Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leading security company, has signed a deal with UAE-based Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), renewing their joint commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the country.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), which was signed at the ongoing International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) in Abu Dhabi, marks the official launch of the 2015 Innovation Challenge competition, said a statement.

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, it said.

The programme ends in a week-long competition where the student teams compete against each other in oral presentations and flight demonstrations.

Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor, HCT, said: ”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.

"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.”

Doug Ramberg, chief executive of Northrop Grumman UAE, said: ”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.

"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 will be the largest to date, with 15 teams representing five emirates, said the statement.

The competition week will be from April 19 to 24, where students will compete against each other for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to the US to tour Northrop Grumman facilities and educational institutions specialising in STEM, it added. - TradeArabia News Service