By Tatiana Mhararira
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) in collaboration with Girls in Stem Trust is set to host an Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics Boot camp from August 5-9, 2024 for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions at its Mashava Campus.
The bootcamp is designed to empower educators and students by providing them with necessary technological skills to tackle real-world problems.
Speaking to TellZim News, the organizing chairperson and GZU Computer Science lecturer Monica Madyembwa said the boot camp is important in that it provided a platform for learning as well as for stakeholders to engage.
“This marks the inaugural occasion for Great Zimbabwe University to host such an event. We are excited to introduce this event and we are committed to ensuring resounding success. This unique initiative does not only provides a platform for learning but also presents a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to engage,” said Madyembwa.
The AI and Robotics bootcamp activities will include practical machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and image recognition, robotics fundamentals and responsible AI.
Madyembwa said the advantages of participating at the AI and Robotics bootcamp were that the participants will gain skills with the goal of nurturing the development of commercially viable products.
“Participating at the boot camp offers attendees advantages such as skill development in AI & Robotics, hands-on learning opportunities through real world projects, networking prospects with industry professionals and peers, fostering innovation, advancing career opportunities, gaining insights into industry trends and creating a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange.
“Furthermore, the event enhances the quality of enrolled students at the university who can embrace demands of education 5.0. The focus on developing commercially viable products opens doors to entrepreneurial ventures while contributing to the technological advancement of AI and Robotic fields,” she added.
One of the organisers Davison Mada said GZU was chosen to host the event because it had the necessary equipment for the boot camp and said preparations for the event were underway.
“Great Zimbabwe University has the necessary equipment, hardware and special skills in the area of Computer Science with experts from the School of Natural Sciences.
“Preparations are on course and the camp has generated a lot of interest in the province and beyond. The deadline for registration is July 31, 2024 and we are calling upon those who are interested to register,” said Mada.
Registration is pegged at US$450 for 6 participants and extra participants pay US$15 per day whereas individuals pay US$100 per person. The prices include food and accommodation for the whole week.
The bootcamp is a follow up of the recently held provincial tournament at Masvingo Christian College and the National World Robotics competitions held in Bulawayo where Zimuto High scooped the first position early July.
