Karbala – The Polytechnic College at Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University hosted the Artificial Intelligence Festival under the slogan "Applications by Iraqi Hands", drawing wide participation from academic and research circles focused on digital transformation.
Designed to bolster local technical capacity, the event featured scientific sessions and practical demonstrations highlighting the ability of local researchers and student innovators to apply modern technologies toward public needs.
Ali Al-Talaqani, Head of Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, attended the opening ceremony following an invitation from the university, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen links between independent think tanks and technical education institutions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the festival with university lecturer and college media director Kamal Obeid, Al-Talaqani noted that investing in artificial intelligence is a strategic necessity for building a sustainable knowledge economy. He emphasized the importance of aligning academic output with national development needs.
The festival saw strong participation from university faculty and students from Sayyid Al-Maa' Boys Secondary School, part of the Al-Ameed Educational Group, who presented advanced technical projects utilizing AI algorithms and automated safety systems.
Among the highlighted projects was a "Digital Security System" developed by students Muntadhar Abdul-Ameer Qasim, Mohammad Ali Mohammad, and Mujtaba Haidar. Built on an Arduino hardware platform, the system monitors hazardous conditions such as fires and physical falls, issuing immediate emergency alerts.
Another featured project, "SUPER GAS ALARM", developed by students Hamza Nawras and Mustafa Ahmad under the supervision of instructor Sajjad Sabah, uses smart sensors to detect gas leaks and provide early warnings to protect lives and property.
The festival concluded with panel discussions examining the integration of AI applications into public infrastructure, emphasizing the necessity of supporting young innovators and converting student projects into practical, scalable solutions that support the national economy.
*Sayyid Al-Maa' Boys Secondary School (“Water-Bearer,” referring to Al-Abbas (PBUH), who is revered for providing water to the family of the Prophet during the Battle of Karbala)
