Pre-event webinars introduce challenges of the CASSINI Hackathon “Space for Water”

Ahead of the 11th CASSINI Hackathon, a series of local pre-event webinars will introduce the three challenges of this year’s theme: Space for Water. The sessions will take place online on 7 April, 14 April, and 22 April, and are open to anyone interested in joining the hackathon or learning more about how space data can support water management.

The webinars are organised as preparation sessions for the hackathon, which will take place 24–26 April at CometLab in Noordwijk. Each webinar focuses on one of the challenge areas and presents real-world problems where satellite data and digital tools can contribute to new solutions.

Participants will hear from experts and challenge owners, have the opportunity to ask questions, and briefly present early ideas during short 1-minute pitches. The sessions are intended to help participants better understand the challenges and start shaping potential hackathon projects.

Disaster Risk Monitoring

The first webinar introduced the challenge of Disaster Risk Monitoring, with a focus on the role of satellite data in monitoring floods and other water related risks. The session explored how Earth observation and environmental monitoring tools support early warning systems, risk assessment, and rapid response to extreme weather events.

Speakers:

• Marnix Laanen, Water Insight
• Friso van den Burg, Open Data Space Lab

Watch the recording below:

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Tracking and Preventing Water Pollution

The second session focuses on Tracking and Preventing Water Pollution. Satellite observations and environmental data increasingly support efforts to detect pollution sources, monitor water quality, and identify long-term environmental changes. The webinar introduced key challenges in this field and highlighted opportunities for innovation during the hackathon.

Speakers:

• Luca Brugaletta, Scientific Software Engineer at S[&]T. Luca’s presentation will introduce the MestMonitor project, where high-resolution satellite imagery is used to assess water pollution risks in the Geul River. It will show how satellite data, on-site observations, and machine learning can be combined into a monitoring workflow that supports detection and prevention.
• Dakshin Victor John, Researcher at NVWA, working at the intersection of AI, ecology, and fisheries management.
• Lianne Wilmink, Senior Information Management Adviser at Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
• Mattijs Erberveld, Innovation Adviser for Space & Sustainability at Rijkswaterstaat

Watch the recording below:

Securing Equitable and Efficient Access to Water

22 April | 16:00–17:30 CET

The third webinar addresses the challenge of Securing Equitable and Efficient Access to Water. Speakers will discuss how satellite data and digital tools can support sustainable water management, infrastructure monitoring, and decision-making related to water availability and distribution.

Registration:
https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1M0JS2iWrRXG0bbzKdaOgLA4m0lb

About the hackathon

The 11th CASSINI Hackathon “Space for Water” invites students, developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop solutions using EU space data, including Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS. Over three days in Noordwijk, participants will work in teams to address water-related challenges with support from mentors from organisations such as dotSPACE, NSO, Rijkswaterstaat, NVWA, InnovationQuarter, Water Insight, Dutch AI Coalition and others.

Local teams will compete for prizes and gain access to mentoring, incubation opportunities, and further support for developing their ideas.

Visit Cassini Hackathon Netherlands Website

Participants interested in joining the hackathon are encouraged to attend the pre-event webinars to learn more about the challenges and connect with other potential team members.

Featured Image credit: Dave Chapman