COPERNICUS HACKATHON 2020
Save the world with space tech like Earth Observation
JOIN US 12 & 13 SEPTEMBER IN LEIDEN
60 BRIGHT MINDS. 30 HOURS. 1 EXCITING HACKATHON!
What is a Copernicus Hackathon?
A Copernicus Hackathon is not your average contest. This initiative, financed by the European Commission, aims to bring together all kinds of disciplines to develop new applications based on Copernicus Earth observation (EO) data and services. From developers to entrepreneurs and from designers to scientists: everyone with an ambitious mindset (from age 18 and up) is welcome.
One of a kind hackathon
There are 10 Copernicus Hackathons each year, held throughout Europe. The unique thing about these events: they are truly unique. Why’s that? Well, that’s because every local organiser chooses its own format. We hope our program in The Netherlands will challenge you in ways it hasn’t done before!
No limits
This year, for a first, the hackathon is not limited to earth observation. We encourage to use EO in combination with other disciplines or space technology (like satellite navigation – GNSS). Because of the coronavirus, we need innovative ideas more than ever. So every addition to EO data or services can be used.
Rules of Participation
Before registering, please read our Rules of Participation.
Our format
Hybrid hackathon
Both online and offline. Details will follow soon.
Divided in 4 parts (sessions):
Desirability, feasibility, viability, delivery
4 checkpoints
You need to complete the sessions to move to the next!
Program outline
Day 1: 9:00 – 22.30
ideation, matchmaking, business building, workshops
22.30-08:00
developing
Day 2: 8:00 – 18:00
training, pitching, awards
Tracks & challenges
SPACE FOR EQUALITY & INCLUSION CHALLENGE
Use space data to make the world more inclusive and equal in all of its senses – irrespective of people’s sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, location, age or sexual orientation. Use space data from Copernicus and/or Galileo (earth observation and/or satellite navigation) that promote the integration of these vulnerable groups. Think of:
- Helping victims of violence (e.g. domestic violence victims, protection of victims)
- Helping the elderly (e.g. support to older persons living alone or in remote areas)
- Help them indirectly: use Copernicus (or other space related) data to support policy makers to define more inclusive policies.
If your team wins with this challenge, you’ll get an extra 250 euro.
COVID-19 CHALLENGE
We have some very specific cases for the COVID-19 Challenge. Here’s what you can do:
- Use satellite images of nation’s borders where long queues of lorries are forming at border checks, i.e. DE-PL, PL-LT, HU-RO, to estimate the situation and provide quantified information on delays and the need for action.
- Use satellite images of pollution levels or other indicators that can help analyse economic activity, infection levels, or other problems, and combine with other data sources to propose solutions.
If your team wins with this challenge, you’ll get an extra 250 euro..
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS CHALLENGE
There’s also a special reward to ideas that focus on the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. There will be a focus on Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
If your team wins with this challenge, you’ll get an extra 250 euro.
GENERAL TRACK
The possibilities are endless with earth observation! Submit your business idea based on Copernicus data and/or services.
Prizes
Spot in Copernicus Accelerator
If you win this Copernicus Hackathon, you and your team have a guaranteed spot in the exclusive Copernicus Accelerator – to make your idea a reality.
Cash prize
500 euro for the winner, 250 for the challenge winners and runner-up of the hackathon
Subscription to sobloo
3 months subscription to the Copernicus data platform
Support by sobloo
Technical and marketing support by sobloo
Promotion
Your idea will be promoted by the marketing machines of SBIC Noordwijk & sobloo
Free business program
The winner is eligible for a free spot in SBIC Noordwijk’s pre-incubation program to ESA BIC, the Ignition Program. This will to help you shape your idea into a business. The runner-up gets a spot in the Venture Academy, the startup accelerator by PLNT Leiden
Subscription to 'Ruimtevaart'
Free subscription to ‘Ruimtevaart’, the magazine of the Netherlands Space Society (NVR)
Online info session (July 28)
Because of the hybrid format, and the ‘logistic’ challenges of such an event, we decided to host an online info session. Join us to better prepare yourself and to ask all the questions you want.
(This event has ended)
Online inspiration session (August 27)
To help you get ideas, we will host an inspiration session, to get you warmed up for the actual hackathon.
(This event has ended)
Hybrid hackathon: location
You can choose to enter the online or offline version of the hackathon. Both will be in sync!
Physical attendees of the Copernicus Hackathon 2020 will be welcome at PLNT Leiden, a vibrant and green co-working space near the train station of the wonderful city of Leiden. It has great capacity and facilities – and a rooftop garden.
Can’t wait to start?
