The CASSINI Hackathon is back in the Netherlands

CASSINI Hackathon
The CASSINI Hackathons & Mentoring programme, organised by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), is a Europe-wide initiative designed to foster innovation by leveraging space data. It invites students, graduates, researchers, and early-stage teams/startups to work on digital applications using satellite images, positioning services, and space technologies.
Held simultaneously in 10 European cities, including Zoetermeer, Netherlands, the hackathon provides teams with access to space data, tools, and expert mentorship to turn ideas into solutions. Each location will crown one winning team, which will then compete in the finals to win exciting prizes, including six months of mentoring from top space business coaches in Europe.
Defence & Security
Defence & Security in a World of Growing Cyber Threats. As the world faces increasing cyber threats and geopolitical tensions, EU space technology is pivotal in ensuring the security of critical infrastructure. This year’s CASSINI Hackathon will explore the future of defence and security, focusing on how space-based systems can enhance secure communications, disaster response, and navigation services.
Participants will tackle one of three exciting challenges:
- Enhancing Defence & Security with Geospatial Intelligence
- Unmanned Drone Applications for Defence & Security Operations
- Orbital Security: Navigating the Collision Frontier
Join us from 22-24 November 2024, and collaborate on solutions to secure the future!
Hackathon prizes
Rewarding innovation and excellence. At the conclusion of the hackathon, teams will present their solutions to an expert judging panel. The top three teams will receive fantastic prizes:
- First Prize: €1,000
- Second Prize: €500
- Special Opportunity: An interview on Groundstation.space and a pitch slot at the NL Space Campus Network & Drinks event
Keep an eye out for additional prizes from sponsors as they are announced!
How to join the Hackathon?
The CASSINI Hackathon is open to students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers, and researchers. Eligible participants must be 18 or older and reside in the EU or a country associated with Horizon Europe. Teams should consist of 3 to 8 members. To register, visit the dedicated platform and secure your spot by 15 November. Whether you’re bringing a team or joining one, this is your opportunity to make an impact with space data.
Join our networking event
Join us as a partner
Collaborate and Support Innovation.
Current partners include:
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Dutch Innovation Factory
- NL Space Campus
- Security Delta (HSD)
- Unmanned Valley Valkenburg
- Netherlands Space Office
- Hogeschool Utrecht
Are you interested in partnering with us? We welcome new collaborators and sponsors. Contact Martijn Seijger at [email protected] to explore how your organization can get involved.
Meet the mentors
- Fabio Hoeben (Royal HaskoningDHV)
- Sebastiaan Rieter (THUAS)
- Annemiek Haneveld (MKB Digiwerkplaats Haaglanden)
- Vikram Radhakrishnan (THUAS)
- Hanno Hildmann, PhD (Smart Sensor Systems)
- Martijn Seijger (dotSPACE)
Would you like to join as an expert or mentor? We are always looking for professionals eager to help shape the future of space technology. Contact Martijn Seijger at [email protected] to learn more.
About the organisers
DotSPACE and Royal HaskoningDHV are leading the organisation of the CASSINI Hackathon in the Netherlands in collaboration with partners from academia, government, and the commercial sector. Together, we aim to raise awareness about the incredible potential of space technologies for security, business, and societal growth.The CASSINI Hackathon is organized by EUSPA and DG DEFIS. Join us at the Dutch Innovation Factory or participate online and take part in shaping the future of space technology!
Sponsors/ partners
- The Hague University of Applied Science
- Dutch Innovation Factory
- Stichting NL Space Campus
- Security Delta
- Unmanned Vally Valkenburg
- Netherlands Space Office
- Hogeschool of Utrecht
The countdown to innovation has begun
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event. Register now at the dedicated platform and bring your ideas to life with the support of Europe’s top space experts.
