ML Collective (website, twitter/X) is an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to make research opportunities accessible and free for machine learning researchers of all backgrounds, especially underrepresented, underprivileged, and independent researchers.
Deep Learning Indaba (website, twitter/X) is the annual meeting of the African machine learning community with the mission to strengthen and support Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Africa. Deep Learning Indaba 2024 will be held in Dakar, Senegal from the 1st to the 7th of September.
At Deep Learning Indaba 2023, held in Accra, Ghana, 51 Nigerian students travelled 600+ miles by bus, passing through 5 countries' borders (Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Ghana) for more than 40 hours to be able to attend it, showing their resilience and enthusiasm for learning, determination to engage with the global AI community, and unwavering commitment to grassroots efforts in advancing Africa's technological landscape.
It is at that very conference, MLC-Nigeria was founded. It's been a full year.
This year, 25 early-career researchers and students from MLC-Nigeria have gone through a competitive selection process to be selected to attend Deep Learning Indaba 2024, however they need help covering the traveling expense. If you'd like to get to know them, here are their names:
- Fatimo Adebanjo (linkedin)
- Ifihanagbara Olusheye (linkedin)
- Patience Mba (linkedin)
- Shiloh Oni (linkedin)
- Oluwatosin Olajide (linkedin)
- Chinonyelum Igwe (linkedin)
- Comfort Akanni (linkedin)
- Ahmed Olanrewaju (linkedin)
- Ernest Owojori (linkedin)
- Prince Mireku (website)
- Chisom Chibuike (linkedin)
- Peace Ododo (linkedin)
- Kayode Makinde (linkedin)
- Mardiyyah Oduwole (website)
- Busayor Awobade (linkedin)
- Adejumobi Joshua (linkedin)
- Zaynab Awofeso (linkedin)
- Samuel Oyeneye (linkedin)
- Peculiar Abolade (twitter/X)
- Abdulmatin Omotoso (linkedin)
- Yusuf Adelakun
- Adekunle Tosin Moses (linkedin)
- Testimony Adekoya (linkedin)
- Yusuf Olaniyi (linkedin)
- Nnaemeka Obiefuna (linkedin)
A full statement from the 25 researchers can be found here, with links to their full profiles.
From them:
Our major purpose in attending this event is to learn as much as possible from the experts attending, partake in the workshops and also ensure we do not miss out on networking, mentorship and collaboration opportunities, as well as participate in the showcase of Artificial Intelligence research in Africa. A few of us are presenting our research there for the first time!
We are raising $20k to support these researchers to attend. This amount will help cover their airfare, visa fees, and housing while at the conference, which amounts to about $800 per person. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. ML Collective Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax-ID/EIN: 85-2682932.