SKYHIGH Innovation Challenge 2026 Officially Launched at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology
[July 24, 2026 Bahir Dar, ISC/BiT]
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Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, in collaboration with Boeing, officially launched the SKYHigh Innovation Challenge 2026 on July 24, 2026. Organized by the School of Aerospace Engineering and the Business Incubation and Techno-Entrepreneurship Center (BiTec), the two-month national initiative is designed to empower high school and university students to develop innovative aviation and aerospace solutions through intensive training, expert mentorship, collaborative learning, and hands-on prototype development.
The launch ceremony brought together university leaders, government officials, industry experts, researchers, mentors, and selected participants, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening Ethiopia's aerospace innovation ecosystem. The program was formally introduced by Mr. Hailemariam Mulugeta, Director of BiTec, who highlighted the initiative's significance in nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and the next generation of aerospace talent.
The program was officially opened by Dr. Muluken Zegeye, Deputy Scientific Director for Research and Technology Transfer at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology. In his remarks, he described the SKYHigh Innovation Challenge 2026 as a strategic initiative under the Aviation Innovation Center establishment, aimed at nurturing Ethiopia's future aerospace workforce through the university's partnership with Boeing. He encouraged participants to utilize this unique opportunity with commitment and creativity, while expressing sincere appreciation to Boeing for its strategic partnership and support.
Following the opening remark, Eng. Zemene Nega, Boeing Representative and Program Director in Ethiopia, delivered the keynote address, describing the SKYHigh Innovation Challenge as a strategic investment in people, innovation, and the future of aviation. He emphasized that every technological breakthrough begins with strong scientific knowledge, curiosity, creativity, and the courage to solve complex challenges. Highlighting Africa's rapidly expanding aviation sector, he reaffirmed Boeing's long-term commitment to partnering with Bahir Dar University to nurture the next generation of aerospace innovators.
An overview of the SKYHIGH Innovation Challenge 2026 and the initiative of Aviation innovation Center establishment was presented by Dr. Muluken Temesgen, Dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering. He explained that the challenge is designed to equip participants with practical engineering skills through intensive training, expert mentorship, innovation and prototyping activities, teamwork, and competitive project development. By combining academic excellence with industry partnership, the initiative seeks to inspire young talents to dream, innovate, design, build, and shape the future of aviation and space.
Lastly, the program featured a high-level panel discussion moderated by Dr. Muluken Zegeye, Deputy Scientific Director for Research and Technology Transfer. The distinguished panelists included Dr. Sisay Geremew, Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Bahir Dar University; Dr. Ambelu Tebabal, Director of the Washera Geospace and Radar Research Center, Bahir Dar University; and Mr. Alemayehu Yaze, Director of Research and Innovation Development at the Amhara National Regional State Innovation and Technology Bureau. The discussion explored why aviation and aerospace should become strategic priority sectors for Ethiopia, how the SKYHigh Innovation Challenge can be institutionalized as a sustainable national flagship initiative, and the partnerships and support systems needed to transform innovations into impactful technologies and startups. 

The panelists emphasized that Ethiopia's growing aviation ecosystem presents a unique opportunity for universities, government, industry, and international partners to collaboratively develop world-class aerospace talent and innovation. They encouraged participants to embrace the challenge with commitment, discipline, creativity, teamwork, and perseverance, noting that today's trainees have a rare opportunity to become tomorrow's aerospace engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who will shape Ethiopia's and Africa's future aerospace innovation ecosystem.
The SKYHIGH Innovation Challenge 2026 reflects Bahir Dar University and the School of Aerospace Engineering's commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and innovators while contributing to Ethiopia's vision of becoming a hub for science, technology, and aerospace innovation.
Information and Strategic Communication Office
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