Suffolk Reporter

A team of students from Stony Brook University secured second place in the inaugural New York Climate Exchange (NYCE) AI Innovation Challenge. The event featured teams from eight universities, each presenting innovative solutions to stormwater management issues in New York City.

The Stony Brook team, consisting of graduate students Caroline Fabian, Nathan Hirtle, Ian Maywar, and Harmanveer Singh, developed an app named eFlood. This application uses artificial intelligence to guide residents safely during floods by suggesting efficient routes.

“The AI Innovation Challenge showcased the talent, creativity, and collaborative spirit of Stony Brook,” stated Rong Zhao, director of the Center of Excellence in Wireless & Information Technology (CEWIT). “Students worked together, mentored by CEWIT staff and industry partner volunteers to solve complex challenges that will impact and shape our future.”

Singh highlighted their project's focus on navigating flooded areas during storm events. "Our proposed solution incorporates NYC 311 calls and NYC Micronet sensor data to identify these flooded regions," he explained. "Subsequently, the solution returns the user with a path which avoids these designated regions."

Singh also acknowledged CEWIT's significant role in providing expertise and mentoring throughout their project development.

Reflecting on the competition experience, Singh said it was a valuable opportunity to explore how AI could mitigate stormwater damage. He noted that judges offered constructive feedback on refining project aspects and assessing community impacts.

Maywar expressed enthusiasm about interacting with peers from other universities at the competition. “It was awesome touring Governor’s Island and seeing what The New York Climate Exchange has in store for the future," he said. "We’re proud of our second-place finish and are excited to see what’s to come from NYCE.”

Stephen Hammer, CEO of The New York Climate Exchange, praised the team's achievement: “On behalf of The New York Climate Exchange, I’d like to congratulate you on your outstanding achievement of second place in the Exchange’s first-ever AI Innovation Challenge.” He commended their approach as timely and well-informed by community needs.

Kevin Reed emphasized climate change's impact on urban infrastructure: “New York City...are experiencing the impacts of climate change through increasing rainfall amounts." He stressed new thinking is essential for potential solutions.

Carl Lejuez recognized Stony Brook's contributions: “I am really excited to see the ways in which this challenge intersects Stony Brook’s strengths in climate-related research and AI.”

The competition began in April 2024 under Reed and Zhao's leadership at Stony Brook. Over 50 students participated using IBM watsonx.aitechnology among other tools provided by partners like Moody’s insights.

In phase one completion, five finalist teams were chosen including two from Pace University and Georgia Tech alongside Stony Brook. Phase two started August 1 leading up to final presentations held last November.

Reed concluded expressing pride over their accomplishment: “Not just with the second-place finish but with effort put into challenge...demonstrates that Stony Brook students are creative thinkers when it comes developing climate solutions for our state.”