Canadian University Dubai Students Secure Third Place at IEEE UAE Student Day Competitions

Innovative AI-powered FoodGuardian app earns Helia Haghighi and Sara Alameri recognition and a 1000 AED prize 

June 27th, 2024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Canadian University Dubai students Helia Haghighi and Sara Alameri from the Computer Science Department have secured third place and a 1000 AED cash prize at the 18th  IEEE UAE Student Day Competitions for their innovative FoodGuardian application.  

The AI-powered mobile app, mentored by Dr. Said Elnaffar, Associate Professor at the School of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology aims to reduce household food waste by monitoring food expiry dates and connecting users with nearby local food banks for donations. The app monitors the expiry dates of stored food items and sends notifications about nearby local food banks, encouraging users to donate surplus food and minimize waste. 

Dr. Said Elnaffar praised the students' achievements, stating, "Helia and Sara's work on the FoodGuardian app is a testament to their innovative thinking and technical skills. Their AI-powered solution effectively addresses the challenge of household food waste by simplifying the tracking process and promoting food donations." 

The team's success at the IEEE UAE Student Day Competitions is especially remarkable, as it was their debut in the competition circuit and the first time they participated and won a prize for their innovation. Their success also reaffirms the university’s commitment to nurturing innovative solutions and advancing technological excellence. 

With this remarkable achievement, Helia and Sara have not only brought recognition to themselves but have also contributed to positioning CUD as a hub for nurturing forward-thinking leaders in the field of technology.

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