Successful Conclusion of the Fourth Annual Nepal AI School (ANAIS) – Spring Edition 2023
Date: June 3, 2023
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
The Annual Nepal AI School (ANAIS) – Spring Edition 2023, organized by the Nepal Applied Mathematics and Informatics Institute for Research (NAAMII), concluded on June 2, 2023, marking a successful milestone in fostering AI research and knowledge sharing. The event, held from May 22 to June 2, aimed to equip students and professionals with essential skills, present cutting-edge research, and inspire the next generation of AI leaders from developing countries. In addition, the school had a day hike for encouraging social interaction and bonding among participants and speakers. ANAIS successfully achieved its objectives, providing fundamental knowledge in AI research, presenting state-of-the-art research, inspiring early-stage researchers, and fostering knowledge sharing. The event covered a series of lectures, lab sessions, and paper reading/writing sessions, addressing various aspects of AI research.
Key Highlights:
1. Distinguished Speakers and Experts:
The fourth edition featured renowned experts from around the world, including keynote speakers like Prof. Angela Yao from the National University of Singapore, Prof. CV Jawahar from IIIT Hyderabad, India, and Prof. Michael Bronstein from the University of Oxford. The lineup included influential figures who shared valuable insights and bridged key gaps in teaching methodologies.
2. Global Participation:
Over 155 participants from Nepal and abroad attended the event, including senior undergraduates, graduates, PhD students, working engineers, and academics interested in AI. The event maintained a balanced representation, with 27% female participants and 73% male participants.
3. Sponsorship and Support:
ANAIS received support from prominent sponsors, including Pathshala Nepal Foundation as the venue partner, King’s College Kathmandu as the managing partner, and support from The Asia Foundation, Himalaya Trading Pvt. Ltd., DIYO.AI, and Google. Their contributions played a crucial role in the success of the event.
4. Media Coverage:
The event garnered attention from national media, with a feature in the National Daily, highlighting the momentum gained by the Artificial Intelligence School in Kathmandu. The coverage can be explored here.
The Annual Nepal AI School (ANAIS) – Spring Edition 2023 concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impact on AI research in Nepal and the region. The event not only provided essential knowledge and networking opportunities but also played a pivotal role in democratizing AI and shaping the future of the field. With the collaboration of sponsors, partners, and experts, ANAIS has set a precedent for excellence in AI education and research.