Dr. Dipu Moni, the Education Minister, praised the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2023, calling it an amazing platform that not only encourages innovation but also sparks interest in science and technology among our youth.
She said, “It’s the perfect place for young minds to explore creative thinking in space technology. I want to express my appreciation to BASIS for organizing this event for the 9th consecutive time. I hope this continued streak will inspire our youth and lead us to victory in the World championships for the fourth time.”
Dr Dipu Moni made these remarks as the chief guest during the concluding ceremony of the two-day 9th NASA Space Apps Challenge 2023, held at the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) auditorium on Saturday.
Prof. Tanveer Hasan emphasized that we are on the verge of the fourth industrial revolution, marked by technological advancements reshaping both industries and society. He believes this will inspire our youth to pursue careers as scientists and technologists.
James Gardiner offered words of inspiration to the participants, urging them to keep exploring and trying new things. He shared, “One day, NASA or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration might discover you.” He also congratulated all the participants and expressed hope that this year, Bangladesh would produce the fourth winner of the challenge.
In his welcoming address, Tanvir Hossain Khan, the Convener of NASA Space Apps Challenge Bangladesh 2023 and Director of BASIS, revealed that more than 2,000 contestants from 9 cities across the country had participated in the event this year.
Russell T. Ahmed highlighted the significance of initiatives like the NASA Space Apps Challenge, which serve as a source of inspiration for young minds. Such challenges encourage them to dream big and aspire to become the scientists, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow, tackling real-world challenges along the way.
The event also featured speeches from Mohammad Mahdee-uz-Zaman and Ariful Hasan Opu, who are advisers for the NASA Space Apps Challenge, among other distinguished speakers.
The event, as announced in an official press release, began on October 6 and spanned 36 continuous hours. NASA’s Space Apps Challenge aims to bring together bright minds from 185 countries to tackle global challenges through innovative solutions. In Bangladesh, BASIS organized the event in 9 cities, including Dhaka, Chattagram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Cumilla.
Previous years saw notable successes:
In 2018, ‘Team Olik’ from Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST) achieved international recognition by winning ‘Best Use of Data’ with their Lunar VR app.
In 2021, ‘Team Mohakash,’ a collaborative effort between Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) and Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET), became world champions in the ‘Best Mission Concept’ category.
In 2022, ‘Team Diamonds’ secured the world championship in the ‘Most Inspirational’ category among 5,300 teams from 160 nations.
This year, over 2,000 participants from 9 cities across Bangladesh engaged in the NASA Space Apps Challenge. Among them, the top 50 teams convened at IUB, while the remaining 160 teams participated virtually in a two-day hackathon. Organizers are optimistic about Bangladesh’s prospects of clinching the world championship for the fourth time in the international round of the competition.
The winning teams from NASA Space Apps Challenge Bangladesh 2023:
Dhaka:
Champion – Team Rubust, Runner-up – Team Astrotitans, 2nd runner-up – Team Eclipso
Chattagram:
Champion – Team Alpha, Runner-up – Team Tukhor, 2nd runner-up – Team Plexus
Rajshahi:
Champion – Team Voyagers, Runner-up – Team Error 404, 2nd runner-up – Team Mars Marvel
Cumilla:
Champion – Team Hybrid, Runner-up – Team Edgefly, 2nd runner-up – Moonrakers
Sylhet:
Champion – Team Eclipsia, Runner-up – Team Proshphut, 2nd runner-up – Team Astroglide
Khulna:
Champion – Team Storm Troopers, Runner-up – Team Mohakorsho, 2nd runner-up – Team Anirbaan
Barisal:
Champion – The Titans, Runner-up – Team Yottabyte, 2nd runner-up – Space Alchemists
Rangpur:
Champion – Team Recursion, Runner-up – The Space Squad, 2nd runner-up – Team Galactic Gladiators
Mymensingh:
Champion – Team Inception_Last_Hope, Runner-up – Team Solarsentinel, 2nd runner-up – Team Lunar Allies
In a remarkable showcase of talent and innovation, Bangladesh’s future scientists and inventors continue to shine on the global stage.
