Mardan, Pakistan | 21 May 2026: Code for Pakistan, in collaboration with the University of
Engineering and Technology Mardan, successfully organized the SmogNet Datathon, a one-day
applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence challenge focused on addressing Pakistan’s
growing air pollution crisis through technology, innovation, and collaborative problem solving.
The event brought together 126 students, aspiring technologists, innovators, mentors, and
volunteers from diverse academic and technical backgrounds to explore practical approaches
for understanding and responding to environmental challenges using data science and AI.
Nearly 20 teams participated in the datathon, with students representing institutions including
University of Science and Technology Bannu, Post Graduate College Mardan, and University of
Engineering and Technology Mardan. The event also saw encouraging female participation, with
around 30 women taking part in the competition.
Hosted at the University of Engineering and Technology Mardan, the SmogNet Datathon
provided participants with a hands-on learning experience centered around air quality
monitoring, pollution pattern analysis, anomaly detection, and smart public alert systems.
Participants worked with real-world Pakistani environmental datasets containing hourly pollutant
measurements, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, and related environmental
indicators.
The datathon aimed to strengthen practical understanding of Data Science and AI applications
while encouraging participants to explore how technology can support healthier, safer, and more
informed communities.
Throughout the event, teams collaborated on a range of civic and environmental technology
solutions, including: Air Quality Monitoring and Anomaly Detection systems designed to identify
unusual pollution patterns and environmental changes across cities and seasons, Pollution
Source Analysis and Data Mapping projects focused on exploring possible contributors to
pollution, such as vehicular emissions, crop burning, industrial activity, and dust events, Smart
Public Alert Systems aimed at translating environmental data into clear, human-readable
recommendations and public awareness tools.
Teams were evaluated on the strength of their implementation approaches, dashboard design
and usability, pollution trend visualization across major cities represented in the datasets,
classification of pollutants and spikes in poor air quality, integration of public alert systems, and
the use of predictive analysis for environmental monitoring and awareness.
The judging panel for the SmogNet Datathon included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Usman, Dr. Tariq
Sadad, Dr. Inayat Khan, Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Ahmed, Mr. Sajjid Khan, Mr. Shehzad Ahmad,Asad Khan, Dr. Bilal Khan, and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Gull Muhammad, representing
academia, industry, public sector institutions, and civic technology leadership.
Team Brain Hackers, comprising Waleed Hassan and Hamza Ali, secured first position in the
competition for their innovative solution and implementation approach. Team Algo Titans
secured second position, while Team Analytical Squad secured third position.
Cash prizes worth PKR 25,000, PKR 15,000, and PKR 10,000 were distributed among the top
three winning teams, respectively, along with certificates and souvenirs recognizing their
performance and contribution.
In addition to the main competition winners, Code for Pakistan also recognized Team Young
Stars and Team Code Titans as “CfP Favourite Teams” for their creativity, effort, and innovative
approaches during the datathon. Both teams received Code for Pakistan appreciation kits.
The event also emphasized collaborative learning, mentorship, and practical problem solving
rather than isolated technical exercises, creating an environment where participants could
engage directly with one of Pakistan’s most pressing environmental and public health concerns.
Representatives from Code for Pakistan highlighted the importance of creating opportunities
that connect emerging technologies with public interest challenges and community impact. The
organization emphasized that initiatives such as the SmogNet Datathon help encourage civic
innovation while providing students and aspiring technologists with practical exposure to
real-world problem-solving.
Representatives from the University of Engineering and Technology Mardan also appreciated
the collaborative effort and enthusiasm shown by participating students and teams. The
university reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote innovation, research,
and technology-driven learning opportunities for young people.
The SmogNet Datathon forms part of broader efforts to encourage civic technology,
environmental awareness, and community-centered innovation in Pakistan. Beyond the event
itself, participants and teams will continue to have opportunities to explore future collaborations
and projects related to environmental data analysis, public interest technology, and AI-driven
civic solutions.
Code for Pakistan extends its appreciation to all participating students, mentors, volunteers,
organizing teams, jury members, and institutional partners who contributed to making the
SmogNet Datathon a meaningful learning and collaboration experience.
