The Space Business Innovation Centre (SBIC) Noordwijk is pleased to be supporting the upcoming CASSINI Hackathon in the Netherlands (24–26 Apr 2026). The local heat organiser is Groundstation.Space and we look forward to seeing what innovative solutions are realised by the participants. The hackathon’s theme – “EU Space for Water” – is subdivided into three challenges. Take action to take part! Join to access EU space data and develop a solution which protects our natural water resources. Individuals are called to register now (until 19 Apr).
From 24 to 26 April 2026, the CASSINI Hackathon will take place at CometLab on NL Space Campus in Noordwijk, inviting students, developers, researchers, entrepreneurs and early-stage teams to explore what they can build using European satellite technologies. 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.
A starting point for new skills, projects and opportunities
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.
The hackathon is designed not only as a weekend experience; it is a gateway into the wider space and innovation ecosystem. Participants gain practical skills, meet collaborators and mentors, and unlock opportunities to continue developing their ideas afterwards.
Participation is free and no prior space experience is required.
Three challenges focused on water
This edition focuses on how space technologies can support water management and environmental monitoring. Participants will develop solutions addressing:
- Securing equitable and efficient access to water: Use satellite data to monitor water availability and support resource management
- Tracking and preventing water pollution: Explore how Earth observation can detect and monitor environmental impacts
- Disaster risk monitoring: Develop tools that support flood monitoring and early warning systems.
Teams will have access to datasets, technical guidance and a prototyping environment at CometLab, located at NL Space Campus.
Prizes, mentoring and follow-up opportunities
The winning team in the Netherlands will receive a cash prize, along with introductions to incubation programmes, a pitch opportunity at NL Space Campus and media exposure. Local winners will also advance to the European CASSINI competition with further prizes and six months of expert mentoring to further develop their project.
Opportunities extend beyond the winning teams. For many participants, the hackathon becomes a first step toward internships, startup support or further collaboration.
KEY DATES*
Hackathon starts: Fri 24 Apr (at 18:00 CEST)
Hackathon ends: Sun 24 Apr (at 18:00 CEST)
Registration deadline: Sun 19 Apr (by 23:59 CEST)
Registration link: click button below
* Also, keep an eye out for any upcoming info sessions and webinars
