Registration is now open for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026, the world’s largest annual global hackathon that brings together students, developers, scientists, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and innovators to solve real-world challenges using NASA’s open data.
The two-day event will take place on 14–15 November 2026, with participants joining local events around the world or taking part virtually to develop innovative solutions that benefit both Earth and space.
About the NASA Space Apps Challenge
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is an international hackathon organized by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in collaboration with global space agency partners.
The event encourages participants from all backgrounds and skill levels to collaborate, create, and solve challenges using open data from NASA and its international partners.
Since its launch, the challenge has attracted more than 487,000 registrations, hosted over 3,400 local events, and engaged participants from more than 190 countries and territories, making it one of the largest innovation competitions in the world.
Event Details
- Organizer: NASA
- Programme: NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
- Event Dates: 14–15 November 2026
- Participation: In-person and Virtual
- Eligibility: Open to participants worldwide
- Registration: Open
- Host Applications: Open for Local Leads
Who Can Participate?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge welcomes participants of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, including:
- Students
- Software Developers
- Data Scientists
- Engineers
- Scientists
- Designers
- Artists
- Entrepreneurs
- Educators
- Researchers
- Storytellers
- Space Enthusiasts
- Professionals from any discipline
No prior space or coding experience is required. Participants can contribute using a wide range of skills, including research, design, communication, project management, and creative thinking.
Challenge Areas
Teams work on real-world challenges developed by NASA subject matter experts using NASA’s open datasets.
Topics may include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Software Development
- Earth Observation
- Climate Science
- Agriculture
- Astrophysics
- Space Exploration
- Remote Sensing
- Data Visualization
- Storytelling
- Environmental Sustainability
- Space Biology
- Satellite Data Applications
- Machine Learning
What Participants Do
During the two-day hackathon, teams will:
- Access NASA’s open datasets.
- Explore challenge statements.
- Develop innovative solutions.
- Build prototypes or digital products.
- Collaborate with participants from around the world.
- Present their projects for judging.
Awards
Outstanding projects compete for prestigious Global Awards, including:
- Best Use of Science
- Best Use of Data
- Best Use of Technology
- Best Mission Concept
- Best Use of Storytelling
- Art & Technology
- Galactic Impact
- Global Connection
- Local Impact
- Most Inspirational
Winning teams gain international recognition for their creativity, collaboration, and innovative use of NASA data.
Host a Local Event
Community leaders, universities, schools, innovation hubs, companies, and organizations can also apply to become Local Leads.
Local Leads organize NASA Space Apps events within their communities, helping participants collaborate and solve challenges while connecting with the global NASA Space Apps network.
Why Participate?
Participants have the opportunity to:
- Solve real-world scientific challenges.
- Work with authentic NASA and partner agency data.
- Build practical technical and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborate with global innovators.
- Expand professional and academic networks.
- Gain experience in interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Showcase innovative ideas to an international audience.
NASA Space Apps by the Numbers
Since its launch, the competition has achieved remarkable global participation:
- 487,000+ registrations
- 3,400+ local events
- 190+ participating countries and territories
- 17 international space agency partners
How to Register
Interested participants should:
- Create a NASA Space Apps account.
- Register for the 2026 challenge.
- Join a local event or register for virtual participation.
- Form or join a team.
- Select a challenge.
- Develop and submit a solution during the event.
Individuals who wish to organize an event in their city can also apply to become a Local Lead through the official NASA Space Apps platform.
Why Apply?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is an exceptional opportunity for innovators to collaborate on meaningful global challenges while gaining hands-on experience with NASA’s open data. Whether you’re a student, developer, scientist, designer, or simply passionate about innovation, the hackathon offers a unique platform to learn, network, build impactful solutions, and contribute ideas that could help shape the future of life on Earth and beyond.
Event Dates: 14–15 November 2026
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