On Monday 7/10/2024, the Jordan University of Science and Technology concluded the NASA Space Apps Challenge for 2024, organized by the Center of Excellence for Creative Projects in collaboration with a group of innovative students from the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Computer and Information Technology. During the event, teams of innovative students competed to present creative solutions to challenges related to space and Earth sciences. The competition aims to encourage students to innovate and think scientifically by utilizing open data provided by NASA, and to work collaboratively to develop future technological solutions and viable technical, software, or scientific projects across various fields, including environmental sustainability, space exploration, and renewable energy.
The three-day event witnessed the participation of 120 students representing 15 teams from diverse academic disciplines, who worked diligently to develop innovative ideas and executable technical projects.
The winning teams were announced during the closing ceremony, attended by Dr. Mona Abu Dalo, the Vice President of the University, Dr. Mohannad Qweider, the Director of the Center of Excellence for Creative Projects, Dr. Bashir Nasirat, the Vice Dean of Scientific Research, and several members of the academic and administrative staff as well as students. Team Shakey, comprising students Moatasem Al-Tamimi, Majed Junaydi, Mohammad Al-Momani, Ahmad Al-Hafi, and Ahmad Samar, achieved first place. Team Primis, consisting of students Moanes Al-Alawneh, Laith Abadi, Asem Hattamleh, Hashim Shawish, Mohammad Rababeh, and Ameen Sabbagh, secured second place, while Team Phaethon, made up of Bana Talabeh, Ammar Amoush, and Dima Ghazlan, came in third.
Dr. Qweider expressed pride in the high level of creativity demonstrated by the participating students, noting that such events enhance students' capabilities in innovation and critical thinking. He added that the competition opens broad horizons for Jordanian youth to become part of future technological solutions in addressing contemporary challenges. The judging panel consisted of Dr. Mohannad Qweider, Director of the Center of Excellence for Creative Projects at Jordan University of Science and Technology, Bilel Al-Hafnaoui, a member of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Zain Al-Samawi, Head of Technical Administration at the National Institute for Robotics and Technology, and Layan Al-Salhi, a business consultant.
