In a remarkable blend of innovation and space exploration, the Indian Council for Technical Research and Development (ICTRD) took a leading role as the organizer of INTERSTELLA 2023. This two-day space festival, hosted by the NASA Earth Department, featured the acclaimed NASA Space App Challenge and a series of celestial events, uniting young minds, scientists, and visionaries.
ICTRD Presents INTERSTELLA 2023
As the main organizer, ICTRD played a crucial role in crafting an exceptional experience at Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering (YCCE) in Nagpur from October 14th to 15th, 2023. The event brought together bright individuals, inventive ideas, and a spirit of adventure in exploring space.
NASA Space App Challenge: Igniting Innovation
The NASA Space App Challenge served as a key driver for young innovators to develop creative solutions to global challenges. This challenge, which broke traditional boundaries, welcomed participants from various backgrounds, fostering collaboration among citizen scientists, coders, and space enthusiasts.
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INTERSTELLA 2023: A Celestial Celebration
More than just a hackathon, INTERSTELLA 2023 emerged as a grand cosmic event, featuring diverse activities such as NSA MUN, the Elysium science exhibition, the Spectrum space quiz, and the renowned NASA Space Apps Challenge. Participants of all ages were encouraged to explore their unique perspectives and contribute to the broader conversation about space.
ICTRD Member Secretary Inspires Participants
Ketan Mohitkar, the Member Secretary of ICTRD, played a motivational role at INTERSTELLA 2023. His presence inspired students to engage deeply with innovation, offering valuable insights and fostering meaningful interactions. Ketan Mohitkar’s influence extended beyond the event, sparking increased enthusiasm and a shared commitment to exploration among participants.
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Dignitaries Shine at YCCE Auditorium
The NASA International Space Challenge’s opening ceremony, themed “Explore Open Science Together,” was a celestial highlight. Key figures included Vijayalakshmi Bidari (Divisional Commissioner, Nagpur Division), Jatin Wahane (ISRO Scientist and Youngest Scientist), Sanjay Balamwar (Scientist, Maharashtra Remote Sensing), Kalpana Panday and Nandatai Jichkar (Former Mayors), Ketan Mohitkar (ICTRD Member Secretary), Dr. U. P. Waghe (Principal, YCCE-Nagpur), Dr. Aniket Munshi (Dean of Student Activities, YCCE-Nagpur), and other prominent guests like Atharva Lepse (NASA Space App Lead), Chaitanya Kavy Dhruv (CEO, Zenith Order), Parteek Lepse (President, Abhigyan Foundation), Adish Bahatkar (CEO, Openbox), and Unnati Samrit (President, ICTRD-YCCE Student Chapter).
Towards a Cosmic Future
INTERSTELLA 2023 transcended the typical hackathon experience, offering a space adventure that propelled participants into the future of space solutions. The event showcased remarkable coding and groundbreaking ideas at YCCE-Nagpur, highlighting creativity and intellectual power.
ICTRD’s significant role in organizing INTERSTELLA 2023 underscores its commitment to advancing technology and innovation. The event’s success was due to the collaborative efforts of ICTRD and the enthusiastic community of space explorers who participated, making it a notable achievement.
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