Experience as a Mentor at the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024

This year, I had the honor of mentoring four teams at the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024, held at AIUB University. Over a 36 hours, the event brought together 50 shortlisted teams from across Bangladesh, showcasing the remarkable talents of our young innovators.

Out of these, 27 finalists from 9 divisions emerged, with 3 teams being selected for their outstanding solutions based on local judgment.

About NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024:

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a global hackathon, led by NASA’s Earth Science Division, that brings together brilliant minds from around the world to solve real-world challenges. Participants, including coders, scientists, designers, and innovators, use free open data provided by NASA and its partners to develop creative solutions for problems on Earth and beyond.

Since its launch in 2012, the challenge has attracted over 220,000 participants from 185+ countries. BASIS has proudly partnered with NASA for ten years, offering a platform for participants across Bangladesh to contribute to this prestigious event.

The NASA Space Apps Challenge has become a significant platform for Bangladesh, not just as a global competition but as an opportunity to highlight the exceptional talent and innovation potential of our youth. Over the years, Bangladeshi students have consistently impressed on the world stage, and 2024 was no exception. Their energy, creativity, and passion for problem-solving were truly inspiring.

The Power of Bangladeshi Talent

Bangladeshi students have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions. Many possess a unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and a deep desire to solve real-world problems, whether related to space exploration, climate change, or sustainable development. What stands out about these young innovators is their ability to think outside the box, harnessing limited resources to create solutions with significant global impact.

For example, in this year’s challenge, one team developed a drone-based system for forest fire detection, using satellite data to create an early-warning system that could minimize environmental damage. Another team presented an idea for urban air quality monitoring using low-cost sensors, which could help address the rising concerns about air pollution in densely populated cities like Dhaka.

In past competitions, Bangladeshi teams have brought home prestigious awards. In 2019, Team Olik from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) won the global "Best Use of Data" award with a groundbreaking lunar virtual reality (VR) application. In 2021, Team Mohakash secured the "Best Mission Concept" award by developing a space debris tracking system aimed at reducing the risk of satellite collisions. These examples highlight the boundless creativity and technical proficiency of Bangladeshi students.

Team Olik won the 2018 championship for 'Best Use of Data' with their innovative Lunar VR app. In 2021, Team Mohakash became world champions in 'Best Mission Concept.' The next year, Team Diamonds grabbed the top spot in the 'Most Inspirational' category. In 2023, "Team Voyagers" came out on top as global winner in the "Best Use of Storytelling" category, surpassing 57,900 participants from 152 countries.

Unlocking Future Possibilities

The success of Bangladeshi students in global competitions like NASA’s Space Apps Challenge demonstrates the immense potential for innovation within the country. With more opportunities, guidance, and platforms, these young talents could contribute significantly to solving global issues. From AI-driven agriculture to renewable energy solutions, the possibilities are endless.

Bangladesh's future as a hub for science, technology, and innovation looks bright. The country’s students are not only capable of competing internationally, but they also have the potential to lead in areas such as environmental conservation, space research, and sustainable urban development.

By nurturing their talents and providing the right mentorship and resources, we can empower them to make groundbreaking contributions to the global community.

The Role of Stakeholders

This year’s event was further strengthened by the presence of representatives from the #US_Embassy and other key stakeholders, who encouraged and inspired the participants. Their involvement highlights the importance of international collaboration and support for fostering innovation.

As a mentor, I was deeply moved by the passion and commitment shown by these young minds. Their drive to create solutions for real-world problems fills me with optimism about what the future holds for Bangladesh. I look forward to seeing these bright students continue to excel and push boundaries, contributing not only to local development but also to global progress.        

The NASA Space Apps Challenge continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for young innovators in Bangladesh, proving that our students have the talent, determination, and potential to shape the future on a global scale.        

The NASA Space Apps Challenge continues to serve as a powerful platform for showcasing the talent, ingenuity, and resilience of Bangladeshi students. Their ability to innovate and solve complex challenges on a global stage is truly inspiring. With the right support, guidance, and opportunities, these young innovators can drive progress not only in Bangladesh but also across the world.

Stay tuned for more updates on the incredible achievements of Bangladeshi talents. Follow my news channel to stay informed about the latest stories of innovation, mentorship, and success in science and technology.

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Khan Farhana: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/khanfarhana

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