The NASA Space Apps Hackathon returns to Gabon on October 5 and 6, 2024 at the Akanda Friendship Stadium. Organized by the Dynamic and Committed Youth Association for Gabon (JDEG) and Hakki Com, this event brings together 100 participants who, in teams, will propose innovative solutions around the theme “The sun touches everything”. This technological innovation meeting is a unique opportunity for Gabonese youth to engage in digital technology and innovation, with free participation and accessible to all.
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Gabon is preparing to host the NASA Space Apps Hackathon for the fourth time, which will take place on October 5 and 6, 2024 at the Akanda Friendship Stadium. This major event is part of NASA’s international initiative to encourage collaboration and innovation through technology and creativity. More than a competition, the hackathon constitutes a real platform for young Gabonese talents to assert themselves on the international technological scene.
Organized by the Dynamic and Committed Youth Association for Gabon (JDEG) in partnership with Hakki Com, this year’s hackathon is centered around the theme “The sun touches everything”. This theme invites participants to explore technological solutions to current environmental and solar challenges. The 100 participants, divided into 30 teams, will work for two days to develop innovative projects based on open data provided by NASA.
Contrary to popular belief, participation in this event is completely free. Whether in person at the Friendship stadium or remotely, everyone can register and participate, whether beginner, intermediate or expert. This accessibility is a strong point of the event, allowing everyone to contribute to global solutions, regardless of their level of expertise.
Motivations and challenges for Gabonese youth
This fourth edition in Gabon is part of a desire to continue to strengthen the country’s presence in the technological innovation sector. The hackathon offers young Gabonese people the opportunity to develop their skills in the areas of programming, design, and complex problem solving. For many, it is a chance to demonstrate their know-how while benefiting from the supervision of coaches, teachers and international experts.
The local NASA representative, Thierry Dzime, underlined the importance of this event for Gabonese youth, particularly in preparing for the country’s digital future. Beyond the competition, it is a privileged moment to immerse yourself in emerging technologies and prepare to take on major global challenges.
International impact and awards
The NASA Space Apps Hackathon is not just a local event: it is part of an international framework where the best teams can see their projects rewarded on a global scale. In 2023, more than 57,900 participants from 152 countries took part in this event, generating more than 5,500 projects. This year again, Gabonese teams will have the opportunity to compete with participants from around the world.
Submitted projects will be evaluated by a jury of experts and the best will have the chance to receive one of the 10 Global Awards awarded by NASA. These prestigious awards recognize not only technical excellence, but also the ingenuity and impact of the solutions proposed.
To motivate the local teams, rewards will also be awarded to the three best among them. “These prizes include computer and electronic equipment and digital services offered by the event’s partners. This prospect of international recognition pushes Gabonese youth to surpass themselves», assured Thierry Dzime.
The NASA Space Apps Hackathon also embodies Gabon’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion and integrating young people into the global technological revolution. Digital technology represents a strategic lever for the development of the country, and events like this pave the way for young people capable of proposing concrete solutions to local and global problems.
By promoting collaboration between beginners, amateurs and professionals, the hackathon offers a collective learning framework where everyone can enrich their knowledge and skills. Support from experts also allows participants to better understand technological issues and transform their ideas into viable projects.
This fourth edition of the NASA Space Apps Hackathon promises to be a crucial step in the emergence of a new generation of technological talents in Gabon.
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