The Dutch edition of the 8th CASSINI Hackathon will be held in Zoetermeer at the Dutch innovation factory from 22-24 November 2024, offering a unique chance for innovators, experts, and sponsors to join forces and develop cutting-edge solutions using space data. Whether you’re a participant ready to solve challenges, a mentor eager to share knowledge, or a partner seeking to support this innovation-driven event, there’s a place for everyone in this exciting space journey.
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Initiated by EUSPA and DG DEFIS: About 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
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This Year’s Theme: EU Space for Defence and Security
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!
Learn more about challenges at https://www.cassini.eu/hackathons/
Hackathon Prizes: Rewarding Innovation and Excellence
At the conclusion of the hackathon, teams will present their solutions to an expert panel of judges. The top three teams will be awarded the following local prizes:
- First Prize: €1,000
- Second Prize: €500
- Special Opportunity: An exclusive interview on Groundstation.space and a pitch slot at the NL Space Campus Network & Drinks event.
Additionally, stay tuned for more prizes from our sponsors as they are announced!
Additional Local Prizes and Opportunities
- OPT/NET BV will provide participants with tools such as Earth Observation data, virtual machines, and training sessions. These resources will enable teams to create solutions for defense and security using real satellite data and AI technologies.
- Smooth Stone Dynamics will support drone-based ideas by offering a €500 budget for testing and will also present additional prizes to the top three concepts.
Central Prizes
The top three teams from all competing hackathons will compete in the European finals on 27 November for a share of up to €9,000 in prizes:
- 1st place: €5,000
- 2nd place: €3,000
- 3rd place: €1,000
Mentoring
The top 3 teams across all hackathons will each receive 100 hours of expert mentoring to further refine their ideas and bring them to fruition.
Extra Prizes and Opportunities
Stay tuned for additional announcements regarding extra prizes and exciting opportunities throughout the event!
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For Participants: 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.
Complementary Package for Hackathon Participants
To ensure an optimal experience during the hackathon, all participants will receive a comprehensive complementary package that includes the following:
- Accommodation: 2 nights at Golden Tulip Zoetermeer
- Transport: 3-day use of HTM bikes to easily travel between the event venue and accomodation (cycling distance)
- Meals & Refreshments: All meals and refreshments throughout the hackathon are included
- Data Platform Access: Participants will have access to the OPT/NET BV platform (in collaboration with AWS)
- Dataset for Challenge #3 ‘Orbital Security: Navigating the Collision Frontier’: Provided by CNES
- Satellite Data Connectivity/Hardware: Provided by Kinéis
- Team Formation: Teams will be formed through the Taikai platform
On-site support from mentors and experts: Participants will have access to on-site guidance from mentors and industry experts to refine their solutions and receive real-time feedback
Networking Opportunities: Join Our Networking Event on 22 November
On Friday, 22 November, the Province of South Holland and MKB Digiwerkplaats Haaglanden will host an exclusive networking event in Zoetermeer. This session will provide entrepreneurs and tech professionals a chance to explore the business potential of space technologies. Learn how space data can benefit small businesses and meet others ready to take their innovation to the next level.
The networking event will take place at the Dutch Innovation Factory, followed by the official launch of the CASSINI Hackathon.
Click here to learn more about the event
Join Us as a Partner: Collaborate and Support Innovation
Current partners include:
- Royal Haskoning DHV
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Dutch Innovation Factory
- NL Space Campus
- Security Delta (HSD)
- Unmanned Valley Valkenburg
- Netherlands Space Office
- Hogeschool Utrecht
- Gemeente Zoetermeer
Are you interested in partnering with us? We welcome new collaborators and sponsors. Contact Martijn Seijger at martijn.seijger@groundstation.space to explore how your organisation can get involved.
Hackathon Experts: Meet the Mentors and Join the Team
Our hackathon experts are seasoned professionals in space technology and innovation, ready to provide insights and guidance throughout the event. Current experts include:
- Fabio Hoeben (RHDHV)
- 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 martijn.seijger@groundstation.space to learn more.
Register Now!
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.
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For Media Inquiries: Kacia Rutkouskaja
kacia.rutkouskaja@groundstation.space
For Questions: Martijn Seijger
martijn.seijger@groundstation.space
About the Organisers
The CASSINI Hackathon is initiated by EUSPA and DG DEFIS. DotSPACE and RHDHV are leading the local organisation of the CASSINI Hackathon in the Netherlands in collaboration with partners from education, science, government, and the commercial sector. Together, they aim to raise awareness about the incredible potential of space technologies for security, business, and societal growth.
Join us at the Dutch Innovation Factory or participate online and take part in shaping the future of space technology!
