Fifth annual Innovation Challenge inspires students across the UAE to 'Learn by Doing'
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Feb. 25, 2015 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC ) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) yesterday, renewing their joint commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the UAE.
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The MOU, signed at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, marks the official launch of the 2015 Innovation Challenge competition.
The Innovation Challenge pairs Northrop Grumman mentors with HCT students to tackle a real-world engineering project: designing, building and then flying autonomous unmanned aircraft. The programme ends in a week-long competition where the student teams compete against each other in oral presentations and flight demonstrations.
"The Innovation Challenge continues to successfully enable our students, both male and female, to utilize the STEM-based knowledge gained through their courses in a very hands-on manner," said Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor of HCT.
"This competition is a wonderful example of HCT's commitment to the 'Learning by Doing' philosophy, where our students apply what they are taught in an interactive, practical setting. We thank Northrop Grumman for once again committing great support to enriching our students with experience in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles," Kamali added.
"The UAE is investing heavily in the development of new industries in order to support economic diversification, and Northrop Grumman is committed to supporting that goal," said Doug Raaberg, chief executive of Northrop Grumman UAE. "Innovation Challenge is a unique program that equips youth for new careers paths, supports the advancement of women's participation in the labor force, and enhances the UAE's global competitiveness."
Innovation Challenge 2015 is the largest to date, with 15 teams representing five Emirates. Competition week – which is open to the public – will take place from April 19-23, 2015. There students will compete against each other for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to the United States, where they will tour Northrop Grumman facilities and educational institutions specializing in STEM.
To learn more about the competition, visit www.northropgrumman.com/uaeinnovationchallenge , and follow the official hashtag #UAEIC2015 on Twitter.
About HCT
Founded in 1988, Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to become the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. With over 20,000 students at 17 campuses throughout the UAE, programmes taught are all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors and embody HCT's "Learning by Doing" philosophy. For more information on HCT, please visit www.hct.ac.ae .
About Northrop Grumman Corporation
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
Caitlin O'Connor + 001 760 484 7683
