Students present space-tech projects to address disasters, agriculture

The competition was organized by the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and TRL Space Rwanda, a company that develops small satellites known as CubeSats. It brought together students from Rwanda Coding Academy, Hope Haven Christian School, Ecole des Sciences Byimana, College Saint André and Groupe Scolaire APACOPE.

Organizers said the initiative is intended to encourage students to apply space-based technology to real-world challenges affecting communities across Rwanda, including early warning systems, agricultural efficiency and environmental monitoring.

RSA Director General Twagirayezu Gaspard said the competition was designed to assess how students understand local challenges and apply available technologies to address them.

“We wanted to see how students understand the challenges that exist and how available technology can be used to address them,” he said.

He said the initiative also aligns with Rwanda’s national space policy, which promotes youth participation and innovation in space science and related technologies.

Ministry of ICT and Innovation Permanent Secretary Iradukunda Yves praised the students for their projects and encouraged them to continue developing their skills in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

He urged them to think broadly and develop innovations that can benefit Rwanda, Africa and the world.

Rwanda Coding Academy won the competition with a project that uses satellite data to provide early warnings for potential natural disasters. The system is designed to help communities frequently affected by floods, landslides and other climate-related hazards.

Student Ganza Muganamfura Chaste said the team developed the project in response to recurring disaster-related losses in Rwanda.

“We wanted a solution that helps people receive early warnings so that lives and property can be protected,” he said.

Hope Haven Christian School placed second with a project that uses satellite data to connect farmers with buyers. The system estimates expected harvests and shares the information to help link agricultural producers with markets ahead of time, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses.

Student Gwiza Franco said the project could help reduce losses caused by crop spoilage by improving access to timely market information.

Ecole des Sciences Byimana developed a project that uses satellite data to predict disaster risks in specific areas and send alerts to residents, including evacuation guidance when necessary.

College Saint André and Groupe Scolaire APACOPE placed fourth and fifth, respectively, with projects focused on disaster early warning systems and improving agricultural and livestock productivity using space-based data.

Officials said the competition reflects Rwanda’s emphasis on promoting innovation in space science and strengthening youth engagement in technology-driven solutions to national challenges.