The Bangladesh edition of the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 was successfully hosted at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), running for an uninterrupted 36 hours over two days, from October 4–5, 2024. This prestigious event was organized by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) in collaboration with BASIS Students' Forum.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States brings together young talents from 185 countries, including technologists, scientists, designers, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs, to create innovative solutions for global challenges.
Bangladesh has a proud history in this competition. In 2018, Team Olik from Bangladesh became the world champion in the "Best Use of Data" category with their Lunar VR Project, allowing users to experience a virtual journey to the moon. Over the past decade, Bangladesh has claimed the global championship title four times, including an impressive three consecutive victories.
This year’s hackathon saw over 3,000 participants from nine cities in Bangladesh — Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Cumilla. Of the 500 total projects submitted, the top 50 were evaluated in a hybrid model at AIUB, while the remaining 450 projects were assessed online.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Multipurpose Hall (Building D) on Friday, October 4, 2024. Present at the event were Professor Dr. Md Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice-Chancellor, AIUB; BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed; BASIS Senior Vice-President M. Rashidul Hasan; Vice-President (Finance) Iqbal Ahmed Fakhrul Hasan; BASIS Directors Mir Shahrukh Islam and Biplob Ghosh Rahul; NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 Convener Abhijit Bhowmik; and Advisor for the Bangladesh Chapter, Mohammad Mahdee-uz-Zaman, among other distinguished guests.
The young participants exhibited remarkable enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity throughout the 36-hour hackathon. Despite a sleepless night, they eagerly awaited the results at the award distribution and closing ceremony, held in the AIUB Auditorium on Saturday evening, October 5, 2024.
During the closing ceremony, Her Excellency Ms. Helen LaFave, Chargé d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, graced the occasion as the Special Guest. Ms. Nadia Anwar, Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees, AIUB, attended as the Guest of Honor, alongside Mr. Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Managing Director & CEO, United Commercial Bank.
The event commenced with a speech by Mr. Abhijit Bhowmik, Convener of NASA Space Apps Challenge Bangladesh 2024 and Associate Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology, AIUB. Following his remarks, the special guests and other esteemed attendees expressed their delight and praised the young participants for their innovation and perseverance. They also extended their best wishes for success in the global rounds. Mr. M. Rashidul Hasan, Senior Vice President, BASIS; Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Fakhrul Hasan, Vice President (Finance), BASIS; Mr. Biplob Ghosh Rahul, Director, BASIS; Mr. Mohammad Mahdee-uz-Zaman, Advisor; and Mr. Russell T. Ahmed, President, BASIS, also shared their encouragement and support during their speeches.
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