NASA Space Apps Challenge Limerick 2021 brought together 100+ participants for Ireland's first open-source data science hackathon featuring real NASA problem statements, held virtually during the pandemic but laying the groundwork for something bigger.

Two years later, the vision evolved. Sahir was joined by Manav Shah and Nitish Malik, passionate collaborators who shared his belief that Ireland deserved a world-class space innovation event. During his research at TUS Athlone he shifted it to a full 48-hour in-person experience.

TU Shannon welcomed the challenge with open arms. The university didn't just provide space - they became true partners, offering their engineering facilities, labs, and full institutional support. It was the kind of partnership that makes ambitious projects possible. possible.

HackAthlone 2023 brought together 100+ participants from across Ireland for the country's first in-person space hackathon. The energy was electric. Students, professionals, and space enthusiasts gathered in the TU Shannon Engineering Building, working through the night to tackle real NASA challenges.

It wasn't just an event - it was the start of a legacy. Teams formed organically, ideas flowed freely, and by Sunday evening, everyone knew they'd been part of something special. The foundation was laid for what would become Ireland's premier space innovation community.

By 2024, word had spread beyond Ireland's borders. The event that started as Sahir's vision was now attracting international attention and support. This was the year HackAthlone truly came of age.

Manav, a volunteer from India, made the journey to Ireland to join the organizing team on the ground. Alongside Sahir and Nitish, they built something unprecedented: a truly international team creating an Irish-based space innovation hub, forging partnerships with organizations and communities that would amplify their impact.

The numbers spoke volumes: 125+ participants, 200+ registrations , and most importantly, 23 global project submissions to NASA. But the real validation came when three HackAthlone teams earned global nominations - recognition from NASA that these Irish teams were producing world-class innovation.

TU Shannon continued to be the perfect partner, providing not just space but professional-grade equipment: 3D printers, VR/AR headsets, advanced labs. The university's support transformed good ideas into working prototypes.

The partnerships grew beyond the university. Organizations and communities across Ireland began to see HackAthlone as a flagship event that put Irish innovation on the global map. What started as one person's vision was becoming a movement.