Children and teenagers from schools across Bangladesh explored robotics, rocketry and space science at the National Future Astronauts Meet-Up 2026 at Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT), as organisers sought to build interest in science, technology and innovation through hands-on learning.
Space Innovation Camp and BUBT jointly organised the programme for participants aged four to 14, combining a space storytelling competition with robotics and rocketry workshops, space art, interactive science activities and a virtual-reality space experience, the organisers said in a press release.
The storytelling competition required participants to present ideas and stories about space. They gave three-minute presentations in the first round, while finalists took part in five-minute storytelling sessions.
The competition was divided into three age groups — six to eight, nine to 11 and 12 to 14 — and 15 winners were selected.
Participants also joined Space Robotics, a Robotics Workshop, a Rocketry Workshop, Space Art and other interactive space-science activities. The organisers said the sessions were intended to give young participants practical exposure to space and technology.
BUBT Vice Chancellor A B M Shawkat Ali attended as chief guest, while Muhammad Aminur Rahaman, dean of BUBT’s Faculty of Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence, was special guest.
Md Ahsan Habib, chairman of BUBT’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and acting dean of the BUBT Research Graduate School, chaired the session.
The judging panel comprised Al Imtiaz, associate professor and former head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Information Technology & Sciences; Md Shahiduzzaman, assistant professor in BUBT’s Department of Data Science & Engineering; Md Ashraful Islam, Sadah Anjum Shanto and Sudipto Chaki, assistant professors in BUBT’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and Yusuf Ikram Pulak, ground service officer at Biman Bangladesh Airlines and presenter at Bangladesh Betar & Television.
The judges praised the participants’ presentations, creative ideas and enthusiasm for space science and encouraged them to continue exploring science and technology.
Ariful Hasan Opu, president of Space Innovation Camp, said in his opening remarks that inspiring young people to dream about space, science and the future was important. He encouraged participants to remain curious, continue learning and pursue their dreams with confidence.
The organisers said the programme was designed to give young learners a platform to express their creativity, develop scientific curiosity and gain practical exposure to space-related activities.
It also sought to encourage the next generation to explore science, technology, engineering and innovation.
Rise Up Labs supported the programme as Technology and AI Partner, while SurjoPay served as Payment Partner.
BUBT’s BASIS Students’ Forum of BUBT Chapter Club joined as an Event Partner and supported the organisation of the programme.
The event concluded with recognition of guests and judges, crest handovers, medals for the top finalists and a group photograph involving participants, organisers, guests and volunteers.
The programme sought to celebrate young learners’ curiosity and imagination while encouraging them to continue learning and pursuing their ambitions.
