Igniting student innovation in Nuclear Science
The School of Science at the University of Namibia, in collaboration with Rosatom and the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), successfully hosted HackAtom Namibia, a dynamic 24-hour hackathon.
This inaugural event in Namibia aimed to introduce university students to the global nuclear industry while encouraging innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The hackathon brought together 56 participants, including students from various Namibian institutions. Participants engaged in expert-led lectures and worked intensively in teams of up to five to tackle real-world energy challenges using nuclear-focused solutions.
A total of fifteen teams took part, with thirteen entering the competition phase. The students demonstrated exceptional creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork under pressure.
The winning team, composed of students from both UNAM and NUST, impressed the judges with their innovative concept: a website that integrates emerging technologies and proposes a multiplayer engagement platform to facilitate real-time, cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Their innovative approach and strong team synergy earned them the grand prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to Moscow, Russia, where they will represent Namibia at the Global HackAtom competition from 24–30 September 2025, competing against international winners.
The event was organised by Dr. Maria Ndapewa Ntinda, as lead, with support from Ms. Theodora Mukaya from the Department of Computing, Mathematical & Statistical Sciences, and Dr. Ester Shalimba from the Department of Geosciences, all at UNAM.
Dr. Ntinda, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computing, Mathematical & Statistical Sciences, said: “HackAtom Namibia not only showcased the ingenuity and potential of Namibia’s future engineers and scientists but also established a foundation for long-term collaboration between Namibian universities and the nuclear industry.
“The event highlighted the worth of nuclear education and innovation worldwide, while positioning Namibia as an emerging player in this sector.”
All participants received certificates of participation, and winners were awarded prizes courtesy of Rosatom. The event took place 16 – 17 July 2025 in Windhoek.
Prof. Veikko Uahengo, Associate Dean of the School of Science at the University of Namibia, said: “I sincerely extend my gratitude to Rosatom, RUDN University, and all partners involved in organising the Global HackAtom Namibia 2025.
“This platform has provided a valuable opportunity for student development, international exposure, and sustainable university–industry collaborations.”
