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Greeting Macedonia

24 - 26 April


 

Netaville, Skopje

 

On-site

Join the Hackathon in Skopje!

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 Skopje, 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:

  1. Securing equitable and efficient access to water 
  2. Tracking and preventing water pollution
  3. Disaster risk monitoring
Get involved

 

In N.Macedonia, our water resources are under threat. The river Vardar is one of the most polluted in the Balkans, affected by industrial discharge and untreated waste. Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa are also in ecological decline, with pollution and human factors causing biodiversity to dwindle. They’re both UNESCO sites, and solutions to help monitor and protect these lakes are a high priority in the public sector. 

We have a lot to talk about and many problems to solve! Join us to explore the ways that space data could help to protect and preserve our water resources – and perhaps build your own environmental start-up. 

 

 

Local prizes:

 

  • 3000 EUR for 1st place, by G+D Netcetera
  • Receive expert guidance from mentors across tech, business, and space industries
  • Connect with Europe’s leading space and innovation ecosystem 
  • More prizes coming soon...

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.

Mentors & Experts

Our mentors and experts will support participants throughout the hackathon weekend, helping ensure that the proposed solutions are technically robust, impactful, and solve real-world challenges. More mentors will be announced soon, as we approach the event.

Aleksandar Nikov
Aleksandar Nikov
Chief Innovation Officer at G+D Netcetera
Pance Cavkovski
Pance Cavkovski
Principal Software Engineer at G+D Netcetera | Leader at Java User Group Macedonia
Martina Dimoska
Martina Dimoska
Founder & President of the International Space Alliance (ISA) | First Female Balkan Analog Astronaut | Expert in Human Spaceflight & ISRU
Marija Dimovska
Marija Dimovska
Head of Technology & Innovation Financial Technology at G+D Netcetera
Anne Claire Grossias
Anne Claire Grossias
Associate Programme Officer at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs | Focused on Space Technologies, Climate Action & Innovation Ecosystems
Marko Paloski
Marko Paloski
Senior System Engineer at G+D Netcetera | WSA
Bojan Kordalov
Bojan Kordalov
Director of Policy and Communications (@ECE Brussels) | EU-Registered Expert | Strategic Communication, EU Visibility, Digital Transformation, AI Literacy and Enlargement Policy
Paulina Behluli
Paulina Behluli
Programme Manager at The Data Tank | Digital Governance Specialist
Melani Cvetkovska
Melani Cvetkovska
Space Systems Engineer | Electronics & Robotics Specialization | President of Asclepios Lab at EPFL
Jelena Hinic
Jelena Hinic
Assistant Professor at Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics - Skopje | PhD in Biology | Young Water Professional | Biodiversity conservation specialist
Elena Minova Atanasova
Elena Minova Atanasova
Biologist at the Macedonian Ecological Society | Focused on Ecosystem Restoration, Environmental Education & Climate Awareness
Sara Krsteska
Sara Krsteska
Biology Engineer at the Macedonian Ecological Society | Focused on Protected Areas, Stakeholder Coordination & Environmental Policy
Svetlana Pejović
Svetlana Pejovikj
Environmental Engineer with 20+ Years of Experience | Specialist in Habitat Restoration & Environmental Education
Kosta Krapovski
Kosta Krapovski
Software Engineer at G+D Netcetera
Stojanche Krstevski
Stojanche Krstevski
Software Engineer at G+D Netcetera
Maja Kuzmanovska
Maja Kuzmanovska
Marketing & Business Professor at Business Academy Smilevski | Consultant in Organizational Transformation, Strategy & Youth Innovation Programs
Ivan Gjorgjievski
Ivan Gjorgjievski
Management Expert & Senior Lecturer at Business Academy Smilevski | Focused on Systems Thinking, Innovation & Building Impactful Solutions
Ana Cholakoska Cilakova
Ana Cholakoska Cilakova
Assistant Professor at Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies - Skopje
Bobi Sofronijoski
Bobi Sofronijoski
International Space Alliance | Co-Founder & Full Stack Software Engineer
Photo of Anastasia Kvasha
Anastasia Kvasha
Consultant for Community, Content, and Communications at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
About the Organisers

G+D Netcetera is a pioneering software company employing more than 400 people in N.Macedonia. It has established Netaville, a modern IT hub with facilities for teaching, co-working, and a relaxation zone. 

International Space Alliance (ISA) is dedicated to decentralizing space exploration and fostering diversity in the STEM and Space Ecosystem.

For the 11th CASSINI Hackathon, Netaville's and ISA's team will bring together students, engineers, data scientists, environmentalists, and institutions to create new solutions to protect Macedonia’s waterways. There will be an international expert panel to mentor and inspire our participants.

 

Build your next space tech project at the 11th CASSINI Hackathon in Skopje this April. Register to access the pre-event training and secure your place.

 

 

 
Collaborators, Supporters & Sponsors

The organization of the CASSINI Hackathon is made possible through the strong collaboration of industry partners, government institutions, academia, as well as the valued support of our sponsors and community supporters.

Sparkasse Bank | Golden Sponsor

Vibe On, the youth platform of Sparkasse Bank, today offers a range of benefits such as financial education for young people, a platform for career growth, events and workshops for youth, a variety of discounts for young people, as well as free banking products designed to meet the specific needs of young people who are holders of the Vibe On youth package and possess the orange card.

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space, and in the utilisation of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development.

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of N.Macedonia

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy (MAFWE) of North Macedonia is the government body responsible for managing agricultural policies, forestry, water resources, and rural development. Located in Skopje, it regulates food safety, land use, hunting, fishing, and implements projects aimed at improving agricultural competitiveness, including EU-supported IPARD programs.

Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of N.Macedonia

The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia (MoEPP), established in 1998, is the central governmental body responsible for environmental policy,, nature protection, spatial planning, water management, waste management, and industrial pollution control.

Macedonian Ecological Society

The Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), established in 1972, is a leading NGO in North Macedonia dedicated to biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and promoting sustainable resource use. It conducts scientific research, manages protected areas, and engages in advocacy, notably with the IUCN and Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust - PONT.

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM)

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM) is the oldest and largest state university in North Macedonia, founded in 1949 in Skopje. It serves as a comprehensive educational and research center, boasting 23 faculties, 5 research institutes, and numerous associated institutions. The university serves over 60,000 students across various fields, including technical, medical, and social sciences.

Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering

FINKI (Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering - FCSE) is the strongest and most advanced scientific research and educational institution in Macedonia, established in 2011. It serves nearly 50% of students in its field, focusing on informatics and computer engineering, resulting from the merger of two prominent institutes that collaborated since the 1980s.

Business Academy Smilevski

BAS is a modern higher‑education institution dedicated to practical, innovative, and industry‑oriented management studies. Since 2007, it has provided contemporary programs that integrate business skills, quality management, marketing, and strategic leadership. With three undergraduate and two postgraduate programs, BAS offers student‑centered, applied learning across its locations in Skopje and Bitola, preparing graduates for real‑world professional success.

IDUEP Institute

The Institute for Good Governance and Euro-Atlantic Perspectives (#IDUEP) is a think tank established in 2009.
- Good governance
- Digitalization
- Integration
- Youth Activism
- Women Empowerment

European Centre of Excellence

The European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) is an independent European think tank based in Brussels, committed to promoting good governance, democratic development, and excellence in communication, research, and policymaking across Europe and EU candidate countries. ECE Brussels actively supports digital transparency, the ethical use of emerging technologies and AI, and the advancement of inclusive democratic societies.

Asclepios Lab

Asclepios Lab is an EPFL-recognized association dedicated to designing and building space-grade technologies for analog lunar and planetary missions. Asclepios Lab serves as a multidisciplinary hub where students develop high-fidelity hardware, robotics, and life-support systems to be tested during the annual Asclepios Missions. By simulating the constraints of extreme environments, the association bridges the gap between academic research and the future of human space exploration.

The Data Tank

The Data Tank is a think and do tank working with people, organisations and institutions around the world to unlock data’s potential: gathering, accessing, and reusing it responsibly, so we’re all better equipped to tackle the pressing issues of our time.

Studentarija

Largest digital student platform in N.Macedonia.

USS UKIM

The university student assembly of the University "St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje" is an active student organization with the aim of protecting the interests of over 22,000 students, participating through its representatives in decision-making in the organs and bodies of the university, and representing the students within the framework of higher education as members of the academic community.

351 Portuguese Startup Association

Made by startup founders for startup founders,
351 Portuguese Startup Association started as a grassroots movement and has become the largest startup community in Portugal

Lithium 367

Lithium 367 is a Norway-based technology company committed to promoting sustainability by minimizing waste, preserving resources, and advocating for a circular economy.

Blue Abyss

From Subsea to Space. Enabling operation in extreme environments. Through Expertise, Infrastructure & Education.

L'EAUTELIER

As an experienced guide to aquatic living, Morgan Ræ brings her decades of hospitality research to style the circular economy and deep sea space. To elevate the standards of design and raise awareness of our water connection, L’eautelier is part-studio, part-host, mixed with the fluidity and resilience of its element of choice. 

Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)

The Austrian Space Forum is a private research institution in the space sector and a network for astronautics and space research experts, businesses and industry and people interested in space.

RWTH AACHEN University

RWTH Aachen University is a public research university located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is one of the oldest and leading technical universities in Germany (TU9) and, with about 45,000 students, is simultaneously the second-largest.

Space Generation Advisory Council

The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), in support of the United Nations Program on Space Applications, is a non-governmental organization and professional network, whose goal is to convey the perspectives of students and young space professionals to the United Nations (UN), space industry, space agencies, and academia.

Entropy Team
Entropy Team
Women4Cyber

Women4Cyber is a non-profit aiming to connect female cyber talent to companies to close the workforce gap through various initiatives. We bring awareness to the community, facilitate education and mentorship and create pathways that connect women in cyber with organisations.

Vincinni

An internationally beloved brand offering delightful snacks for the entire family, Vincinni has captivated taste buds in over 60 countries with its extensive range of sweet and savory treats, including cakes, wafers, cookies, crackers, biscuits, and chocolate bars.

Vitaminka

In its 70 years of existence, Vitaminka has created the largest world of tastes in Macedonia and represents an integral part of the lives of several generations, full of memories and precious moments.

Red Bull

Red Bull Gives Wiiings to People and Ideas. This has driven us – and all we do – since 1987. Today, Red Bull operates in over 170 countries, selling more than 12 billion cans annually and growing! Above all, our people remain the essential ingredient in bringing the Red Bull brand to life.

Anhoch

ANHOCH as a company will always try to offer its customers:

  • the highest quality products that can currently be found on the world's computer market
  • systems that will fully satisfy consumer demands for performance, stability and attractive price
  • a modern and interactive presentation of hardware exhibits and system capabilities
  • a service that will meet users' needs at any time, any place and will be ready to respond to the challenges brought by the development of technology