Students of Coventry University Kazakhstan have been recognized at AI SANA, a national artificial intelligence competition supported by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

A student-developed project focusing on the use of drones and artificial intelligence for solar panel defect detection was nominated as the Best AI Project in the Energy Sector among 248 projects submitted nationwide.

The innovative solution integrates drone-captured imagery with an AI-powered computer vision system, enabling faster, more accurate, and more efficient detection of defects in solar panels. By enhancing existing monitoring technologies, the project contributes to improving the reliability and sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure.

The project was highly commended for its practical applicability, technological innovation, and contribution to sustainable energy development in Kazakhstan.

The students were also honored by Alageum Electric, one of the key industry partners of the AI SANA programme, recognizing the project’s strong potential for real-world implementation.