The rapidly evolving intersection of technology and social responsibility is illustrated through two significant initiatives: Huawei’s Tech4City competition in Singapore and the work of digital innovator Paul Onyekwelu in Nigeria. Both demonstrate how technology can address pressing issues while empowering future generations.

Huawei’s Tech4City competition, now in its fourth year, continues to challenge young innovators aged 16 to 35 to develop smart and sustainable solutions to various societal issues. The competition focuses on three primary themes: Smart Healthcare, Smart Education, and Smart City. Participants are encouraged to leverage technology to improve urban living, enhance educational methods, and address challenges in healthcare, particularly as related to ageing populations and mental wellness.

The launch event for Tech4City 2025 gathered youth innovators, partners, and mentors, reinforcing a collaborative ecosystem rich with opportunities for mentorship and skills development. Participants in the competition benefit from access to Huawei’s resources, coupled with the chance to scale their ideas into meaningful innovations. Winning projects from previous years include the AI-powered fitness game suite, PrimePlay, aimed at engaging seniors in exercise, and the Mobility Traffic Crossing System, which uses AI to enhance pedestrian safety for individuals using mobility aids.

In particular, PrimePlay, developed by a team of biomedical engineering graduates from the National University of Singapore, won the 2024 grand prize, which included funding of $20,000. The project was built on the premise that engaging seniors through gaming could be more effective than traditional exercise methods. Similarly, the Mobility Traffic Crossing System identified and extended green-light timings for those using mobility aids, presenting a practical application of AI in urban infrastructure.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Paul Onyekwelu has been gaining recognition for his impactful contributions to the tech space, particularly through his work in artificial intelligence and health technology. Focused on ethical and inclusive digital innovation, Onyekwelu combines research with practical application, showing how technology can be harnessed to solve real-world challenges, particularly in healthcare. His approach is marked by an emphasis on mentorship and fostering a new generation of tech talent, reinforcing the importance of skill development in the rapidly changing landscape of digital technology.

Onyekwelu’s research in mobile health apps and the application of AI in medical imaging exemplify his dedication to enhancing healthcare outcomes in underserved communities. His mentorship initiatives, including the Google Africa Developer Scholarship, aim to elevate grassroots developers, allowing them access to global opportunities and resources.

Both Huawei’s Tech4City and Onyekwelu’s efforts highlight a growing trend in using technology as a tool for social change and improvement in quality of life. They underscore the potential for digital innovations to not only drive progress but also create inclusive pathways for future generations. Through competitions, mentorship, and real-world applications, these initiatives are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable, and equitable future.

Source: Noah Wire Services