The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 is set to bring together innovators, students, researchers, developers, scientists, designers and problem-solvers from around the world for a two-day global hackathon focused on using space and Earth science data to address real-world challenges.
Registration for the 2026 edition opens on August 26, 2026, while the main hackathon will take place on November 14–15, 2026.
Organised by NASA, the NASA Space Apps Challenge provides participants with an opportunity to work with NASA data and information from international space-agency partners while collaborating with people from different professional and academic backgrounds.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is an annual global hackathon that encourages participants to use publicly available data to develop innovative solutions to challenges affecting communities on Earth and advancing human understanding of space.
The programme is open to participants with different levels of experience. Individuals do not need to be professional scientists, engineers or programmers to participate. The challenge welcomes people from a broad range of backgrounds and encourages multidisciplinary collaboration.
During the two-day event, teams work on challenges developed by NASA subject-matter experts. These challenges can involve scientific research, data analysis, software development, storytelling, agriculture, astrophysics, space exploration and other areas where NASA data can contribute to innovative solutions.
The 2026 challenge will take place globally through participating local events, providing opportunities for people in different countries and communities to become part of the NASA Space Apps network.
Registration Opens August 26, 2026
Participants interested in joining the 2026 challenge should take note of the registration date.
Registration opens: August 26, 2026
Hackathon dates: November 14–15, 2026
Format: Global hackathon
Eligibility: All ages, skill levels and professional backgrounds
Registration information and participation details will be made available through the official NASA Space Apps website.
Visit the official NASA Space Apps Challenge website
Who Can Participate?
One of the defining features of NASA Space Apps is its broad eligibility.
The programme welcomes people of all ages, skill levels and professional backgrounds. Participants can therefore join whether they are students, recent graduates, experienced professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, developers, designers or technology enthusiasts.
Participants with non-technical backgrounds can also make valuable contributions. For example, researchers can contribute analytical and research skills, designers can develop interfaces and visual materials, writers and communicators can help present project ideas, while developers and data scientists can contribute technical solutions.
Teams can combine these different capabilities to develop comprehensive responses to the challenges.
This makes NASA Space Apps particularly relevant for students and young professionals seeking opportunities to gain practical experience and demonstrate their abilities through an international platform.
Real-World NASA Data and Challenges
A major component of the NASA Space Apps Challenge is access to real-world data.
Participants use NASA data and data from participating space-agency partners to develop solutions to challenges created by NASA experts.
The challenges can address subjects including:
- Space exploration
- Earth observation
- Astrophysics
- Agriculture
- Climate and environmental issues
- Data science
- Software development
- Artificial intelligence
- Space technology
- Scientific communication
- Storytelling and creative technology
Rather than simply completing theoretical exercises, participants are encouraged to develop practical solutions that demonstrate how scientific and technological data can be applied to real problems.
International Space Agency Partnerships
NASA Space Apps is supported by an international network of space-agency partners.
The 2026 programme features participation from agencies and organisations including the European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Indian Space Research Organisation, Brazilian Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, UK Space Agency, Turkish Space Agency, South African National Space Agency, and several other national space institutions.
This international network contributes to the global character of the challenge and expands the range of data, expertise and perspectives available to participants.
A Global Community of Innovators
NASA Space Apps has developed into a large international community since its launch.
According to the programme, the challenge has recorded more than 487,000 registrations, over 3,400 local events and participation across more than 190 countries and territories throughout its history.
The scale of the programme means participants have an opportunity to connect with people beyond their own universities, organisations and countries.
For students and early-career professionals, this international exposure can be particularly valuable for developing collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills.
Opportunities for Students and Young Professionals
The NASA Space Apps Challenge can provide an opportunity for students and young professionals to develop practical experience while working on projects connected to science and technology.
Participants can use the challenge to strengthen their portfolios, demonstrate their ability to work in teams and gain experience applying knowledge to real-world problems.
For students studying computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, environmental science, geography, agriculture, communications, design or other disciplines, the hackathon can also provide a practical environment in which academic knowledge can be applied.
However, participation is not limited to STEM students. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach means that individuals with backgrounds in communications, research, business, education, creative industries and other fields can also contribute.
Global Recognition and Awards
Participants also have the opportunity to compete for global recognition.
Each year, selected projects are recognised through a series of Global Awards. The 2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge featured awards including Best Use of Science, Best Use of Data, Art & Technology, Best Use of Technology, Galactic Impact, Best Mission Concept, Most Inspirational, Best Use of Storytelling, Global Connection and Local Impact.
Previous winning projects have demonstrated how teams can combine scientific knowledge, technology, creativity and collaboration to develop innovative responses to NASA’s challenges.
Why Participate in NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026?
The 2026 challenge offers participants more than a conventional hackathon experience. It provides an opportunity to work with real scientific data, collaborate across disciplines and become part of an international community focused on innovation.
Participants can gain experience in problem-solving, teamwork, research, technology, data analysis, communication and project development.
The challenge can also provide a valuable addition to a student’s CV or professional portfolio, particularly for individuals interested in careers related to science, technology, research, innovation, data, engineering, space or environmental issues.
Key Details
Opportunity: NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
Organiser: NASA
Registration opens: August 26, 2026
Hackathon: November 14–15, 2026
Location: Global
Format: Two-day hackathon
Eligibility: All ages, skill levels and professional backgrounds
Focus areas: Space, science, technology, data, agriculture, Earth observation, software development and more
Participation: Through global and local NASA Space Apps events
How to Apply
Interested participants should visit the official NASA Space Apps Challenge website when registration opens on August 26, 2026.
Participants are encouraged to explore the available challenges, identify areas where their skills and interests align, and consider forming multidisciplinary teams.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 represents an opportunity for people around the world to work with NASA data, collaborate across borders and develop creative solutions to challenges affecting both Earth and space exploration.
Registration opens August 26, 2026.
