Friday 10 / January / 2025
Bidiya: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in the Wilayat of Bidiyah in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, launched the “NASA Hackathon for Space Applications’ under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Kais Al Said.
The Hackathon has the theme ‘Discovering Open Science Together’ and will continue for two days with the participation of more than 185 countries around the world in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America.
The participants will compete in 31 different challenges in the themes of arts, astrophysics, climate, diversity and equity, Earth, gaming, hardware, open science, planets and moons, programming, space exploration, and the sun.
Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al-Rubaie, President of the University of Purification and Applied Sciences, delivered a speech in which he indicated that the hackathon aims to create a cooperative platform that brings together those with creative ideas, including students, researchers, those interested in earth and space sciences, owners of small and medium enterprises, owners of initiatives and projects, and experts in the fields of space, transportation, and communications, to stimulate Innovation and exchange of ideas and experiences.
He stressed that the university, through participation, seeks to effectively employ technological tools and available resources to ensure the achievement of tangible results that serve multiple sectors and enhance the position of the Sultanate of Oman as a major center for innovation, technology and scientific research and the university as a leading center in technological innovation and to support “Oman Vision 2040” by focusing on technology and innovation. Opening the field of international cooperation in the space, technology and education sectors.
The activities of the first day included a visual presentation on the hackathon, in addition to presenting four main working papers. The first session talked about “the strategic direction of the space sector in the Sultanate of Oman,” the second paper talked about “the importance and opportunities of entrepreneurship in the space sector,” and the third paper touched on “Satellites serving the Earth,” while the fourth paper dealt with “The contribution of satellite communications to bridging the digital divide.”
The hackathon will be accompanied by a number of events and activities, including lectures, competitions, visual presentations, day and night astronomical observations, and the establishment of a mobile astronomical dome to observe celestial bodies, in addition to plays aimed at space issues and training courses for participants.
Sheikh Ali bin Ahmed Al Shamsi, Governor of North Al Sharqiyah, said: “Participation in the hackathon will achieve a number of goals that are consistent with national trends in the world of space and at the same time in harmony with Oman Vision 2040, indicating that the hackathon will enhance the process of enhancing awareness and interest in space science and investment in This vital sector is witnessing global competition.”
Hosting the hackathon aims to strengthen the position of the Sultanate of Oman as a major centre for technological innovation and scientific research, encourage cooperation between academic and industrial institutions at the local and international levels, and strive to achieve excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to contribute to sustainable development and build a sustainable and strategic partnership.
In addition, it aims in supporting the Oman 2040 Vision through focusing on technology and innovation, contributing to creating projects and finding solutions to issues and cosmic phenomena and those other related to challenges at the local level, opening the field of international cooperation in the space, technology and education sectors, building capabilities, skills and expertise in space and exploration technologies, and supporting projects, initiatives and ideas of participants.
