University of The Bahamas to Initiate Development of New Weather-Monitoring Satellite with STEM Support from SpaceX

9^th March 2026

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – University of The Bahamas (UB) has announced a $1 million donation from Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) that will bolster the participation of students and faculty in driving innovation and applied research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), while advancing small island sustainability.

The donation will directly support advanced laboratories and workshops at UB where students and faculty will design and develop a nationally-built and owned satellite. The aim is to monitor the nation’s coastlines and marine ecosystems, all crucial aspects of national and human development. UB will retain the data, technology, and intellectual property and policymakers will be able to use this information to better protect the environment. As the University strengthens its STEM capacity, it hopes to cultivate other partners to invest in STEM education and research.

“We aspire for our labs to become incubators of innovation and centres of excellence. We know that our students will gain the skills and practical experience needed to thrive in STEM fields both at home and abroad,” said UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, III.

“For The Bahamas, this means a deeper pool of skilled professionals ready to contribute to industries of the future.  For our students, it means being at the center of scientific discovery and technological advancement, a continuation of the paths of excellence for which UB alumni are known.”

UB is cultivating Bahamian talent with the expertise to enter innovative, problem-solving careers while contributing to the creation of new knowledge. One of the most pressing areas of focus is addressing environmental challenges like coastal zone erosion and climate vulnerability through monitoring marine ecosystems, and terrestrial resources. UB’s Small Island Sustainability academic programme continues to expand in that regard, offering unique applied learning and research opportunities to undergraduate students.

VP of Launch at SpaceX Mr. Kiko Dontchev expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with UB that will empower the next generation of scientists and innovators.

“It was from being in a classroom and my work in university that I got the opportunity to actually build a satellite, that led to me building my career and then leading a wonderful team, working with so many different people, leading me to The Bahamas,” said Dontchev. “In fact, in that same classroom, my classmate was a woman named Aisha Bowe, a Bahamian, and the reason both of us are where we are is because of the opportunities we received at our university.”

Through this initiative, UB students will gain the hands-on experience and scientific grounding to become future engineers, data analysts, and innovators. It strengthens the pipeline of Bahamian talent ready to lead in STEM careers in The Bahamas and across the globe.

Vice Chair of UB’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Gadville McDonald noted that education is the cornerstone to build a more innovative, resilient, and prosperous Bahamas.

“This $1 million philanthropic donation from SpaceX to support STEM education strengthens that foundation,” said Mr. McDonald. “It reinforces our commitment to preparing young Bahamians to reimagine environmental problem-solving, embrace technological innovation, and lead with creativity and confidence in a rapidly changing global economy.”

Department of Communications

2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex

University of The Bahamas

Oakes Field Campus

University Drive, Nassau, The Bahamas

P.O. Box N-4912

Nassau, The Bahamas

Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365

universityrelations@ub.edu.bs | www.ub.edu.bs