National Future Astronauts Meet-Up 2026 held at BUBT

The National Future Astronauts Meet-Up 2026 was held at Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT), bringing together young space enthusiasts from different schools across the country. The event was jointly organized by Space Innovation Camp and BUBT to inspire children and teenagers to explore space science, technology and innovation.

The event featured participants aged 4 to 14 from different schools across Bangladesh. One of the key attractions was the Space Storytelling Competition, where participants presented their ideas and stories about space. In the first round, participants delivered a three-minute presentation, while the finalists took part in a five-minute storytelling session. The competition was divided into three age groups: 6–8, 9–11 and 12–14 years, with a total of 15 winners selected.

Alongside the storytelling competition, participants took part in a range of engaging activities, including Space Robotics, Robotics Workshop, Rocketry Workshop, Space Art, interactive space science activities and a VR space experience. These activities provided the young participants with opportunities to learn about space and technology through hands-on experiences.

The programme was graced by Professor Dr. A B M Shawkat Ali, Vice Chancellor, BUBT, as the Chief Guest and Dr. Muhammad Aminur Rahaman, Dean, Faculty of Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence, BUBT, as the Special Guest. Prof. Dr. Md. Ahsan Habib, Chairman, Department of CSE, BUBT and Dean (Acting), BUBT Research Graduate School, served as the Session Chair of the event.

The judging panel included Al Imtiaz, Associate Professor and Former Head, Department of CSE, University of Information Technology & Sciences (UITS); Md. Shahiduzzaman, Assistant Professor, Department of Data Science & Engineering, BUBT; Md. Ashraful Islam, Assistant Professor, Department of CSE, BUBT; Sadah Anjum Shanto, Assistant Professor, Department of CSE, BUBT; Sudipto Chaki, Assistant Professor, Department of CSE, BUBT; and Yusuf Ikram Pulak, Ground Service Officer, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Presenter, Bangladesh Betar & Television. The judges praised the participants for their presentations, creative ideas and enthusiasm for space science and encouraged them to continue exploring science and technology.

In his opening remarks, Ariful Hasan Opu, President, Space Innovation Camp, highlighted the importance of inspiring young minds to dream about space, science and the future. He encouraged the participants to remain curious, keep learning and pursue their dreams with confidence.

The organisers said that the event was designed to provide young learners with a platform to express their creativity, develop scientific curiosity and gain practical exposure to space-related activities. The programme also aimed to encourage the next generation to explore science, technology, engineering and innovation.

Rise Up Labs supported the event as the Technology and AI Partner, while SurjoPay served as the Payment Partner. BUBT’s BASIS Students’ Forum of BUBT Chapter Club joined as an Event Partner and contributed to the successful organisation of the programme through its support and cooperation.

The event concluded with the recognition of guests and judges, crest handovers, medal distribution among the Top finalists, and a group photograph with the participants, organisers, guests and volunteers. The programme celebrated the curiosity and imagination of young learners and encouraged them to continue dreaming big, learning and reaching for the stars.