Billed as “citizen science”, NASA has announced a global tech challenge to seek new tools to make life in space, and at home on Earth, better for humanity. With events planned in over 40 nations, the International Space Apps Challenge is a non-stop 48 hour “technology marathon” (hackathon), taking place for the first time in the GCC in UAE, April 19-20, 2013, and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Water and Electric Authority (ADWEA).

The Arab Youth Venture Foundation, producer of the event, announces an open call for citizens and students with skills in ICT, engineering, design, and business disciplines interested in varying aspects of space exploration and who wish to contribute their creativity and talents.

The NASA hackathon challenges dynamic talent to develop mobile apps, data visualization, platform solutions, software and hardware for web, tablets, and smartphones that could support space exploration missions and help improve life for humankind. Over 50 challenges have been laid out, with participants free to choose, or to create one of their own.

The Challenge is being hosted at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), AD Men’s campus and students from across the UAE from institutions such as Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Masdar are currently registered - many by invitation of the U.S. Department of State.

Lisa LaBonte, CEO of AYVF explains, "The Space Apps Challenge can be considered ‘collaborative science and development among nations’ - much like what’s occurred to create, and continues to occur to operate, the International Space Station. Space technologies and applications impact our daily lives on earth by bolstering critical sectors such as water and power, navigation, communications, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency management."

To reserve a spot in Abu Dhabi or announce your virtual participation, register free online at www.SpaceAppsChallenge.org You can direct questions to spaceapps@ayvf.org and follow the challenge on Twitter @SpaceAppsAD

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