12th CASSINI Hackathon: EU Space for Peace and Resilience

12^th edition of the CASSINI Hackathons: EU Space for Peace and Resilience

Curious about how European space technologies can help build a safer and more resilient Europe? The 12^th CASSINI Hackathon invites developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and other enthusiasts to create bold solutions that use space data and technologies to support peace, resilience, and security in multiple domains.

Across 10 locations in Europe, teams will harness EU Space data from Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS to develop innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges in cybersecurity, civil resilience, and transnational crime.

CASSINI Hackathons & Mentoring - The EU’s Innovation Hubs

Through the EU Space Programme, the European Union runs the CASSINI Hackathons and Mentoring initiative as part of its broader mission to drive innovation. The hackathon series provides participants with the opportunity to leverage Europe’s space technologies to design solutions that make a real difference.

There is More to Win than Money

In addition to local rewards, winners at the European level will be awarded prizes of up to €5,000, but there is more than a monetary reward. Through entering a six-month mentoring programme with 100 hours of tailored, expert guidance, the winning team will gain the support needed to turn their concepts into real products and services. This mentorship ensures that ideas do not stop at the prototype stage, but can grow into viable businesses with lasting impact for society.

The Space Community and How to Use its Data

By joining the hackathon, you become part of a vibrant community of innovators who collaborate, share ideas, and inspire each other to create meaningful solutions. Alongside this network, participants will learn how to work with the free-to-use EU space data from Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS, gaining hands-on experience in transforming raw data into real, working solutions. If that interests you, register and build your team.

The Hackathon Challenge: Fostering Innovation for Everyone

Similar to the previous Hackathons, this 12^th edition will have three challenges. Each of them will require innovative ideas, space data resources, and the EU’s brightest minds.

Challenge 1: Cybersecurity for space-based strategic enablers

Satellite navigation, Earth observation, and secure communications are increasingly critical to society, economies, and security operations, but are exposed to cyber threats, malicious interference, and disruption. This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services using Copernicus and Galileo data, information, and signals to strengthen cybersecurity, resilience, and continuity of critical infrastructure and space-enabled services.

Challenge 2: Space-enabled crisis response and civil resilience

Conflicts, geopolitical instability, and humanitarian emergencies can disrupt public services, infrastructure, and community safety. Timely and trusted information is essential for effective response and recovery. This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services using Copernicus and Galileo data, information, and signals to improve situational awareness, support emergency response, and strengthen civil resilience during crises.

Challenge 3: Countering transnational crime and terrorism with space data

Conflicts and instability can enable arms trafficking, smuggling, organized crime, and extremist activities that cross national borders. Space-based information can help authorities monitor vulnerable areas and identify emerging risks. This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services using Copernicus and Galileo data, information, and signals to detect and monitor transnational crime and terrorism, support threat assessment, and strengthen security responses.

Why YOU should join:

Work on real-world challenges and design security-focused solutions powered by space data and services.
No prior knowledge of space or space data is required — anyone can join and contribute with their unique perspective.
Connect with mentors and experts from the European space ecosystem and related industries.
Compete for prizes of up to €5,000 in cash and benefit from six months of expert mentoring to turn your idea into a lasting impact.
Become part of a Europe-wide community of innovators and problem-solvers driving the future of space-powered solutions.
Gain hands-on experience with EU space assets, including Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS.
Take part in a hackathon that happens simultaneously across Europe, connecting participants in multiple locations at once.

Dates to remember

The Big Ideas Campaign: 2 – 13 November 2026 - Get hands-on with EU Space data, learn how to access and use it effectively, and gain deeper insights into the challenges and upcoming pre-hackathon events.
Registration Deadline: 20 November 2026 - Don’t wait! Secure your spot now.*
Hackathon Weekend: 27 – 29 November 2026 – Get to work. Grab your team and start developing your solution and pitch.
Demo-Day: 2 December 2026 - The Local Winners pitch in front of a jury out of industry expert, followed by the award ceremony.

*N.B.: All participants need to register individually, even if in the same team.