NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026

The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 is an international hackathon organised by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). The event brings together individuals from different countries and professional backgrounds to develop innovative solutions using open data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners.

The 2026 competition will take place on 14–15 November 2026 under the theme The Next Frontier. This year's challenges explore ambitious questions relating to space exploration, scientific discovery and humanity's future beyond Earth.

Participants will work individually or in teams of up to six members. During the two-day event, they will select a challenge, explore relevant data and develop a solution that responds to the problem presented.

Projects may include software applications, data visualisations, scientific concepts, educational resources, prototypes, creative storytelling and other innovative approaches.

The competition welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including science, technology, engineering, environmental studies, design, communication and the arts. Previous programming or space science experience is not mandatory.

Participants can attend a Local Event in their country or join a virtual event. Those without a suitable nearby event can select the Universal Event, which supports remote participation.

After the hackathon, submitted projects may undergo local judging. Selected projects advance to global evaluation, where exceptional work can receive international recognition.

The event encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and practical problem-solving while introducing participants to NASA's scientific data and global innovation community.

The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 welcomes applicants from different countries, educational backgrounds and professional fields.

• Nationality: Open to participants worldwide, including international participants.

• Age: All age groups are welcome under the global programme rules.

• Minors: Participants under 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian and accompanied by them throughout the event.

• Academic Qualification: No specific degree, educational qualification or minimum GPA is required.

• Professional Background: Students, researchers, scientists, engineers, developers, designers, storytellers and other interested individuals can participate.

• Technical Experience: Previous programming, research or hackathon experience is not required.

• Registration: Participants must register through the official NASA Space Apps website.

• Event Selection: Participants must select an in-person or virtual Local Event or the Universal Event.

• Team Participation: Participants can work individually or in teams, normally with a maximum of six members.

• Government Employment Restriction: US federal government civil servant employees are not eligible to register as participants.

Participants can benefit from the following opportunities:

• Free Registration: Participation in the international hackathon does not require a registration fee.

• NASA Open Data: Access free scientific datasets and resources from NASA and its Space Agency Partners.

• Participant Certificate: Participants who submit their project through the official platform receive a participation certificate.

• Global Recognition: Outstanding projects may progress to Global Judging and become eligible for international awards.

• Practical Experience: Gain experience developing solutions to real-world scientific and technological challenges.

• Skill Development: Strengthen teamwork, creativity, research, design, data analysis and presentation skills.

• International Networking: Connect with participants from different countries and professional backgrounds.

• Mentorship Opportunities: Interact with mentors and technical experts where these services are available.

• Free Collaborative Resources: Access tools and resources offered by participating programme collaborators.

• Project Portfolio: Develop an innovation project that may demonstrate practical skills to future academic or professional audiences.

The NASA Space Apps Challenge does not have the same document requirements as a traditional scholarship or university programme.

For initial registration:

• Personal information required to create an official NASA Space Apps account.

• Valid email address for account verification and event communications.

• Event registration information.

• Selection of a Local Event or the Universal Event.

• Parent or legal guardian registration and supervision where the participant is under 18.

For project submission:

• Project title.

• Selected NASA Space Apps challenge.

• Description or summary of the proposed solution.

• Project demonstration or supporting materials, as required by the official submission form.

• Relevant project links, resources and supporting information where applicable.

• Submission through the team's official project page.

Submitted projects are evaluated using five principal judging criteria:

• Impact: The potential of the proposed solution to address meaningful challenges and benefit people, science or society.

• Creativity: The originality and innovative nature of the project's approach.

• Validity: The scientific or technical credibility and feasibility of the solution.

• Relevance: How effectively the project addresses the selected challenge.

• Presentation: The team's ability to explain and communicate its project clearly.

The competition includes local and global judging stages. Projects selected as Global Nominees may be considered by NASA and Space Agency Partner experts.

• Global Participation: Join an international community of innovators without needing to travel abroad.

• Real NASA Data: Develop solutions using authentic scientific datasets from NASA and its partners.

• No Degree Requirement: Participate regardless of your academic qualifications or professional background.

• Innovation Experience: Turn creative ideas into meaningful solutions for challenges on Earth and in space.

• Professional Development: Develop teamwork, analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.

• International Recognition: Compete for the opportunity to have your project recognised through NASA Space Apps Global Awards.

• Portfolio Building: Gain practical project experience that may strengthen future academic or professional applications.