Twenty-eight Palestinian students have won a trip to the United States as a prize for their innovative projects in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), biology, and biochemistry. The students were selected from a pool of 14,000 competitors who participated in the 12th annual Tech Talent competition in the Palestinian territories.
During their 10-day trip, the students will have the opportunity to visit NASA headquarters in Florida. The winners were chosen across several categories, showcasing their talent and creativity in various fields of science.
Ahmad Hashem Ghosheh, a winner from East Jerusalem, developed a project that can predict epileptic seizures approximately 15 minutes before they occur. Speaking about his achievement, Ghosheh expressed his dedication and hard work throughout the competition.
Other winners include Yara Sa’ad from Ramallah, who created an app that enables patients to connect with doctors easily, and Lamar Jabr, who invented an app to help patients with locked-in syndrome communicate effectively.
The announcement of the winners took place in Ramallah and was attended by Hady Amr, the US Special Representative for Palestinian Affairs. Amr emphasized the importance of empowering Palestinian youth and expressed admiration for their projects.
Tech Talent, the organization behind the competition, aims to promote science, engineering, technology, and math studies among Palestinian youth. Founded by Palestinian-American engineer Aref Husseini, it has become a source of pride in transforming the approach to education in Palestine.
Husseini highlighted the inclusivity of the competition, which brought together students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and regions, including Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. The organization seeks to nurture Palestinian innovation and entrepreneurship, underscoring the importance of building a future for Palestinians through technology and innovation.
Al Nayzak, which runs Tech Talent, has experienced significant growth since its establishment two decades ago, now serving thousands of students annually across the Palestinian territories.
By encouraging a shift from rote memorization to critical thinking and problem-solving skills, Al Nayzak aims to foster future leaders and promote economic opportunities for Palestinians.
While only a select few students emerged as winners, the organization emphasized that losing should be viewed as the beginning of a new path forward.
The achievements of these young Palestinian students demonstrate their commitment to pushing boundaries in the fields of robotics, AI, biology, and biochemistry. Through their groundbreaking projects, these students have not only earned recognition but also set an example for their peers and future generations.
The Tech Talent competition serves as a platform for Palestinian talent to shine and showcases the potential of the Palestinian youth in driving technological advancements and innovation. By providing opportunities for these young minds, the hope is that they will continue to contribute to the scientific community and make a positive impact on society.
The success of these students is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and determination, regardless of the challenges they face. As they embark on their journey to the US and visit NASA, their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and innovators worldwide.
The recognition and support of organizations like Al Nayzak and the opportunities they provide to Palestinian youth are essential in empowering the next generation of leaders and contributing to the advancement of science and technology.
