QCOSTARICA — Ever imagined developing an application that helps solve a challenge we face on Earth or in space? This will be the main incentive for more than 200 participants in NASA’s Space Apps Challenge 2024 competition worldwide.
Children, youths and adults, regardless of age or profession, from anywhere in the country, can register individually or as a group to be part of the largest Aerospace Hackathon in the world and contribute their knowledge and skills to solve global challenges.
The event will take place this Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6 at the Innovation Building of the Universidad Fidélitas.
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For 12 years, NASA has organized this competition, which has reached more than 170 cities around the world with the participation of approximately 57,000 people. Competitors collaborate each year to generate solutions to global challenges such as climate change, agriculture based on Earth observation data, gender and climate, satellite data, community mapping, exoplanets, among others.
Leandro Camacho, local leader of NASA Space Apps in Costa Rica, says that to participate in this event the main requirement is to have a passion for technology and space. “The greatest gain from this competition is that we all have something to contribute and learn. Participants will be able to create prototypes of devices, mobile applications, video games, robots and software that positively impact the world, using NASA technology and open resources,” added Leandro.
One of the fundamental elements of the hackathon is innovation, which is why this year the CRUSA Foundation is joining as part of the organizations that support the project.
“At CRUSA we believe in the importance of opening spaces to encourage imagination and creativity in the search for innovative projects that allow finding solutions to local and global challenges. Without a doubt, this type of activity offers people the opportunity to develop and strengthen their digital skills, teamwork, creative thinking, and problem solving, as well as bringing them closer to science and technology, fundamental aspects for forging the human talent of the future” stressed Flora Montealegre, Executive Director of CRUSA.
Innovation day
During both days, participants will have expert mentors in topics such as space environment, Cubesats, space exploration, geospatial technologies, robotics and software, who will support and guide participants in the development of their challenges.
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In addition, talks will be held to introduce participants to the space world and the development of technology, including cloud computing, data science, generative artificial intelligence and machine learning.
One of the mentors, Ana Laura Loría, a Costa Rican who was part of a winning team of the Space Apps Challenge 2020, will give a talk about her experience in monitoring deforestation in protected indigenous areas.
The talks include: “The Use of Space Technology to Mitigate Climate Change,” “Winning Teams of the Space Apps Challenge,” and “The Role of Technologies in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
“As local leaders, we have always worked to enhance people’s skills and give them development opportunities. Our goal as co-organizer is for these opportunities to reach more people, even in regions where these efforts normally do not reach. We would like to see schools from indigenous areas get involved,” concluded Leandro.
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Up for the challenge? Obtain all the information and complete the registration process at the webpage https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/nasa-space-apps-2024/2024-local-events/san-jose/
Recommendations
Some important things to remember to bring:
- Computer and charger: Your main tool for creating and developing!
- Toiletries: Remember that we will be together for more than two days, so it is important to stay cool and comfortable.
- Comfortable clothing: There will be long working hours, so make sure you are comfortable.
- Pillow and blanket: You may need a quick break, being comfortable will help you keep your energy up!
- Snacks and drinks: Keep your energy levels high with your favorite snacks and drinks.
- Chargers for your electronic devices: You don’t want to run out of battery in the middle of a brilliant idea.
- Desire to learn, share and have fun: The most important thing is to come with a positive and open attitude to fully enjoy this unique experience.
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