24 - 26 April
CometLab, Noordwijk
On-site
Join the Hackathon in Noordwijk!
Is it time to add space technology skills – and a real project – to your resumé? Join the 11th CASSINI Hackathon to access EU space data and develop a solution which protects our natural water resources.
You don’t need any experience: you’ll get all the training and tools to utilise EU space data and tackle the issues of water scarcity, flooding, or pollution. Over three days in CometLab in Noordwijk, you’ll hear from experts in space tech and environmental industries. You’ll learn how to access datasets from Copernicus, EGNOS and Galileo. Then you’ll connect with other professionals to form a multi-skilled team. This edition has three challenges on the theme of water:
- Securing equitable and efficient access to water
- Tracking and preventing water pollution
- Disaster risk monitoring
Positioned in a large river delta, the Netherlands has become a hub of water innovation – dealing with issues like water safety, quality, and climate resilience. For example, we’re already using Earth Observation data to detect floods, monitor coastlines, and track water levels. NVWA safeguards agricultural and ecological systems using satellite data to monitor land use and pollution risks. Together, the consortium shows how public authorities, regulators, and space-technology innovators can jointly address water challenges.
We have a lot to talk about and many opportunities for innovation! Join us to explore the ways that space data can help to protect and preserve our water resources – and begin building your own environmental start-up.
Local prizes:
Winner:
- Cash prize: €3,000
- Guidance towards the FIERCE support programme
- Introductions to incubation programmes (ESA BIC, Unmanned Valley, Buccaneer, Startup in Residence)
- Pitch slot at NL Space Campus Network & Drinks (30 April)
- Media exposure via Groundstation.space, NL Space Campus, and other partners
- Assessment of follow-up opportunities for further development
Runner-up:
- Cash prize: €1,000
- Guidance towards the FIERCE support programme
- Media exposure via Groundstation.space, NL Space Campus, and other partnersk
- Assessment of follow-up opportunities for further development
All participants:
- Invitation to demonstrate solutions via dotSPACE Open Data Lab
- Subscription to dotSPACE, NL Space Campus, SBIC Noordwijk and InnovationQuarter updates
Central prizes:
Additionally, the local winners will qualify for the European competition, where they will receive the following prizes:
- 1st place: €5,000
- 2nd place: €3,000
- 3rd place: €1,000
Mentoring
The top 3 teams across all competing hackathons will each be awarded an additional 6 months of expert mentoring by CASSINI.
These experts will guide participants throughout the hackathon, ensuring that solutions are technically sound, societally relevant, and aligned with real-world challenges. The list of mentors is subject to change and may be updated closer to the event.
The Dutch consortium is led by Stichting dotSPACE and brings together NL Space Campus (NLSC), Rijkswaterstaat (RWS), and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Together, they’re passionate about building regional and national innovation ecosystems, reducing barriers for non-space professionals to adopt satellite technologies, and co-create scalable, market- and policy-relevant solutions addressing local challenges.
Hackathon participants get another bonus: the opportunity to attend the new and cutting-edge CometLab on the Noordwijk Space Campus. It’s a fully-equipped prototyping and testing centre – the perfect place to develop innovative solutions.
Build your next space tech project at the 11th CASSINI Hackathon in Noordwijk this April. Register to access the pre-event training and secure your place.
Additional sponsors and partners may be added.
The list is subject to change.
Consortium partner, the central hub of the Dutch space ecosystem and gateway to ESA, technology transfer, and downstream entrepreneurship.
Consortium partner. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) monitors animal and plant health, animal welfare, and the safety of food and consumer products, as well as enforcing nature legislation.
Consortium partner. Rijkswaterstaat is responsible for the design, construction, management, and maintenance of the Netherlands’ primary infrastructure facilities.
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