Stay tuned for the 12th CASSINI Hackathon!
27-29 November 2026
Ready to tackle global challenges and make a real impact?
The 12th CASSINI hackathon will take place from 27 - 29 November 2026. We will update the further details soon. No space experience needed—just choose a challenge, use EU space tech, and compete for cash prizes up to 9,000€ (1st: 5,000€, 2nd: 3,000€, 3rd: 1,000€) plus 6 months of mentoring. Be sure to review the Rules of Contest before applying.
Follow the steps below to join:
Challenge #
Cybersecurity for space-based strategic enablers
Galileo and Copernicus are vital for positioning, navigation, surveillance, and monitoring. But as these services become more essential, they’re increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, particularly in conflict zones where disruption can endanger individuals. It is therefore vital to strengthen the cyber-resilience of critical services and infrastructures.
This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services that leverage European space data, information, and signals from Copernicus and Galileo to validate signals, identify anomalies using Earth observation data, and help improve cybersecurity across Europe.
Challenge #
Space-enabled crisis response and civil resilience
War and instability threaten safety, infrastructure, and basic services. Humanitarian actors, first responders, and civil authorities rely on real-time, trusted information to act effectively.
This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services that leverage European space data, information, and signals from Copernicus and Galileo to map conflict damage using Earth observation data, support the creation of routes for goods and people using Galileo, and develop solutions that enhance the safety and resilience of civilian infrastructure.
Challenge #
Countering transnational crime and terrorism with space data
Conflicts weaken state control and create fertile ground for arms trafficking, smuggling, and extremist networks. The EU needs smart tools to anticipate, track, and respond to these threats — often before they cross its borders.
This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services that leverage European space data, information, and signals from Copernicus and Galileo, to monitor borders and critical infrastructure, detect smuggling routes and patterns, and strengthen the safety and resilience of European nations.
The hackathon locations
The 12th CASSINI Hackathon took place simultaneously across 10 different locations on 27-29 November 2026. Discover the locations below!
Organised by:
Risk Space Transfer - Technology Transfer Office
Sofia, Bulgaria
Organised by:
Prague Innovation Institute
Prague, Czech Republic
Organised by:
Ultrahack
Espoo, Finland
Organised by:
CESAH
Darmstadt, Germany
Organised by:
National College of Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
Earth observation
Copernicus
Copernicus is the European Union’s Earth observation programme, looking at our planet and its environment to benefit all European citizens. It offers information services that draw from satellite Earth Observation and in-situ (non-space) data.
Satellite navigation
Galileo
Galileo is Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), providing improved positioning and timing information with significant positive implications for many European services and users.
EGNOS
The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) is Europe’s regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) that is used to improve the performance of global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs).
Secure connectivity
IRIS2
The IRIS2 Satellite Constellation will offer enhanced communication capacities to governmental users and businesses, while ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones.
More info...
GOVSATCOM
The European Union Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) programme provides secure and cost-efficient communications capabilities to security and safety critical missions.
More info...
Space situational awareness
EU SST
The SSA initiative will provide Europe and its citizens with complete and accurate information on objects orbiting Earth, on the space environment and on threats coming from space.
More info...
The hackathon locations
The 12th CASSINI Hackathon took place simultaneously across 10 different locations on 27-29 November 2026. Discover the locations below!