We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Emmanuel Onyango who clinched the Galactic Problem Solver award at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, held from October 7th to 8th, 2023. Emmanuel recently is an outstanding student enrolled in our prestigious International Foundation in Sciences programme at IUEA. His victory stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication, as well as the calibre of education offered at our institution and the spirit of innovation behind our acclaimed inventions some of which were most recently praised during the NCHE 20th anniversary. Let’s delve into how Emmanuel made an impact on a global scale.
What is the NASA International Space Apps Challenge?
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a premier international competition orchestrated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the world’s preeminent space agency. It brings together innovators and teams from across the globe to devise solutions for challenges both in space and on Earth. Participants are tasked with leveraging creativity and collaboration to tackle real-world problems using data provided by NASA and its partners. This event underscores NASA’s commitment to fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing, transcending boundaries to create a global community of problem-solvers. One of the highly sought after awards, the galactic problem solver award, was won by Mr. Emmanuel Onyango.
In 2023, the Nasa International Space Apps Challenge embraced the theme “Explore Open Science Together,” drawing in 57,999 participants from 152 countries and territories. These participants, spanning diverse ages, backgrounds, and skill sets, coalesced into 8,715 teams, collectively confronting 30 challenges. The event was made possible by the steadfast support of the organisation’s Space Agency Partners, Local Leads, Subject Matter Experts, Navigators, and Collaborators.
What innovation did Mr. Emmanuel submit to become a galactic problem solver?
Emmanuel nabbed the galactic problem solver award by contriving an application designed to analyse NASA data and provide actionable insights for everyday decision-making. Recognising that valuable information often remains inaccessible to the average person due to its complexity, Emmanuel developed an intuitive application to bridge this gap. His innovative solution utilises NASA data to predict phenomena such as landslides, malaria outbreaks, and pollution levels, empowering individuals to make informed choices. Moreover, his application is user-friendly, ensuring accessibility for all.
Has Mr. Emmanuel worked on any other projects?
Winning the galactic problem solver award at the Space Apps Challenge is just one facet of Emmanuel’s illustrious journey as an innovator. His repertoire includes groundbreaking projects such as:
- An automated water tank system: A self-refilling system that both pumps and treats water all the while detecting leakages.
- A tool for extracting fuel from plastic waste: An effective means to recycle plastics.
- A plastic sensor: A plastic detector that can also differentiate colours.
- An automated greenhouse: allowing owners to remotely manage their greenhouses.
What IUEA courses empower individuals to create award winning applications?
Emmanuel’s success underscores the culture of innovation fostered at IUEA. Our institution provides a conducive environment for students to cultivate their passion for problem-solving and innovation. Courses such as Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Software Engineering, and Master of Information Technology equip students with the skills needed to develop award-winning applications and solutions. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, we prepare our graduates to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society.
At IUEA, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Emmanuel’s achievement serves as a shining example of our commitment to excellence in education and our mission to effect positive change on a global scale. We invite aspiring changemakers to join us on this transformative journey, where their potential knows no bounds. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, both on Earth and beyond.
