For the 9th time, the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2023, organized by Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) and in collaboration with BASIS Students Forum, ended successfully with a grand closing ceremony held at the Auditorium of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) on October 7, 2023.  This hackathon started on October 6, 2023, and lasted for 36 hours continuously. 

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister of Education, attended as the chief guest. Prof. Tanweer Hasan, Vice-Chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) attended as the special guest, and James Gardiner, an officer of Economics, Science, and Technology of the US Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh was present as the guest of honor. BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed presided over the ceremony.

In his welcome speech, Tanvir Hossain Khan, Convener of NASA Space Apps Challenge Bangladesh 2023 and Director of BASIS, said, “More than 2 thousand contestants from 9 cities across the country have participated this year. Out of the 210 teams, the top 50 teams directly participated at IUB premises and the remaining 160 teams participated virtually in a two-day hackathon. We have achieved the glory of becoming world champion for the last three times and I believe this streak of glory will continue.”

James Gardiner, Officer of Economics, Science and Technology of the US Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh said, “It is awesome to say that, you guys are incredible and know that no other country in the world has had three global champions. You guys should be so proud of yourself. I can’t wait for the winning team to get to Houston next year. I really wanted to give you sincere congratulations on the work that you’re doing and for the amazing global competitiveness that you are displaying through the NASA space apps challenge.

Mr. James inspired the participants and said, “Keep exploring, keep trying new things. And one day you might find NASA or NASA might find you”. He lastly congratulated all the participants and hoped to see the fourth winner of this challenge this year from Bangladesh.

IUB Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanveer Hasan said, “This event is significant not only for the youth of our country but also for future excellence in science and technology. Science and technology have always been at the forefront of human progress. Innovations that have shaped the world we live in and are the key to solving the most pressing challenges facing humanity have been made possible through the development of advanced technologies. We currently stand on the brink of the fourth industrial revolution, where technological advances are reshaping industry and society. This will above all encourage our youth to become scientists and technologists.”

As the chief guest, Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni said, “NASA Space Apps Challenge 2023 is an amazing platform that not only encourages innovation but also implants interest in learning science and technology among our youth. It is the perfect place to exercise creative and independent thinking about space technology. I appreciate and thank BASIS for organizing this program for the 9th time in a row. I hope this streak will energize our youngsters and win the World championships for the fourth time.

BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed said, “Initiatives like the NASA Space Apps Challenge play an important role in complementing our educational efforts. The competition provides youth with hands-on experience that goes beyond textbooks and the classroom. It inspires young minds to dream big and become the scientists, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow by solving a variety of challenges realistically. Our youth will encourage asking questions, seeking answers, and discovering the wonders of the universe through this kind of competition.” 
   
Mohammad Mahdee-uz-Zaman and Ariful Hasan Opu, Adviser of NASA Space Apps Challenge, among others, spoke at the event.

However, The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is implementing this program with the aim of bringing together talented young people from different fields such as technicians, scientists, designers, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs from 185 countries of the world to find innovative solutions to solve various global problems of the world. As part of this project, BASIS has organized in 9 cities of Bangladesh (Dhaka, Chattagram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Cumilla). In addition to engaging one crore students through social media, the NASA Space Apps Challenge is planning to engage 2 lakh students directly through the competition.

In 2028, ‘Team Olik’ from Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST) achieved high ranks and won "Best Use of Data" with a Lunar VR app. In 2021, "Team Mohakash", a combined team from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) and Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET) became world champions in "Best Mission Concept," inspiring with their ideas. In 2022, amidst fierce competition involving over 5,300 teams from 160 nations, "Team Diamonds" clinched the world championship in the "Most Inspirational" category. These achievements are a shining example of the skill, talent, creativity, and innovation of the young technologists of Bangladesh.

Winners of NASA Space Apps Challenge 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.

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