08-Oct-2024
The highly anticipated NASA Space Apps Hackathon in Jeddah has concluded successfully after days of intense competition and innovation. The event, organized by Geeks Valley in collaboration with strategic partners the Saudi Space Agency and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, brought together some of the brightest minds in science, technology, and engineering to tackle real-world space exploration challenges.
The event was attended by parents, representatives from Geeks Valley, and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, represented by Mr. Ghanim Al Rashid. Several mentors also joined the event, providing invaluable guidance to the participants.
A total of 12 teams, composed of 50 participants, worked together over two days under the mentorship of academic experts from the University of Business and Technology (UBT). From the College of Business Administration, Dr. Hawazen Meatier, Dr. Saad BaSaad and Dr. Sarah Zakour offered their insights to the teams, while from the College of Engineering, Dr. Loay Maghrabi, Dr. Ahmad Emara, Dr. Faisal Arafsha, Prof. Ali Al Rashidi, and Dr. Samah Hashim mentored the participants, helping them refine their projects and solutions.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Dr. Saad Basaad, Dr. Arwa Al Bar, Dr. Ibrahim Nassar, Eng. Alaa Al Alawi, and Dr. Basma El Zein, evaluated the projects based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, impact, and technical execution.
Announcing the Winners
The competition showcased many remarkable ideas, with four teams standing out:
First Place: AstroTech, composed of Salwa Abdulrahim, Razan Adnan Al-Jizani, Leon Saud Al-Dhubaian, Raghad Yahya Al-Zahrani, Dalia Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, and Roua Salman Al-Zubaidi, developed "Vitanova," an interactive, story-based game aimed at raising awareness about climate change using verified NASA data. Players face various challenges, such as utilizing renewable energy in affected areas. The game helps players understand the environmental impact of their actions, featuring interactive maps that show regions impacted by environmental changes, thereby promoting environmental awareness.
Second Place: Interstellar Engineers, composed of Mohammed Al-Shawi, Amin Nidal Khan, and Majed Abdullah Jafri, worked on a solution to protect solar panels from dust storms, extending the lifespan of solar panels in harsh environments and ensuring their continued efficiency.
Third Place: Stellar Symphony and Interstellar Engineers
Stellar Symphony, composed of Yara Ali Abdullah Al-Alawi, created "ZeroG Arena," a game application for astronauts dealing with boredom during long space missions. The app offers competitive challenges in a microgravity environment and allows users to design their own challenges, promoting creativity and team collaboration.
Space Cam, composed of Abdulrahman Wael Rajeh, Mohammed Raed Basfar, Ahmed Essam Qahtan, Faiza Abdulmuqtadir Abdulmajeed, Shadi Nizar Azab, and Ali Mohammed Al-Masari, presented a product inspired by vehicle dash cams, designed for researchers and space agencies. It offers 24/7, 180-degree continuous sky monitoring, with automatic detection of new or unusual astronomical events. This system allows comprehensive observation of celestial phenomena, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in astronomical event detection.
Honoring the Youngest Participant
The University of Business and Technology (UBT) honored Ali Mohammed Al-Masari as the youngest participant in the hackathon, recognizing his outstanding efforts and contributions.
A Platform for Innovation
The NASA Space Apps Hackathon has once again proven to be a vital platform for fostering innovation in the Kingdom. The event not only reflected Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing space technology but also aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to inspire and empower young talent to explore fields of science and technology and contribute to global space exploration efforts.
The winners received certificates of recognition and valuable mentorship opportunities, setting the stage for future collaboration and project development.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s NASA Space Apps Hackathon reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s growing role in space exploration. With continued support from entities like the Saudi Space Agency and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, the future of space innovation in the Kingdom looks bright, with more events like this sure to follow.
Congratulations to all participants for their dedication, hard work, and creative solutions. The innovations displayed during the hackathon are a testament to the Kingdom’s promising future in space technology and exploration.