8th CASSINI Hackathon: EU Space for Defence & Security – Pioneering Solutions for a Secure Future
The 8th CASSINI Hackathon: EU Space for Defence & Security has once again showcased Europe’s brightest talents, bringing forward innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in space and defence. This edition’s winning teams — from Slovenia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Spain — have demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical expertise, and a shared vision for a smarter, more secure space environment.
This edition of the hackathon saw an impressive turnout, highlighting the growing interest in EU space technologies for defence and security applications. With 1,175 registrations, the event gathered 601 active participants, resulting in 110 submitted projects. The hackathon was supported by 160 expert mentors guiding teams through the competition. Across 10 hackathon locations across Europe, innovators collaborated to leverage EU space data for security and defence, competing for a prize pool of over €33,700 in local prizes.
The CASSINI Hackathon provides a platform for problem solvers, technologists, and entrepreneurs to develop solutions using open EU space data. Over three intensive days from 22–24 November 2024, participants build prototypes addressing real-world challenges, supported by expert mentorship. The 8th edition focused on enhancing security and defence capabilities, tackling three key challenges:
- Challenge 1: Enhancing Defence & Security with Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) – Optimising resource allocation, predicting security threats, and protecting critical infrastructures using space data.
- Challenge 2: Unmanned Drone Applications for Defence & Security Operations – Developing drone-based solutions for surveillance, disaster response, and security operations, including cybersecurity enhancements.
- Challenge 3: Orbital Security: Navigating the Collision Frontier – Improving space situational awareness through satellite data to mitigate collision risks and enable safe satellite operations.
Outstanding ideas took centre stage, yet the responsibility fell on local jurors to narrow them into the premier solution from each location. These ten selected teams then faced one last final pitching round during the Demo Day & Awards Ceremony on 27 November 2024.
Want to find out more about the top 10 finalists’ ideas? Read more about the local winning projects on our portfolio page.
At the Demo Day, the ten local winners delivered a compelling 3-minute pitch to our expert jury, followed by a Q&A session before the ultimate assessment. In the grand finale, only three teams emerged victorious, securing the cash prize of €9,000 in total and 100 hours of mentoring.
We are delighted to announce the winning trio of the 8th CASSINI Hackathon:
1st Place: SpaceGuardian (Slovenia) – Preventing Satellite Collisions and Enhancing Orbital Security
SpaceGuardian developed an automated system that optimises orbital manoeuvres, extends satellite lifespans, and reduces space debris using predictive modelling and real-time tracking.
The winning team from Slovenia, SpaceGuardian, presenting their innovative approach to satellite collision prevention.
2nd Place: SignalVoid (Netherlands) – Enabling GPS-Free Drone Navigation for Defence and Security
SignalVoid created an AI-powered geolocation system that enables drones to navigate without GPS by using satellite imagery and low-compute hardware, ensuring reliability in GPS-denied environments.
The SignalVoid team from the Netherlands celebrating their breakthrough in GPS-free drone navigation.
3rd Place: SignalHawk (Ukraine) – Detecting and Mitigating GNSS Spoofing Attacks
SignalHawk developed a real-time monitoring system that detects and counters GNSS spoofing attacks using signal anomaly detection and advanced processing techniques to enhance positioning security.
The SignalHawk team from Ukraine showcasing their cybersecurity solution for GNSS spoofing detection.
4th Place: NumantIA (Spain) – Tactical Intervention and Assistance through Geospatial Intelligence
NumantIA designed an AI-driven system that prioritises intervention nodes in disaster scenarios, leveraging satellite data to support rapid and efficient emergency response planning.
NumantIA from Spain, introducing their AI-based emergency response and intervention system.
All four winning teams will continue to develop their solutions as they enter the CASSINI Mentoring Programme, receiving expert guidance to refine their prototypes and explore real-world applications.
Harnessing Open EU Space Data for Innovation The CASSINI Hackathon continues to highlight how open EU space data can drive impactful innovation. By leveraging space-based resources, participants are developing practical solutions that can enhance security, logistics, and environmental monitoring across Europe and beyond.
As SpaceGuardian, SignalVoid, SignalHawk, and NumantIA refine their prototypes, their solutions could play a pivotal role in advancing space and defence technology. The CASSINI Hackathon is not just a competition—it is an opportunity to create real-world applications that strengthen Europe's strategic capabilities in space.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants, mentors, and organisers who made this edition a success. Stay tuned for the next CASSINI Hackathon and continue pushing the boundaries of innovation!
