological era," he stated. Bains highlighted the goals of promoting innovation, technical skills, creativity, and leadership among students, while encouraging entrepreneurial exploration. He added that the state government plans to expand AI education to more schools in the upcoming academic session, aiming to help students compete at the highest levels globally.
Hackathon Details and Participant Showcase
PSEB Chairperson Dr. Amarpal Singh reported that the hackathon saw participation from 20 schools, with 60 students competing in teams of three. Each team was allotted one hour to present their projects, which were evaluated by a panel of AI experts. Students demonstrated their skills in various areas, including:
- Innovation and creative problem-solving
- Video creation using AI tools
- Business planning and strategy development
- Web development with modern AI technologies
Winners and Recognition
The hackathon concluded with the announcement of winners, who received cash prizes for their outstanding projects:
- First Prize (Rs 11,000): PSEB Adarsh Senior Secondary School, Khatkar Kalan
- Second Prize (Rs 5,100): Ravinder Khullar Memorial GM Model Senior Secondary School, Jalandhar
- Third Prize (Rs 3,100): Shaheed Udham Singh Wala Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Sunam
Consolation prizes of Rs 3,100 each were awarded to GTB Khalsa Senior Secondary Public School, Dasuya, and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Mandi Gobindgarh. This recognition not only celebrates student achievements but also underscores the state's commitment to fostering a tech-savvy generation.
The success of this pilot project sets a precedent for future educational initiatives in Punjab, aligning with global trends in digital literacy and AI integration. By empowering students with these skills, the PSEB aims to bridge the technology gap and enhance career opportunities for youth in government schools.
