NASA, in partnership with the US embassy in Qatar, will hold the International Space Apps Challenge, a non-stop 48 hour technology marathon - hackathon - or ‘code-athon’ at the InterContinental hotel today and tomorrow. Qatar is the only GCC country among over 50 nations where the event takes place.
According to NASA, the event will bring tech-savvy citizens, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, and students to help solve challenges to space exploration and social needs. More than 200 data sources, including data sets, data services, and tools will be made available.
About 40 new challenges will represent NASA mission priorities and be organised in five themes: Earth Watch, Technology in Space, Human Spaceflight, Robotics, and Asteroids. The Arab Youth Venture Foundation (AYVF) is the producer of the event.
Vint Cerf, Internet pioneer and visiting scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, said: “This challenge is an opportunity to explore ways to support anticipated planetary and interplanetary communication needs now and in the years to come.”
Lisa LaBonte, CEO, AYVF, said: “The NASA code-athon challenges dynamic young talent to develop mobile apps, data visualisation, platform solutions, software and hardware for web, tablets, and smartphones that could support space exploration missions and help improve life for humankind.”
Male and female students across the nation – over half of who attend Qatar University - are currently registered for the event. Over 40 challenges have been laid out by NASA, with participants free to choose or to create their own. Participants can register online at www.SpaceAppsChallenge.org