Indigenous Australian Datathon (IAD)
Brace yourselves for the triumphant return of the Indigenous Australian Datathon (IAD) as it gears up for its third consecutive year in Cairns, from the 3rd to the 5th of November 2023.
Spearheaded by KJR in collaboration with James Cook University (JCU), tech pioneers and communities, IAD is set to create waves of innovation uniting Traditional Owners, technologists, data professionals, start-ups, and students in an extraordinary quest to revolutionise the future of Australian communities.
IAD invites ambitious start-ups, creative entrepreneurs and Traditional Owners from across Australia to converge in Cairns – a national hub for Indigenous Innovation. Together at JCU’s Ideas Lab Cairns, they will embark on an unparallel journey of discovery and exploration, crafting groundbreaking AI and big data solutions that address real community challenges and forge pathways to a better, brighter tomorrow.
Joining hands with traditional wisdom, cutting-edge AI, and modern technology, IAD is a beacon of hope for the future. Be a part of this awe-inspiring event, where participants gain technical skills, work with real-world data, and build lasting connections while contributing to a brighter future for all. You don’t need to be a technologist to join, you just need to be an interested, passionate individual!
Reflecting on his experience at the 2022 edition, Brendan Fletcher, Indigenous Ranger Coordinator, Gidarijil Land and Sea Rangers, Bundaberg, invites more communities to join this event: “If people are passionate about their community, I would recommend coming here because this is the opportunity for them to learn new techniques and come up with ideas. We’ve given assistance on how to use the technology to our advantage.”
David Smulders, CEO of BiTQ and participant in the 2022 edition, emphasizes the value of these events, stating, “This event holds immense significance for both the Indigenous community and the technology community alike. It serves as a platform where we can learn from one another and harness the resources at our disposal to cultivate superior solutions and outcomes. By combining the invaluable wealth of knowledge possessed by traditional landowners with cutting-edge advancements in AI and related technologies, we have the opportunity to foster remarkable synergy and create transformative results. This event exemplifies the power of collaboration between traditional wisdom and modern technology.”
The collaborative engagement witnessed during the previous editions of the Datathon played a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of the solutions generated.
Dr Kelvin Ross, Chair of KJR and IAD committee member, highlights the significance of bringing together individuals with various knowledge and perspectives, stating, “It’s a great opportunity for bringing together people of slightly different backgrounds, who may have different viewpoints to solving unique challenges, and opening their eyes to what their role and special skills bring but also opening them up to what they can learn from others. As a team, we deliver a lot more.”
The IAD committee has once again partnered with passionate partners, including tech partners, universities and governmental agencies, to bring on this free impactful event. Advance Queensland through the Department of Tourism Innovation and Sport have supported the collaborative efforts of the Datathon since its inception by enabling Indigenous community leaders and Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to attend.
The protection of Indigenous culture and solving community problems through digital innovation, machine learning and artificial intelligence under the guidance of community leaders and data professionals is an exciting opportunity.
This initiative actively supports the priorities in the AQ strategy to foster collaboration and build sustainable partnerships to deliver outcomes to unlock greater business potential and ensure diversity and inclusion of Indigenous people.
About The Indigenous Australian Datathon
The Indigenous Australian Datathon is a 2-day event held in Cairns that will bring together a diverse group of data professionals, indigenous communities and students to explore digital and data-driven solutions to solve real-world indigenous community challenges in Australia.
People can be involved by joining a team for the weekend and working on a solution to solve a community problem. The problem is brought by the Indigenous Communities and the team put their effort together to use tech and data to solve it with the input from Traditional Owners. The solution is then brought back to the community.
Here are a few examples of solutions from past year events:
- Otoscope Project – The project aimed at tackling middle ear disease amongst Indigenous populations. The team worked on an AI-enabled otoscope to detect early signs of tympanic abnormality.
- Turtle Project – Detection of Turtle nests: detection of Bajigal (Turtle) tracks using drone technology.
- Sea Coral Classification and Detection – The team proposed the implementation of a coral classification process that cut the time it takes Gidargil Bundaberg sea rangers to identify, count and classify seasonal sea coral by over 50 per cent, and introduce predictive analysis for the prevention of further damage to their reef.
- Erosion on Country – Nature affects the erosion of sandstone at different rates. Using Traditional Owners’ knowledge of the indicators of erosion, the team developed a monitoring tool for rangers that provides them with information about the erosion stage on Country. The AI groove detection model can predict grooves from drone footage in areas difficult to access.
The IAD, previously known as the Northern Australian Indigenous Datathon, has undergone a transformation to embrace its new national focus.
“The Datathon continues to evolve and exceed expectations year after year. The event has grown into a national platform, attracting communities from all corners of Australia. With increased involvement from Traditional Owners, partners, and sponsors, the Indigenous Australian Datathon is poised to reach new heights, amplifying its impact and creating lasting change for Indigenous communities across the country” says Darryl Lyons, Indigenous Entrepreneur in Residence at JCU and IAD Committee member.
There is no prerequisite to join this event – no need to have tech experience.
Find out more and register your interest via our website: Indigenous Australian Datathon
See you in November 2023!
