FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About CASSINI Hackathon
If you’re excited to participate in the CASSINI Hackathon but have questions or uncertainties, this comprehensive FAQ guide is here to provide you with all the essential information about this exciting event. It brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to address global challenges using European space technologies.
What is the CASSINI Hackathon?
The CASSINI Hackathons and Mentoring, initiated by the European Union and its space programme, is a remarkable series of six hackathons designed to tackle pressing global challenges. This bi-yearly technology event spans three intense days of non-stop action, including technical talks, workshops, competitions, and coding. With over 1,000 participants, you can expect world-class presentations, demos, and a thrilling 48-hour coding competition.
Where and When?
The CASSINI Hackathons take place simultaneously in 11 different countries. The 6th edition is scheduled for November 3-5, with events happening both in Amersfoort and online in the Netherlands. In Amersfoort, this exceptional event is co-organized by dotSPACE foundation and Royal Haskoning DHV. For your convenience, we’ve arranged accommodations for on-site participants at the Stayokay Hostel in Soest.
What are the Challenges?
The 6th edition of the hackathon revolves around three key themes:
- Supporting sustainable infrastructure development. A strong national infrastructure facilitates critical services, promotes opportunities, and stimulates economic growth. Can you create a solution that supports the development of renewable energy, transport and mobility, or connectivity infrastructure?
- Strengthening food security and access to clean water. Tackling the urgent global issues rooted in the scarcity of food and clean water, we’re challenging participants to explore how space technologies can be better prepared for humanitarian crises and more effectively manage precious resources.
- Understanding and forecasting forced migration. In this challenge, we’re looking for solutions that will help authorities to predict population movements from vulnerable areas. How can space data help us manage logistics, resources, and transportation during difficult times?
Who Can Participate?
The CASSINI Hackathon is open to students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers, researchers, and anyone interested in space technologies, international development, and humanitarian activities. To participate, you must be 18 or older and reside in an EU Member State, Norway, Switzerland, or Iceland. Teams should consist of at least 3 members and can have a maximum of 8.
If no Hackathon is Organised in my Country, can I Apply to the Nearest One?
Yes. The CASSINI Hackathons will have several hybrid locations, and you may apply to those. Just select a hackathon location that has the option of participating virtually.
I Don’t Have a Team, Can I Still Join?
Absolutely! All participants can register as individuals and then form teams after completing the registration process. Detailed instructions will be provided to guide you through team formation.
Can I Take Part in Hackathon Online?
Yes, you can participate fully online, making it accessible to a broader audience.
How to register?
To register, visit TAIKAI (click here to visit TAIKAI) using the provided link and click the “⚡ LOG IN TO JOIN” or “⚡JOIN HACKATHON” button, depending on whether you have an account on TAIKAI. Your registration will be finalised by filling out a form where you’ll select your hackathon location.
The deadline for registration is 26 October.
Any Requirements for Teams?
Teams should consist of at least 3 people who are passionate about solving the same problem. Effective teamwork and a shared commitment to the project are essential.
More information about team formation and the development of your Idea can be found in the Business Design Playbook (click here to view the Playbook).
What resources and support will be available?
During the hackathon, participants will receive comprehensive support, including team formation, project planning, mentoring, and access to development tools, APIs, and relevant datasets. Workshops and tech talks will enhance participants’ skills and knowledge.
Additionally, you can further enhance your preparations by downloading the Participants Playbook. This valuable resource will allow you to delve into the EU Space programme, explore satellite positioning technologies, access the code repository, and find additional resources (click here to view the Playbook).
Mark your Calendar! Important Dates
9 – 19 October: 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 international development & humanitarian activities. Pick and choose the sessions that interest you and be ready to be inspired. The agenda will be published at the start of October.
26 October: Registration Deadline
Make sure to register before this deadline – and this applies to both you AND your teammates. It’s a crucial date to ensure your participation in the hackathon.
Visit the Hackathon website and register now!
3 – 5 November: The Hackathon Weekend
This is the main event! Join hundreds of participants around Europe as you develop new products and services that contribute to the future of infrastructure, food security, clean water supply, and forced migration. Each location will select one winning team at the end of the weekend to move on to the Demo Day & Awards Ceremony.
9 November: Demo Day & Awards Ceremony
After the hackathon, 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.
These dates are crucial milestones in the CASSINI Hackathon timeline. Mark them on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the exciting events and opportunities that the hackathon has to offer.
Prizes
Winning teams in the Netherlands can expect a cash prize of €650 and an equal donation to a humanitarian cause of their choice. An additional €200 prize will be awarded to the team with the best presentation. All winning teams will also gain exposure on Groundstation.space, a prominent platform for satellite data.
How Can We Contribute as a Partner?
If your organisation is interested in collaborating with the CASSINI Hackathon, there are various ways to get involved, including sharing expertise, promoting the event, offering mentorship, providing sponsorship, or actively participating in the challenges. We’re open to exploring collaboration opportunities.
More questions?
For any further inquiries about the 6th Edition Of the CASSINI Hackathon in the Netherlands, please contact us at kacia.rutkouskaja@groundstation.space.
Join the 6th Edition CASSINI Hackathon in the Netherlands page on LinkedIn for local updates: click here to visit LinkedIn Page.
The CASSINI Hackathon is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by harnessing the potential of space technologies. Whether you’re an individual participant or an organisation looking to collaborate, we invite you to join us on this journey to address global challenges effectively and innovate for a better future.
Featured Image Credit: Freepik