Are you ready to take on real-world challenges using European Union Space technologies? The 8th CASSINI Hackathon is approaching.
Happening across 10 different European locations from November 22-24, 2024, this hackathon will give innovators a chance to leverage EU space assets like Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS, and Secure SATCOM to solve critical security issues.
#cassiniEU invites EU's brightest minds to take part in this exciting event!
Meet the 10 Local Organisers Hosting the Hackathon
For the 8th edition, 10 local organisers will host events in their regions. Each organiser brings unique expertise and a strong local ecosystem, helping to transform participants' ideas into impactful solutions.
Here are the selected local organisers:
1. Arribes Enlightenment, Spain
Spain’s edition of the Hackathon will be hosted by aconsortium, including Arribes Enlightenment, ETSIAE (the Aerospace Engineering School), and Madri+d, a non-profit organisation focused on fostering innovation in tech-based startups. Arribes Enlightenment is a consultancy that advocates for the integration of space technologies into business and industry. Together, these organisations offer a wealth of knowledge, mentorship, and resources, creating a fertile environment for innovative space technology solutions to flourish. With access to Spain’s top aerospace expertise and a robust startup ecosystem, participants in the Spanish Hackathon are well-positioned to develop impactful solutions.
2. Design Terminal Nonprofit Kft., Hungary
Design Terminal, one of Hungary’s innovation hubs, serves as an ESA Business Incubation Centre with a track record of supporting more than 2,500 startups and small to medium-sized enterprises. Their expertise in nurturing early-stage ventures is reinforced by a professional network of over 100 expert mentors, who bring valuable industry insights and connections. Having successfully hosted the CASSINI Hackathons in both 2022 and 2023, Design Terminal has proven to be a key player in space innovation landscape. Their extensive experience in building cross-sector partnerships makes them a vital contributor to this year’s event, ensuring participants receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
3. NGO Metalab, Ukraine
Metalab, based in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk, is an urban laboratory that focuses on sustainable innovation and product design. It has become a hub for a diverse range of initiatives, encompassing social, educational, and business projects. By fostering a creative and entrepreneurial spirit, METALAB plays a pivotal role in Ukraine’s innovation landscape. Their involvement in the CASSINI Hackathon reflects their commitment to supporting sustainable development and technological progress, particularly in areas where space-based solutions can make a meaningful impact. With their strong community ties and innovative approach, METALAB offers a vibrant platform for participants to bring their ideas to life.
4. Stichting Dotspace, Netherlands
DotSPACE, in collaboration with Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV), is a pivotal player in the Dutch space ecosystem. They are dedicated to raising awareness about the transformative potential of space technologies and how they can be applied to defence and security sectors. The Hackathon in the Netherlands is a joint effort, bringing together experts from academia, government, and the private sector to create a dynamic and innovative environment. DotSPACE’s approach emphasises cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring participants have access to a wide array of resources and expertise to develop groundbreaking solutions.
5. Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, Blue Dot Solutions, Poland
In Poland, the Hackathon will be co-organised by two leading organisations. Blue Dot Solutions, a consultancy firm specialising in space technologies, has already supported more than 150 startups, connecting them with over €10 million in investment funding. They bring their vast experience in guiding early-stage companies through the intricacies of launching and scaling space-based solutions. The Pomeranian Special Economic Zone (PSEZ), on the other hand, is a major hub for innovation and business, hosting a network of 134 businesses at the Baltic Port of New Technologies. Together, they offer an unparalleled ecosystem for participants, combining mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to cutting-edge facilities.
6. Prazsky Inovacni Institut, Czechia
The Prague Innovation Institute is a key driver of the innovation ecosystem in Czechia, offering comprehensive support to startups and established businesses alike. With a focus on research, technology transfer, and funding, they help innovators turn their ideas into successful ventures. By building strong connections between academia, industry, and government, the institute fosters a collaborative environment where space technology can thrive. Their involvement in the Hackathon is part of their broader mission to empower local talent and ensure that the next generation of innovators is equipped to tackle Europe’s most pressing security challenges.
7. Fondazione E. Amaldi, Italy
Fondazione E. Amaldi promotes research and innovation, with a strong emphasis on integrating space technologies into the business landscape. The foundation works closely with startups and SMEs to help them tap into the potential of space-based solutions, often collaborating with experts from diverse industries to create synergies that drive innovation. Headquartered within the Italian Space Agency in Rome, Fondazione E. Amaldi is strategically positioned to provide participants with access to Italy’s top space resources, including funding opportunities and strategic partnerships, making it an ideal launchpad for space tech initiatives.
8. Inteligența Artificială in Acțiune ONG, Moldova
Artificial Intelligence in Action is a non-profit organisation based in Moldova, focused on the development and application of AI, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision technologies. Their mission is to advance technology and drive solutions to complex challenges using space data. By spearheading AI innovation within Moldova, they are paving the way for local talent to participate in international tech ecosystems. With a strong focus on research and technological advancement, they bring a fresh perspective to the Hackathon, particularly in areas where artificial intelligence intersects with space technologies to enhance defence and security.
9. Tovarna Podjemov, Slovenia
Tovarna Podjemov (Venture Factory), based at the University of Maribor, is Slovenia’s business incubation centre. Their mission is to help ambitious startups and companies disrupt existing markets and build resilient, future-proof businesses. They manage the Start Slovenia platform and the prestigious PODIM conference, which brings together innovators from across Europe. Venture Factory’s experience in organising the 4th and 6th CASSINI Hackathons, where they successfully helped the winning team (Yolanda) bring their product to market, showcases their ability to transform ideas into tangible success. Their expertise in supporting entrepreneurs through every stage of development makes them a key partner in this year’s Hackathon.
10. Sopra Steria Benelux, Belgium
Sopra Steria Benelux is committed to bridging the gap between cutting-edge innovation and real-world challenges faced by defence and security professionals. Their collaboration with the Belgian Ministry of Defence ensures a close alignment with the sector’s needs, while the assets they manage, developed by the CS Group for space missions, provide a strong foundation for space-based solutions. Sopra Steria Benelux excels in guiding teams from ideation to launch, helping participants transform innovative concepts into practical applications that can be swiftly implemented in the field of security and defence.
Shape the Future of European Defence & Security with EU Space Technology:
The 8th CASSINI Hackathon offers the opportunity to develop impactful solutions that could shape the future of European defence and security. Participants will tackle three major challenges during the event, all designed to make use of EU Space technologies:
- Challenge 1: Enhancing Defence & Security with Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) — Leverage geospatial intelligence and earth observation to improve security measures.
- Challenge 2: Unmanned Drone Applications for Defence & Security Operations — Develop drone-based solutions for DroneOps and security.
- Challenge 3: Orbital Security by Navigating the Collision Frontier — Innovate solutions for space situational awareness and Space Traffic Management (STM) to avoid satellite collisions.
Key Dates to Remember
- Big Ideas Campaign: November 4-8, 2024
- Hackathon Weekend: November 22-24, 2024
- Demo-Day: November 27, 2024
Join the Innovation Movement
Don't miss your chance to be part of the 8th CASSINI Hackathon. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a student, or simply excited about space, this event offers the perfect platform to contribute to Defence Tech.
Register now: cassini.eu/hackathons
Registration Deadline: November 21, 2024
Follow the conversation: #cassiniEU #EUSpace
