Staff Reporter
A TEAM from the University of Namibia (UNAM) has received a special prize at the Global HackAtom international student championship in Russia, earning an invitation to attend the Obninsk Tech Summer School in 2027.
The NamHack Innovators represented Namibia at the championship final held in Ekaterinburg from 14 to 15 September as part of the International Festival of Youth 2026, with support from Russian state corporation Rosatom.
The second edition of Global HackAtom challenges students to develop solutions to real-world problems facing the nuclear industry within a 24-hour period.
Photos: University of Namibia (UNAM)
The competition consists of national selection rounds followed by an international final in Russia. This year’s national rounds were held in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe, with more than 80 national-round winners participating in the final.
The finalists were tasked with developing concepts for future “atomic cities”, with teams given more than 20 hours to develop their projects and prepare presentations.
Namibia received special recognition during the official awards ceremony, with the NamHack Innovators awarded an invitation to attend the Obninsk Tech Summer School in 2027.
The international summer programme brings together students from different countries and is organised through the Obninsk Tech project at the Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.
The programme provides participants with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of nuclear science and technology, engage with industry experts and connect with other aspiring nuclear professionals.
The recognition comes amid broader efforts to develop nuclear-related skills among young people in Africa. Students from several African countries study nuclear science at universities partnered with Rosatom, with some returning to work in their home countries’ nuclear industries after graduating.
Namibia and Russia are also pursuing broader cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The two countries are preparing a framework intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Uranium exploration and mining are another area of cooperation. In the Omaheke Region, Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Uranium One, part of the Rosatom Group, is advancing the Wings uranium project, which is currently focused on exploration and prospecting, with in-situ recovery being considered as the production method.
The Global HackAtom championship is organised by Rosatom through Obninsk Tech, an international research and education centre focused on nuclear and related education and technology.
