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

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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:

• Disaster risk monitoring: Develop tools that support flood monitoring and early warning systems.
• Tracking and preventing water pollution: Explore how Earth observation can detect and monitor environmental impacts
• Securing equitable and efficient access to water: Use satellite data to monitor water availability and support resource management

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 links: click buttons below

PRE-EVENTS*
Webinar 1 – “Disaster Risk Monitoring” – Tue 7 Apr (at 16:00 CEST)
Webinar 2 – “Tracking and Preventing Water Pollution” – Tue 14 Apr (at 16:00 CEST)
Webinar 3 – “Securing Equitable and Efficient Access to Water” – Wed 22 Apr (at 16:00 CEST)

* These pre-hackathon online webinars are hosted by Groundstation.Space

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EUDIS hackathon seeks ideas to strengthen defence innovation

The EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) is enabled by the European Defence Fund to strengthen defence innovation in the European Union. Across a number of countries this fall, hackers will come together and explore how the European space ecosystem can support defence missions and operations, as well as contributing to a secure space domain. The heat in the Netherlands is organised by Groundstation.Space and the hackathon will take place in the CometLab – a new facility on NL Space Campus that officially opens earlier in October during NL Space Week. (You can register for the opening here.)

🏆 After winning a portion of the €5000 prize pool, the top team of the Dutch heat will move on to the European mentorship programme and gets the chance to pitch directly to EU Member State representatives. This is more than a competition it’s an entry point into Europe’s defence innovation network.

Technology for space and defence

The theme of the hackathon “technology for space and defence” is subdivided into three challenges. Take your pick!

• Challenge #1: Protection of space assets
• Challenge #2: Space for defence
• Challenge #3: Sovereign space

▶️ Get details of all challenges at: eudis-hackathon.eu/challenges
▶️ Discover about the Dutch heat at: taikai.network/eudisNetherlands

The EUDIS Hackathon is a project implemented by: Civitta, Carsa, Cecoforma and Tehnopol. The NL heat, with local organiser Groundstation.Space, has support from Dutch Ministry of Defence, InnovationQuarter, NL Space Campus, NLR, SBIC Noordwijk and TNO.

Join the info session (webinar) on 17 Sep at 15:00 hosted by Civitta => register

Organisations supporting the Dutch heat:

Participant selection process

All individuals wishing to take part in the hackathon must create an account on the hackathon platform. Participants from EU countries are eligible to take part and everyone who registers will undergo a selection process based on individual motivation and potential contribution. The selection process considers the information provided in each application, focusing on passion for technology and innovation. Teams can be formed but only after registration and only through the hackathon platform (instructions will be provided after completing the registration process). For a full list of frequently asked questions, go here.

KEY DATES

Hackathon starts: Fri 17 Oct (at 15:00 CEST)
Hackathon ends: Sun 19 Oct (at 18:30 CEST)
Webinar* Challenge 1 – Protection of space assets: Thu 18 Sep (at 16:00 CEST)
Webinar* Challenge 2 – Space for defence: Thu 25 Sep (at 16:00 CEST)
Webinar* Challenge 3 – Sovereign aerospace: Thu 2 Oct (at 16:00 CEST)
Webinar* Open Stage & Q&A – Last chance for questions: Wed 8 Oct (at 16:00 CEST)
Registration deadline: Fri 10 Oct (by 09:00 CEST)
Registration link: click button below

* These pre-hackathon online webinars are hosted by Groundstation.Space

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