Applying Data Science to Solve Air Quality Challenges
We are excited to announce the SmogNet Datathon, a one-day applied Data Science and AI challenge bringing together students, innovators, and aspiring technologists at University of Engineering and Technology Mardan.
Date: May 21, 2026 | Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The datathon focuses on real-world environmental challenges related to Pakistan’s growing air pollution crisis. Participants will explore air quality monitoring, pollution pattern analysis, anomaly detection, and smart public alert systems using modern Data Science and AI techniques, while developing solutions that can support healthier and more informed communities.
Air pollution continues to impact cities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan, driven by factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activity, crop burning, and seasonal environmental conditions. The SmogNet Datathon aims to provide a hands-on learning experience that connects technology, innovation, and public impact through practical environmental problem solving.
What Participants Will Build
The datathon challenges participants to work on real-world air quality and environmental data problems using modern Data Science and AI techniques, with a focus on practical learning, collaboration, and public impact.
- Air Quality Monitoring & Anomaly Detection to identify unusual pollution patterns and environmental changes across different cities and seasons
- Pollution Source Analysis & Data Mapping to explore possible causes of pollution such as vehicular emissions, crop burning, industrial activity, and dust events using environmental datasets
- Smart Public Alert Systems to create clear, human-readable alerts and recommendations that help communities better understand environmental risks and protective measures
Rather than focusing on isolated technical exercises, participants will engage in collaborative problem solving and applied learning experiences that demonstrate how technology and data can support healthier, safer, and more informed communities.
Solving Real-World Environmental Challenges
The SmogNet Datathon is more than just a technical competition. It is an opportunity for students and participants to engage with one of Pakistan’s most pressing public health and environmental issues through applied AI, data science, and collaborative problem solving.
Participants will work with real-world Pakistani air quality datasets containing hourly pollutant measurements including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, and other environmental indicators. Through this experience, students will strengthen their understanding of environmental data analysis, public health impacts, and how technology can drive civic solutions.
Learning Beyond the Event
The SmogNet Datathon is designed as a practical learning and community engagement activity for the broader Code for Pakistan community, including students, volunteers, mentors, and aspiring technologists interested in using technology for civic good.
Beyond the event, participants and teams can continue exploring areas such as environmental data analysis, public-interest technology, and AI-driven civic solutions through future projects and collaborations.
We look forward to seeing students, volunteers, and innovators come together to learn, collaborate, and explore how data and technology can support healthier and more informed communities.