CASSINI Hackathons - EU Space for Security and Defence

8^th CASSINI Hackathon: EU Space for Defence and Security

The 8th edition of the CASSINI Hackathon focuses on leveraging space technologies to tackle critical challenges related to Europe’s defence and security. This event brings together coders, problem-solvers, and innovators from across Europe to develop cutting-edge solutions using space-based technologies that can enhance defence systems, cybersecurity, and crisis management capabilities.

Take part in this brand new edition of the CASSINI Hackathons and get the chance to win one of three overall prizes: cash prizes of up to 5.000€ and 6 months of expert mentoring from notable professionals in the space industry! Check the information below to learn more about the CASSINI Hackathons. 

1. REGISTer to the hackathon

Hit the orange button " ⚡ LOG IN TO JOIN" or "⚡JOIN HACKATHON" button. Depending if you have an account on TAIKAI or if you have to create one. Your registration will be finalised once you have filled out our registration form where you'll pick your hackathon location. 

There you go, now you are part of the 8th CASSINI Hackathon: EU Space for Defence and Security!    As a next step, go to the matchmaking tab and search for teammates. Teams have to be built before the start of the Hackathon Weekend (22 - 124 November).

2. PRIZES

You are in luck! At the CASSINI Hackathons, you have the chance to win twice . First at a local level and second at the European level.

Local prizes - Each hackathon location has its own unique set of prizes for the local winners and runner-ups. Take a look at what you can win at the local level by checking the subpages of the local hackathons. (Click on the hyperlinks for the ten locations in section 3 for more information)

Overall prize - At the European level, the three top hackathon teams will win the big cash prize of 9.000€ in total (1st place: 5.000€, 2nd place: 3.000€, 3rd place: 1.000€) and get access to the CASSINI Mentoring, a 6-month mentoring programme that includes 100 hours of mentoring by top experts and is designed to turn your hackathon project into a successful business.

3. WHAT ARE THE CASSINI HACKATHONS?

The CASSINI Hackathons & Mentoring is a unique project that takes place simultaneously in 10 different countries.

The 8th CASSINI Hackathon challenges you to develop innovative concepts and products in EU Space for Defence and Security. This edition’s challenges focus on: Geospatial Intelligence for defence and security, Unmanned Drone Applications, and Orbital Security to mitigate collision risks. Showcase your inventive spirit by creating viable solutions that address these pressing issues. Compete for cash prizes up to 5,000€ and receive 6 months of expert mentoring from industry leaders in the space sector.

No previous space/hackathon experience is required!  Check our three challenges* below:

1. Enhancing Defence & Security with Geospatial Intelligence
2. Unmanned Drone Applications for Defence & Security Operations
3. Orbital Security: Navigating the Collision Frontier

For full challenge descriptions, check out our website: cassini.eu/hackathons  

*Please note that our challenges are referred to as 'Categories' inside the TAIKAI platform!

4. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers, researchers, and others are welcome to participate. You are eligible if you are 18 years old or older at the start of the Hackathon (22 November) and reside either in the European Union (any country) or in a non-EU country associated with Horizon Europe (or in ongoing negotiations for an association). All teams must have at least 3 team members and can go up to a maximum of 8 members.

5. IMPORTANT DATES

💡 04 - 08 November| Big Ideas Campaign

Join us for this series of online evening events where we aim to spark your creativity and help you meet fellow team members. We kick off with our launch session, then dive into the key space technologies and how they are used in the EU Space Defence and Security sector. Pick and choose the sessions that interest you and be ready to be inspired. The agenda will be published soon.

📅 15 November| Registration Deadline

Register before the deadline - this applies to both you AND your teammates.

🤓 22 - 24 November | The Hackathon Weekend

The main event! Join hundreds of participants around Europe as you develop new products and services that contribute to the future of Europe's Defence and Security. Each location will select one winning team at the end of the weekend to move on to the Demo Day & Awards Ceremony.

🏆 27 November| Demo Day & Awards Ceremony

The winners of the local hackathons from around Europe will come together to pitch their solutions in front of an expert jury that will select the top 3 hackathon projects. This event is open to the public to join.

6. JUDGING CRITERIA

Both at the local level and the European level your solutions will be judged against three simple criteria.

1. Relevance (33%) - Does the project address one of the hackathon's three challenges? Does the project make use of Copernicus, Galileo and/or EGNOS data and signals?
2. Innovativeness (33%) - How innovative is the idea compared to products/services that are already on the market? Is there potential for a viable business case?
3. Quality of the team (33%) - Do the technical, business and creative expertise of the team members match the needs of the project? 

In case you have questions check the FAQ tab or simply email us at [email protected]. We'll be glad to help!