Gabriel Chayb
Gabriel Ribeiro Filice Chayb is a standout researcher in machine learning, best known for leading the 42 QuakeHeroes project, which earned South America its first-ever global tech award at the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024. At just 20 years old, Gabriel designed and implemented a deep neural network from scratch to detect seismic activity on Mars and the Moon—transforming a U-net model into an efficient, open-source geophysical analysis tool for space applications. The project also included an interactive website that visualized extraterrestrial seismic data, making the research accessible to anyone with a computer. As a result, Gabriel and his team received the Best Use of Technology award, marking the first time a South American team earned this recognition on NASA’s global stage.
Following this achievement, Gabriel was invited by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to co-author a scientific paper on the neural network’s methodology and its implications for future space missions. He also presented his research during a private Goddard Space Flight Center NASA-hosted event, in Washington, DC, showcasing the project’s potential to support planetary exploration. Currently pursuing a degree in Information Systems at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Gabriel combines deep technical expertise in programming, machine learning, and systems engineering with a bold, curious mindset that drives him to create impactful, real-world solutions at a global level.
Achievements
First Brazilian to lead a champion team in the "Best Use of Technology" category at the largest hackathon in the world: NASA Space Apps 2024;
Youngest Brazilian ever to write an scientific article with NASA & CSA (20y);
Regional winner of NASA Space Apps 2022 and 2023 with innovative projects that applied game technologies and machine learning to solve global challenges;
Founder of Lora Tech: startup that develops machine learning models to support commercial and strategic decision-making for large industries. Partner with Start Chemistry and Oracle LATAM;
Information Systems student (5th semester) at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU);
Speaker in science events and guest across various shows in Brazil, such as: Hacktown, Flow Podcast, Inspace, CONEMP, AGI Club by Ifood, Uberlandia Summit;
Local Leader and primary organizer in the Nasa Space Apps 2025 event in Uberlandia, transforming the city in the largest headquarters city in the world.
Awards
Honour Citizen in Uberlandia
For being the youngest leader to achieve the greatest tech award in the science field in the history of Brazil and the city of Uberlandia, receiving this honour directly from the hands of the Mayor Paulo Sérgio (2025).
Honour Student at Computing Science Department at UFU
Awarded by the rector of the Federal University of Uberlândia as an honor student at the city's computer science faculty, due to the feat of leading a team to global glory in the area of artificial intelligence, taking the name of Brazil, the city and the university to the largest open science stage on the planet: NASA.
Tech Community Honour Member (Uberhub)
Recognized by the local technology ecosystem of the city of Uberlândia (Uberhub) as one of the most important actors in the development of science in the region and in the democratization of access to knowledge for minorities and vulnerable social groups. Despite his young age, Gabriel is the youngest organizing member of the community, which is currently awarded the third best IT ecosystem in Brazil.
A BIT OF MY WORK
Gabriel Chayb led the development of a groundbreaking neural network that earned international recognition at the NASA Space Apps Challenge. At just 20 years old, he was invited to present his research at NASA and is currently co-authoring a scientific paper in collaboration with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). His work bridges artificial intelligence and space exploration, showcasing the potential of emerging talents from Brazil on the global stage.
For the city of Uberlândia, Gabriel represents a new generation of innovators who are placing the city on the map of global science and technology. As a young leader and entrepreneur, he inspires local students and professionals, proving that impactful innovation can emerge from anywhere — even far from traditional tech hubs.