Join the CASSINI Hackathon in Poland!
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 Wrocław, 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
Access to safe, clean, and reliable water is fundamental to life, health, andsustainable development. However, growing water scarcity, often intensified by climate change, uneven distribution, and inefficient management are putting increasing pressure on communities, economies,and ecosystems.
This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services that leverage European space data, information, and signals from Copernicus and Galileo to improve the management and efficiency of water use, promote conservation, and ensure equitable access for all.
2. Tracking and preventing water pollution
Water is a vital resource for all life, yet it faces growing threats from chemical, plastic, biological, and industrial pollution. Increasing pressures from agriculture, industry, and urbanization endanger ecosystems, human health, and the long-term availability of clean water. Coastal and marine environments are particularly vulnerable, with maritime pollution posing additional risks to biodiversity, fisheries, and public safety.
This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services that leverage European space data, information, and signals from Copernicus and Galileo to monitor water pollution, track contamination sources, and enable timely interventions that protect aquatic environments and public health.
3. Disaster risk monitoring
Extreme water events such as droughts, floods, and torrential rains are becoming more frequent and severe, posing serious threats to food production, ecosystems, and human livelihoods worldwide. Tracking changes in soil moisture, groundwater levels, precipitation, and vegetation health is essential to anticipate these disturbances and reduce their impacts.
This challenge invites participants to develop products, devices, or services that leverage European space data, information, and signals from Copernicus and Galileo, to monitor extreme water-related events, provide early warnings, and support resilient adaptation strategies.
Get involved
Wrocław is a city shaped by water. It stretches across islands and branches of the Oder, stitched together by more than a hundred bridges. In 1997, the famed “millennium flood” submerged 40% of the city and damaged 700,000 homes. In response, Poland made long-term investments in flood protection (tested in 2010 and 2024) and smarter water management. This local interest is continued through the work of universities and research centres, many of whom will contribute to this Hackathon.
We will apply real-world context to help participants develop relevant and scalable solutions on this edition’s theme.
What are the CASSINI Hackathons?
The CASSINI Hackathons & Mentoring is a unique project that takes place simultaneously in 10 different locations:
- Poland
- Austria
- North Macedonia
- Bulgaria
- Norway
- Hungary
- Italy
- Romania
- Netherlands
- Spain
The 11th CASSINI Hackathon challenges you to develop innovative water-related concepts and products by using space data, signals, and technologies. Showcase your inventive spirit by creating viable solutions that make everyday life more engaging, connected, and sustainable.
Who can participate?
Students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers, researchers, and others are welcome to participate. You are eligible if you are 18 years old or older at the start of the Hackathon (24th of April) and reside either in the European Union (any country) or in a non-EU country associated with Horizon Europe (or in ongoing negotiations for an association). All teams must have at least 3 team members and can go up to a maximum of 8 members.
Important dates
💡 8 - 17 April 2026 | Big Ideas Campaign
Join us for this series of online evening events where we aim to spark your creativity and help you meet fellow team members. We kick off with our launch session, then dive into the key space technologies and how they are used in the EU. Pick and choose the sessions that interest you and be ready to be inspired.
📅 19 April 2026 | Registration Deadline
Register before the deadline - this applies to both you AND your teammates.
🤓 24 - 26 April 2026 | The Hackathon Weekend
The main event! Join hundreds of participants around Europe as you develop new products and services that contribute to the future of European space innovation. Each location will select one winning team at the end of the weekend to move on to the Demo Day & Awards Ceremony.
🏆 29 April 2026 | Demo Day & Awards Ceremony
The winners of the local hackathons from around Europe will come together to pitch their solutions in front of an expert jury that will select the top 3 hackathon projects. This event is open to the public to join.
