NASA's Space Apps Cairo chapter is gearing up to participate in the world's largest hackathon for the fourth time in a row, taking place on 19-20 October at Nile University. The hackathon is organised by the Egyptian section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and is sponsored by the US Embassy in Cairo and SPEdu. The International Space Apps Challenge is a part of NASA's Earth Science Division -the world's largest global hackathon- engaging thousands of citizens every year across the globe to work with NASA in building innovative solutions for the challenges we face on Earth, and in space, using open-source data. It is a technology development event that draws on the talents and initiative of bright minded volunteers –developers, engineers, technologists, designers, and anyone with a passion and desire to make an immediate impact on the world or with an interest in Earth, space, and open data. Cairo has been hosting the challenge since 2015 where it was ranked amongst the most successful hackathons worldwide, with the largest number of registered applicants globally. In 2016, Cairo was again chosen by NASA as one of a few exemplary sites for the Global Organizing Team to attend. Deborah Diaz, chief technology officer for Information Technology, said "we are reaching out to women's organisations influential in the data and maker communities to participate, and we encourage women-led teams in the hackathon". Diaz added that for the first time, an Egyptian team is one of the global finalists for the most inspirational projects. This year, NASA's Space Apps Cairo chapter is gearing up to participate in the world's largest hackathon with the Egyptian government announcing 2018 to be the year of ‘Special Abilities'.
