Bangladesh's 'Team EcoRangers' makes NASA Global finalists list

Bangladesh's 'Team EcoRangers' has secured a place among the top 40 global finalists in the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024, standing out from 15,444 teams representing 163 countries. 

This year marks the 11th time the Bangladesh segment of the competition has been organised by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), reads a press release. 

Additionally, two other Bangladeshi teams – 'Team Urban Utopians' and 'Team Geowizards' – have been recognised among the top 19 teams in the 'Global Honorable Mention' category.

This year's NASA Space Apps Challenge was the largest ever, featuring participants from 163 countries across 30 categories, with individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, interests, and skills. 

NASA's space scientists will evaluate and verify the projects before announcing the final winners in January 2025. 

Bangladesh, which has previously claimed the global championship four times, is now on a mission to achieve the title for a fifth time.

Speaking on this achievement, BASIS President M Rashidul Hasan said, "The success of our teams at NASA Space Apps Challenge showcases the remarkable progress and potential of Bangladesh in the ICT sector. It also proves that our youth can shine on any global stage through proper guidance, relentless effort, and innovative thinking. I congratulate the teams and extend my heartfelt gratitude to all advisors, mentors, judges, and local leads involved in the initiative. I am optimistic that this year we can proudly raise Bangladesh's flag before the world for the fifth time."

The NASA Space Apps Challenge, organised by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), brings together talented individuals from diverse fields—including technologists, scientists, designers, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs—from 163 countries. The initiative aims to develop innovative solutions to global challenges. 

As part of this global effort, BASIS hosted the Bangladesh segment in October this year across nine cities: Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Cumilla.