In a year marked by technological breakthroughs and regional engagement, Bangladesh's round of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025 concluded virtually on Saturday after an intense 36-hour marathon of innovation. The event, the country's largest yet, drew more than 3,000 participants-five times more than last year-signalling a nationwide surge in enthusiasm for science, technology, and space exploration.
The online hackathon began on the morning of October 3 and continued non-stop until October 4 evening. In total, 278 teams from nine cities competed to present over 400 innovative projects across 19 categories, which included 18 official NASA themes and an additional open category designed to inspire creativity beyond predefined scopes. Participants tackled problems ranging from climate modelling and space mission concepts to data-driven sustainability solutions.
A major highlight this year was the surge in regional participation. A record 203 projects were submitted from outside Dhaka, reflecting a growing decentralisation of innovation in Bangladesh. Students, developers, and young professionals from Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal and other regions took part, many working from modest setups but driven by big ambitions.
"This year's response was overwhelming," said Mohammad Mahdi-Uz-Zaman, advisor of NASA Space Apps Challenge Bangladesh. "We had to expand our judging panel to 40 members to handle the submissions. For the first time, we used a fully digital evaluation process-eliminating paper-based assessments-to ensure transparency and efficiency." He added that artificial intelligence played a more significant role this year than ever before. "AI wasn't just a support tool; it became an essential part of project development," he explained. "Teams used AI for data analysis, simulation, and even problem identification, showing how technology is becoming deeply integrated into innovation."
The results of the Bangladesh round will be announced globally on October 6 at 6 p.m., when NASA reveals the top projects selected from around the world. As in previous years, the Bangladesh edition was organised by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) and the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), with support from the BASIS Students' Forum. This long-standing collaboration has made Bangladesh one of the most successful participants in the international competition.
A Legacy of Global Recognition
Bangladesh's journey in the NASA Space Apps Challenge is remarkable. Over the past 11 years, Bangladeshi teams have won four global championship titles, including three consecutive victories, an exceptional record among participating nations. In 2018, Team Olik from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology became world champion in the "Best Use of Data" category with their Lunar VR Project, a virtual reality simulation of lunar travel. Three years later, in 2021, Team Mohakash-a joint team from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) and Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET)-won in the "Best Mission Concept" category. In 2022, Team Diamonds earned global honours in "Most Inspirational," while Team Voyagers from Bangladesh triumphed in 2023, winning the "Best Storytelling" category.
Building the Next Generation of Innovators
The surge in participation this year signifies more than enthusiasm-it marks a transformation in how young Bangladeshis engage with technology and problem-solving. What began as a niche event among university students has now evolved into a nationwide platform for innovation, inspiring thousands of young minds to explore science beyond classrooms.
The hackathon not only builds technical capacity but also creates bridges between academia, industry, and global research institutions. By working with NASA's real-world datasets, participants learn to apply data science, artificial intelligence, and satellite technology to address real challenges such as climate resilience, natural disaster forecasting, and sustainable development. For many young innovators, the competition provides a rare opportunity to work in a global scientific context from within Bangladesh. "The event gives students confidence that their ideas can make an international impact," said one of this year's mentors. "It's not just about coding; it's about learning to think like scientists and innovators."
Beyond the Competition
The 2025 edition of the NASA Space Apps Challenge has already left its mark by fostering collaboration, creativity, and inclusion. From students working overnight in Rajshahi's tech labs to teams in Khulna submitting AI-based prototypes, this year's event showcased how innovation in Bangladesh is expanding beyond traditional hubs. Even before the results are announced, the hackathon has reaffirmed Bangladesh's place as a rising centre of technological creativity in the Global South. Whether or not the country secures another global title this year, the 2025 edition has already achieved something greater-it has demonstrated that the passion for discovery and the spirit of innovation are thriving across Bangladesh, from the capital to the countryside.