ISLAMABAD – July 1, 2025: In a major win for Pakistan’s young tech talent, a team of students from Islamabad’s Institute of Space Technology (IST) has been awarded the Best AI Use Award at the 2025 Asia-Pacific (APAC) Solution Challenge — a prestigious competition backed by Google and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Out of over 750 participating teams from 12 countries across the region, Team GeoGemma stood out for its life-saving innovation that combines artificial intelligence with geospatial technology. Their system, powered by the Gemini API, uses satellite imagery to predict natural disasters and send early warning alerts — a tool that could make a critical difference in disaster preparedness and risk management.
The team — made up of Ahmed Iqbal, Hanzila Bin Younas, Khalil Ur Rehman, and Abdullah Asif — was praised for its practical, forward-thinking approach to tackling real-world challenges using cutting-edge AI tools. Organisers and judges highlighted the project’s potential to save lives, especially in vulnerable, disaster-prone areas.
“This is more than just a tech solution — it’s a contribution to global resilience,” one judge noted during the awards ceremony.
Adding to the celebration, another Pakistani team, Team i+1 from NUCES FAST, also earned a spot among the competition’s Top 10 finalists. Their project, also developed using Gemini tools, features an AI-powered document classifier designed to simplify complex texts for neurodivergent individuals — a significant step toward accessibility and inclusion in digital learning.
The competition featured top student innovators from across Asia-Pacific, including teams from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia — making Pakistan’s dual recognition even more impressive.
In recognition of their outstanding performance, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Asima Rabbani, hosted both teams at her official residence in Manila. She applauded not just the students, but also their academic mentors, institutions, and the event organisers, calling the achievement “a proud moment for Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem.”
“These young minds are a reflection of Pakistan’s rising potential in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies,” she said. “Their success proves we are not just participants, but serious contenders on the global tech stage.”
