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he Bahrain Space Agency organised the “DataCosmos” Hackathon in collaboration with Bahrain Polytechnic and Open Cosmos. The event was held at the Polytechnic’s campus with broad participation from students and Bahraini entrepreneurs. Twenty teams participated in the hackathon, representing various academic disciplines and sectors.
The hackathon aimed to empower participants to utilize satellite data and artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions to environmental sustainability challenges. It served as an opportunity to encourage creative thinking and foster collaboration across scientific and technical disciplines, contributing to the development of national capacities equipped with the expertise and skills to transform space data into tools that support decision-making and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Additionally, the hackathon provided an environment conducive to the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises in the space sciences sector by transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable business models. It was also a significant opportunity for existing companies to explore the potential integration of space sciences and technologies into their operations, helping improve efficiency, increase productivity, and boost competitiveness in local, regional, and global markets.
On this occasion, Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim AlAseeri, CEO of the Bahrain Space Agency, stated: “We witnessed great participation from students and Bahraini entrepreneurs in the ‘DataCosmos’ Hackathon, which affirms the success of the agency’s team and our partners in raising awareness about this global competition and enhancing community understanding of the importance of space and its applications — a strategic objective of the agency.”
He added: “This hackathon is part of ongoing national efforts to position the Kingdom of Bahrain among the leading countries in the space sector, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Organising such competitions will contribute in the long term to establishing a sustainable national space sector that supports the national economy by providing prestigious, high-income job opportunities for Bahraini youth and encouraging entrepreneurship in related fields, thereby meeting aspirations and supporting Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.”
He concluded: “I extend my sincere thanks to all partners involved in organising this hackathon, foremost among them Bahrain Polytechnic and Open Cosmos. Their significant support was key to the hackathon’s success and the achievement of its objectives.”
Regarding Bahrain Polytechnic’s role in organising the competition, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, emphasized the institution’s commitment to hosting events that enhance students’ innovative experiences and promote engagement in creative environments that stimulate scientific development, innovation, and creativity. He explained: “We were keen to strengthen cooperation with the Bahrain Space Agency in organising this global competition, as it provides students and participants with an opportunity to enhance their research skills, explore new horizons in future sciences, and gain 21st-century skills.”
He added: “The fields of future sciences and space are rapidly evolving and full of opportunities for innovation and creativity across key sectors. We see such competitions as valuable opportunities for students to represent the Kingdom of Bahrain internationally, gain practical experience, foster innovation, and enhance problem-solving and teamwork skills — all of which contribute to keeping pace with the progress witnessed by the Kingdom and achieving scientific and technological advancement in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.”
Open Cosmos, a space mission and satellite data company, played a pivotal role in the event by providing access to its DataCosmos platform — an innovative solution that democratizes access to satellite imagery and analytics for social and environmental impact.
“This hackathon is a clear example of how space data can be made accessible and actionable for everyone,” said Pep Rodeja, Interim Head of Data at Open Cosmos. “By bringing together local talent, cutting-edge technology, and real-world challenges, we are building the foundations of a space-powered data ecosystem in Bahrain — one that can lead to sustainable innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.”
Amani Mohamud, Junior Proposal Manager at OpenCosmos, added:“It was incredible to witness the energy and creativity of the participants. Events like Data Cosmos are proof that when given the right tools and support, young innovators can truly harness the power of space technology to make a real difference in their communities.”
“We’re thrilled to have partnered with the Bahrain Space Agency to bring this hackathon to life,” said Alberto Perez Cassinelli, VP of the Data Division at Open Cosmos. “Earth observation technology holds immense potential to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time — from climate resilience to sustainable development. By combining satellite data with the power of artificial intelligence, we can drive digital transformation, enhance productivity, and help protect the planet we all call home.”
Rafel Jordà, CEO and Founder of Open Cosmos, reflected on the bigger picture: “At Open Cosmos, we believe that access to space data should not be limited to a few — it should empower people and communities everywhere. Partnering with the Bahrain Space Agency for the DataCosmos Hackathon is a proud moment for us, as it embodies our mission to make space meaningful and accessible. We are excited to see how local innovators will continue using satellite data to create real impact on the ground.”
