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NEW PARTNERSHIP TO OFFER OMAN STUDENTS TO COLLABORATE IN STEM INNOVATION CHALLENGE
The New York Academy of Sciences and Ericsson have partnered in a two-year programme to provide two hundred students in Oman an opportunity to collaborate on a global ‘ Internet of Things ’ ( IoT ) Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM ) Innovation Challenge .
Through the Academy ’ s Launchpad platform , teams of up to six students aged 13 to 17 are paired with a mentor – who is a STEM professional , graduate student or post-doctoral fellow . In the Fall Challenge , the teams designed smart homes that integrate technology to collect , process and store environmental and health information . The data is to be used to promote the sustainable use of energy as well as the physical and mental health of the homes ’ residents .
With Ericsson ’ s support , 100 Omani students participate in the programme each year through the Omani Ministry of Education ’ s Center of Excellence .
This past semester , teams from around Oman took on some big ideas to integrate IoT technology in homes .
Some teams used Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) to improve Wi-Fi performance or IoT to improve quality of life for people with mobility challenges . One team investigated how Virtual Reality ( VR ) can improve interactions with smart devices while another incentivised the use of smart devices to save families money .
While the projects vary , the themes are clear – how can we use STEM to improve our communities ?
“ We are pleased to work closely with Ericsson and the New York Academy of Sciences ’ Junior Academy ,” said Huda Al Dughaishi , Innovation Specialist at the Ministry of Education in Oman .
“ This programme will help turn our passionate students into problem solvers as they design innovative solutions for smart houses and other global challenges . We are confident students will gain through self-learning . They will deepen their subject knowledge and strengthen their ability to take action to solve real-world problems in Oman .”
“ We are happy to be partnering with Oman ’ s Ministry of Education and Ericsson to help students in Oman develop global STEM skills ,” added Nicholas Dirks , President and CEO of the Academy .
“ This Internet of Things Smart Homes Challenge is just one way in which the Academy ’ s Global STEM Alliance builds bridges between students around the world . We welcome the Omani students as they join our network of 20,000 young people in 100 countries .” x
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