TDS Desk:

Bangladesh hosted the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024, a global platform for promoting innovations in space science, for the eleventh time through a 36-hour hackathon.

Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) is the local host of the international programme of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), state-owned agency of United States, says a press release on Sunday.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Helen LaFave was the special guest while BASIS President Russell T Ahmed presided over the award giving ceremony at American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) in Dhaka.

BASIS Senior Vice President M Rashidul Hasan, Vice Presidents Syed Mohammad Kamal, Iqbal Ahmed Fakhrul Hasan, Directors Mir Shahrukh Islam and Biplob Ghosh Rahul, Apps Challenge 2024 Convener Abhijit Bhowmik and Adviser Mohammad Mahdee Uz Zaman, US Embassy Economic Unit Acting Chief James Gardiner and United Commercial Bank (UCB) Managing Director Mohammed Mamdudur Rashid were also present.

In her address, AIUB Chairperson Nadia Anwar termed the event significant for the youth of Bangladesh and advancing the future of science and technology of the country.

“Science and technology have always been at the forefront of human progress, reshaping industries and societies. This will inspire our youth to become the scientists and technologists of tomorrow. AIUB is proud to be a partner in such events, and we look forward to supporting future initiatives,” she said.

Helen LaFave has appreciated the participants saying that the NASA Space Apps Challenge platform not only fosters innovation but also ignites a passion for science and technology in our youth.

“It’s remarkable that no other country has been a global champion three consecutive times. You should take pride in yourselves, and I hope to see another victory from you next year for the fifth time,” she said.

BASIS President Russell T Ahmed said that Bangladeshi students have become local and global champions through their participation in the NASA Space Apps Challenge, with some even securing jobs at NASA.

“BASIS has been organising this competition for the 11th consecutive year, and this continuity will keep our youth motivated and lead us to a fifth global victory,” he said.

NASA implements this initiative to bring together talented individuals from 185 countries, including technologists, scientists, designers, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs, to develop innovative solutions to global challenges.

In line with this, BASIS organised the event in nine cities across Bangladesh: Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Cumilla. NASA Space Apps Challenge aims to engage one million students on social media and involve 200,000 students directly in the competition.

In 2018, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology’s ‘Team Olik’ became the global champion in the ‘Best Use of Data’ category with their lunar VR project, offering a virtual experience of travelling to the moon.

In 2021, ‘Team Mohakash’ from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) and Bangladesh Army University of Engineering & Technology (BAUET) became world champions in the ‘Best Mission Concept’ category, and in 2022, ‘Team Diamonds’ won in the ‘Most Inspirational’ category, and ‘Team Voyagers’ won in the ‘Best Storytelling’ category in NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2023.