Join The Big Ideas Campaign!
2 - 13 November | Big Ideas Campaign
In anticipation of the Hackathon Weekend, we are thrilled to unveil The Big Ideas Campaign! This twelve-day-long event is the perfect opportunity to gain some valuable insights, and sharpen your skills prior to the big event!
The best part? No previous space experience is required! Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this is your chance to engage with the sector and connect with like-minded individuals.
Anyone, Beginner to expert. No previous space experience is required!
Sessions from 2 - 13 November
Resources, networking opportunities and exciting sessions to get inspired and fuel your imagination
To kickstart your learning and bring your A-game to the Hackathon Weekend (27 - 29 November)
Here’s what to expect... Kicking things off at 17:00 (CET) on 2 November 2026, where we will have expert speakers, each of whom will discuss topics relevant to the CASSINI Hackathon and its challenges.
Find the Central sessions below:
Introducing the 12th CASSINI Hackathon
The session opens with a welcome and an introduction to the 12th edition of the CASSINI Hackathons & Mentoring programme. Experts will then share insights into the three challenges: cybersecurity for space-based strategic enablers, space-enabled crisis response and civil resilience, and countering transnational crime and terrorism with space data. Following the challenges, we will cover practical information and what participants can expect from the hackathon.
Visualising and Analysing Satellite imagery using the Sentinel Hub APIs in Copernicus Dataspace Ecosystem
William Ray (Sinergise Solutions GmbH) will introduce you to the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem and the datasets and services available to you on the platform. In addition, William will then demo the Copernicus Browser enabling you to access EO data quickly and easily. Finally, William will introduce you to the Sentinel Hub APIs demonstrating how you can access them through Requests Builder and Jupyter Notebooks.
APEx: Ready-to-use Earth Observation Solutions
Join this hands-on session to explore how Earth Observation algorithms can support the CASSINI Hackathon challenges. The APEx Algorithm Catalogue hosts over 30 algorithms on the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE), enabling applications such as detecting forest disturbances in border areas, monitoring agricultural changes due to conflict, and mapping infrastructure such as photovoltaic farms.
The webinar will demonstrate how to find relevant algorithms from ESA-funded research and execute them using a Jupyter Notebook or the openEO web editor with a free CDSE account.
Hack the Planet (Responsibly): Geospatial AI for CASSINI Builders
How can satellite imagery help us understand risks, monitor critical infrastructure, and respond more effectively to crises?
Join FlyPix AI for a practical introduction to turning satellite, aerial, and drone imagery into actionable insights using no-code AI. Discover how object detection, segmentation, and change monitoring can help transform a promising idea into a working geospatial solution.
Through real-world examples and a platform demonstration, we’ll explore how to define a meaningful problem, choose suitable imagery, and extract information that supports decisions. Designed for CASSINI participants from technical and non-technical backgrounds, this webinar will provide inspiration and a practical starting point for building solutions that strengthen resilience—no prior AI experience required.
The open-source streamlined data access API in CDSE: openEO API
This session will introduce you to openEO, an open-source solution within the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem that simplifies access to, processing, and analysis of Earth Observation data. You will discover how to use cloud-based resources to build scalable, reusable, and shareable workflows. Drawing on operational projects such as ESA WorldCereal, the session will demonstrate how openEO helps turn freely available satellite data into actionable insights.
Introduction to Galileo & EGNOS
Discover how Galileo and EGNOS, Europe’s satellite navigation systems, provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing services worldwide. This introduction explains how the two systems work together, their key differences, and how they support applications from aviation and transport to emergency response and everyday devices.
How to use the Kineis Kits
Learn how the Kinéis kits work and how direct-to-satellite IoT connectivity can take your solution to the next level. Discover how to get started with the kits, transmit sensor data via satellite, and build prototypes that connect devices beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
Join the local sessions to learn more about your hackathon, what to expect, and how to find teammates. Explore all sessions below.
Leveraging EU Space Data for Cybersecurity, Crisis Response, and Border Security
The session will explore how Copernicus and Galileo can address all three hackathon challenges: cybersecurity resilience, critical infrastructure monitoring, and combating transnational crime.
Introduction to the CASSINI Hackathon in Prague
An introduction to the Czech CASSINI Hackathon, covering key event details, followed by an interactive ideation session to develop project ideas, connect with participants and form teams ahead of the hackathon.
Deep Dive into the Hackathon Challenges & Get to Know CASSINI Finland
An overview of the hackathon challenges, potential approaches and available resources, alongside practical details on the Finnish event, including venue, team formation, timelines and local experts.
Why the Problem-Solution-Fit matters so much
A deep dive into problem-solution fit for space startups, exploring its importance, practical strategies and techniques for navigating extreme uncertainty.
Local Welcome and Info Session
An overview of the Ireland CASSINI Hackathon, covering the organising team, venue, mentors, partners, themes, challenges, team formation, schedule and logistics.
From Idea to Impact: Building a Strong Hackathon Project
An interactive introduction to the CASSINI Hackathon framework, covering problem identification, value proposition development, multidisciplinary teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking to turn initial ideas into viable hackathon solutions.
Satellites, Security & Resilience: Where Can Space Tech Make a Difference in Lithuania?
Join experts from Lithuania’s space and innovation ecosystem to explore how space technologies support secure communications, navigation, Earth observation, infrastructure protection and crisis response. Discover real-world examples and local needs, and learn how to turn them into ideas for the CASSINI Hackathon Lithuania 2026.
GNSS Under Cyberattack - Jamming, Spoofing and Signal Resilience
This session focuses on presenting GNSS interference threats. We will discuss jamming, spoofing, and how they affect critical infrastructure and border control. We will also present practical applications of data from Galileo and Copernicus systems in detecting and preventing interference with the proper functioning of GNSS systems.
Introduction to the Romanian Hackathon & Topic
Get ready for the CASSINI Hackathon with an introductory session covering everything you need to know before the event. We will walk you through the hackathon themes and challenges, the event timeline and agenda, available resources, and communication channels.
The session will also explore the challenges in the Romanian context and provide practical guidance on how to form a team if you are not part of one yet.
Responding to Crises with GIS and Earth Observation: Nobody Is Waiting for Your Map
GIS and Earth Observation specialist Roman Sizo shares how to turn satellite imagery into timely, trustworthy insights that help decision-makers act during a crisis.
Why Join - and How to Win
An exclusive Ukrainian-language session where previous CASSINI Hackathon winners share practical advice, key lessons and insider tips for developing a standout solution and delivering a winning pitch.