Upcoming this month is the 11th CASSINI Hackathon taking place in the Netherlands on 24–26 Apr 2026. Get inspired to answer the water-focused challenges by making use of the available Europe-wide resources. The Dutch heat organiser Groundstation.Space offers pre-event webinars (register for the next one here). If you are a student, early stage professional or startup team ready to build something concrete in three days, this is your moment. Innovators are sought who are passionate about creating solutions for water protection and fair distribution. Register for hackathon by 19 Apr
From 24 to 26 April 2026, the CASSINI Hackathon will take place at CometLab on NL Space Campus in Noordwijk, and participants are invited to explore what they can build using European satellite technologies. This edition focuses on how space technologies can support water management and environmental monitoring. In the final pre-event webinar for the Dutch heat, the challenge covering access to water will be the subject in the spotlight. The hackathon is part of the European Commission’s CASSINI (Competitive Advantage of Space Startups for Innovation) initiative. The Dutch heat is organised by Groundstation.Space with support from partners.
Securing equitable and efficient access to water
Access to safe, clean, and reliable water is fundamental to life, health and sustainable development. However, growing water scarcity, often intensified by climate change, uneven distribution and inefficient management are putting increasing pressure on communities, economies and ecosystems.
This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices or services that leverage European space data, information, and signals from Copernicus and Galileo to improve the management and efficiency of water use, promote conservation and ensure equitable access for all.
The upcoming webinar for the Noordwijk heat is much more than a way to discover about the challenge. It is also a practical touchpoint ahead of the hackathon weekend – an opportunity to ask questions, get a better sense of what to expect onsite and, potentially, connect with other participants.
Join the final Dutch heat webinar on 22 Apr: This webinar introduces the challenge for securing equitable and efficient access to water. Experts will discuss how satellite data and digital tools can support water management, improve access to water resources and contribute to sustainable use of water. The session includes expert presentations, Q&A, short participant idea pitches (1-minute) and a round-table discussion. Register
Ready to tackle global challenges and make a real impact?
Get access to EU space data and develop a solution which protects our natural water resources. Participants will receive practical introductions to Copernicus Earth observation data, Galileo navigation and EGNOS, and work in teams to develop their own ideas. Mentors from organisations including dotSPACE, NL Space Campus, Rijkswaterstaat, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Netherlands Space Agency (formerly NSO), InnovationQuarter, Water Insight, Unmanned Valley and S[&]T will support teams throughout the weekend.
Participation is free and no prior space experience is required.
Recent water-focused posts:
Join the Dutch heat of CASSINI Hackathon – Space for Water (register by: 19 Apr)
Earth observation applications using satellite data to protect water and oceans
