Ryan Balloo@ryanballoo

ECO-SYNK transforms environmental action in the UAE and GCC by merging AI technology with social engagement to combat urban waste. Traditional reporting methods are fragmented and inefficient, leaving communities disconnected from solutions. Our platform bridges this gap through instant AI-powered waste detection and community mobilization. When users spot trash, they simply snap a photo using our app. Custom-trained YOLOv8 AI instantly identifies and categorizes waste with 85%+ accuracy while geotagging each item. This creates real-time heat maps of pollution hotspots, transforming isolated observations into actionable community intelligence. But detection is only the beginning. ECO-SYNK's social engine turns reports into action by enabling users to rally friends and neighbors for cleanups. Gamification features—Eco-Points, achievements, and leaderboards—tap into social motivation, making sustainability engaging and rewarding. Local businesses sponsor cleanups and offer rewards, creating a virtuous cycle of community participation. Designed for eco-conscious youth (18-30) in GCC markets, our bilingual platform leverages high smartphone penetration and social connectivity to drive environmental stewardship. The hybrid AI architecture combines local processing for instant detection with cloud analysis for enhanced insights, ensuring 98% cost reduction compared to traditional solutions. ECO-SYNK goes beyond cleanup coordination to include crowdfunding for recycling bins, corporate sustainability partnerships, and municipal data services. Each action generates verifiable impact metrics, giving users tangible proof of their environmental contribution. We're building a future where sustainability becomes social, visible, and rewarding—transforming "someone else's problem" into collective achievement.

Join the next edition of our flagship AI hackathon — now featuring Google, AppliedAI, and Qdrant as official partners, with over $45,500 in prizes and exclusive partner challenges. After an incredible launch earlier this year, we’re back with the next edition of our AI hackathon series leading up to the /function1 AI Conference & Exhibition in Dubai. Tap into the power of AI to innovate, build, and take your AI skills to the next level in this high-impact hybrid experience. 📅November 14–19, 2025 • Nov 14–18: Collaborate and build online with AI enthusiasts from around the world. All projects must be submitted by end of day on November 18 • Nov 18 (Dubai): An exclusive on-site build day at Festival Arena Dubai for selected participants. • Nov 19 (Dubai): Live on-stage pitching & winners announcement at the /function1 Conference. 🌟 Get support from expert mentors throughout. 👥 Go solo or team up. 📍 Please note: On-site participation is by invitation only. Travel and accommodation will not be covered for selected participants. Further details will be shared with those accepted. 🧑🏻‍💻 Secure your spot now—sign up before the Kick-Off Stream!

This is your chance to push boundaries, solve real-world challenges, and create impact at the official hackathon of the RAISE Summit 2025 at one of Paris's most iconic venues: Le Carrousel du Louvre. 📅 July 4–8, 2025 — Collaborate online with a global community of innovators. 🏛️ July 8–9, 2025 — Limited on-site access to the RAISE Summit in Paris (300 participants), exclusively for selected teams. 🏆 July 9, 2025 — Winners will be announced live on stage during the RAISE Summit. 🌟 Expert mentors will guide you throughout your hackathon journey. 🤝 Work solo or build your dream team to create something extraordinary. 💰 Compete for a share of up to $150,000 in prizes. 🔒 Sign up before the Kick-Off Stream to secure your spot!