International opportunities: the participation of Muhammad Waseem Akram, Ph.D. of Sant'Anna School, in the EELISA hackathon at Zollhof

Thanks to the EELISA alliance, Sant'Anna School participated with 3 students in Zollhof's HACK|BAY, an hackathon in which interdisciplinary teams create solutions to propose to a panel of judges.

Among the participants was Muhammad Waseem Akram, Ph.D. student in Emerging Digital Technologies, who explain more about this international opportunity in a short interview.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Muhammad Waseem Akram and I am a PhD student in Emerging Digital Technologies. My research focuses on music chord recognition using artificial intelligence. I am passionate about leveraging AI to enhance music analysis and contribute to the advancement of digital technology in the field of music.

What was your motivation to participate in this opportunity?

My primary motivation to participate in the HACK|BAY event was the opportunity to apply innovative technology to solve real-world industrial problems. This challenge resonated with my academic focus and passion for deploying cutting-edge technology in practical, impactful ways. Additionally, EELISA's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary and transnational collaboration further motivated me, as it offered a chance to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals, leveraging our collective skills to address complex engineering challenges effectively.

What are your main takeaways for you from this opportunity?

My main takeaways from participating in HACK|BAY include:

• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration: Working with team members from different cultural and professional backgrounds, including students from various universities, professional software developers and industry people, enriched our approach to problem-solving.
• Practical application of Artificial Intelligence: Developing an algorithm to track SLC crates in real-time demonstrated the practical benefits and challenges of applying AI in industrial settings.
• Enhancing efficiency: Our solution had a direct impact on optimizing production flow in Schaeffler’s factories, highlighting the potential of AI to drive industrial efficiency.

Would you recommend other students or colleagues of yours and why to participate in upcoming EELISA opportunities?

Absolutely, I would highly recommend other students and colleagues to participate in upcoming EELISA opportunities. These events provide a unique platform to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and engage with real-world industrial problems. The experience not only enhances technical skills but also broadens one's perspective by working with diverse teams, including students from different universities and professional, and contributing to meaningful solutions.

To learn more about the international opportunities offered by the Sant'Anna School and the EELISA alliance, visit the dedicated page.

In copertina: Muhammad Waseem Akram at Zollhof.