Do you have a strong interest in science, technology, space, coding, creativity, or finding solutions to practical problems? Students, professionals, developers, scientists, designers, entrepreneurs, and space lovers from all over the world have an amazing opportunity to work together and develop creative solutions through the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026.
Every year, NASA organizes the NASA Space Apps Challenge, a worldwide hackathon where competitors use NASA’s open data and data from international space agency partners to solve real-world problems either alone or in groups. It unites individuals from many backgrounds and promotes innovation, collaboration, problem-solving, and the useful application of technology.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 will take place from November 14–15, 2026, offering participants the chance to create creative ideas, work with individuals all across the world, and apply space-related data to problems on Earth and beyond. Below are more details about the event, challenges, participation, required documents, application process, and registration.
NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 – Quick Details
- Event: NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
- Type: Global Hackathon
- Organizer: NASA
- Dates: 14–15 November 2026
- Location: Worldwide / Local and Virtual Events
- Application Fee: Free
- Registration Opened: 26 August 2026
- Hackathon Weekend: 14–15 November 2026
- Project Submission Deadline: Sunday, 15 November 2026, at the close of the hackathon weekend
- Participation: Individual or Team
- Focus: Space, science, technology, innovation, coding, data, and real-world problem-solving
About NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
Participants from a variety of backgrounds, occupations, and skill levels come together for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 to work together, innovate, and create solutions to pressing issues pertaining to Earth and space.
To participate, you don’t have to be an excellent programmer or an intern at NASA. Anyone interested in space, science, technology, creativity, or problem-solving can participate in the challenge, which is open to people of all ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds.
Participants in the two-day worldwide hackathon can work alone or in groups to solve problems pertaining to a variety of subjects, such as:
- Space Travel and Exploration
- Earth and Climate
- Satellite and Space Data
- Software Development
- Science and Research
- Food Systems and Agriculture
- Technology and Innovation
- Storytelling and Creative Approaches
What Will You Do?
During the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026, participants will form teams, choose a challenge, and work together to develop an innovative solution. Teams will use NASA’s open data, data from partner space agencies, and other available resources to address real-world problems.
Depending on the selected challenge and the team’s skills, the final project could take different forms, including:
- Website or Web Application: Create a digital platform that provides a practical solution to a specific challenge.
- Mobile Application: Develop an app designed to address a real-world problem using space-related data.
- Software Prototype: Build and demonstrate a technology-based prototype.
- Data Visualization: Turn complex NASA or space-related data into clear and useful visualizations.
- Scientific Concept: Develop a research-based or science-focused solution.
- Educational Tool: Create resources or interactive tools that make science and space knowledge more accessible.
- Creative or Storytelling Project: Use storytelling, multimedia, or creative approaches to communicate an idea or solve a challenge.
- Other Innovative Solutions: Teams can also propose other original solutions that effectively respond to the selected challenge.
Eligibility Criteria for NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 welcomes participants from diverse educational, professional, and technical backgrounds. You can participate if you are:
- A Student
- A Developer or Programmer
- A Scientist or Researcher
- An Engineer
- A Designer
- An Entrepreneur
- A Data Enthusiast
- An Artist or Storyteller
- A Technology Enthusiast
- Interested in Space and Science
Additional Eligibility Points
- No Specific Degree Required: You do not need a particular academic degree to participate.
- All Skill Levels Welcome: Beginners and experienced participants can take part.
- Diverse Backgrounds Accepted: Participants from different academic and professional fields are encouraged to join.
- No Expert Programming Skills Required: You do not need to be an advanced programmer to contribute.
- Creativity Encouraged: Participants can contribute through technical, scientific, creative, design, storytelling, or other relevant skills.
Benefits of NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
Awards & Recognition
The chance to have their projects assessed through the official NASA Space Apps judging process is available to participants in the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026.
Among the main advantages are:
- International Recognition: Outstanding initiatives may receive international recognition and Global Awards.
- Project Evaluation: Participant projects can be evaluated through the official NASA Space Apps judging process.
- Present Your Ideas: A chance to offer creative concepts and solutions to practical problems.
- International Exposure: Make your project known to a worldwide community of science, technology, and space enthusiasts.
- Acknowledgment for Innovation: Outstanding solutions may be recognized for their originality, technical ingenuity, and problem-solving skills.
- Networking Opportunities: Collaborate with participants from different countries and backgrounds.
- Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience developing solutions using NASA and space-agency data.
Required Documents / Materials
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is a hackathon rather than a traditional scholarship or academic programme, so participants generally do not need academic documents such as degree certificates or transcripts.
Participants should be prepared to provide or create the following:
- Basic Registration Information: Name, contact information, and other details required during registration.
- Team Information: Details of team members if participating as a group.
- Project Information: Details about the selected challenge and proposed solution.
- Project Description: A clear explanation of the problem, solution, and how the project uses available data or resources.
- Project Materials: Depending on the project, this may include a website, application, prototype, visualization, scientific concept, or creative work.
- Project Submission: Final project materials and required information must be submitted through the official Space Apps platform before the submission deadline.
Note: Exact project-submission requirements may vary according to the 2026 challenge and official event instructions. Participants should follow the requirements provided on the official NASA Space Apps website.
Application Process
The registration and participation process for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 can generally be completed through the official Space Apps platform.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official NASA Space Apps Challenge website and review the information for the 2026 event.
Step 2: Register for the Event
Complete the registration process and provide the required personal information.
Step 3: Choose a Location or Participation Option
Select a suitable local event or participation option available to you.
Step 4: Participate Individually or Form a Team
You can participate using your own skills or collaborate with other participants who have complementary expertise.
Step 5: Select a Challenge
Review the available NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 challenges and select one that matches your interests and skills.
Step 6: Develop Your Solution
Work with your team during the hackathon to develop a creative and practical solution using NASA data and other available resources.
Step 7: Build Your Project
Create your selected project, such as a web application, mobile app, software prototype, data visualization, educational tool, scientific concept, or creative project.
Step 8: Submit Your Project
Complete the project submission according to the official hackathon instructions before the end of the hackathon weekend.
Step 9: Judging and Recognition
Eligible projects can be evaluated through the NASA Space Apps judging process, with outstanding projects potentially receiving Global Awards and international recognition.
Deadline
Project Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026
The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 hackathon weekend will take place on 14–15 November 2026. Participants should complete and submit their projects by the close of the hackathon weekend.
Apply Now
FAQs – NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
1. What is the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 is a global hackathon where participants collaborate to develop solutions to real-world challenges using NASA’s open data and data from international space agency partners.
2. When will NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 take place?
The 2026 hackathon will take place on November 14–15, 2026.
3. Is NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 free?
Yes. Participation in the NASA Space Apps Challenge is free.
4. Who can participate in NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026?
Students, developers, scientists, engineers, designers, entrepreneurs, artists, storytellers, data enthusiasts, technology enthusiasts, and people interested in space and science can participate.
5. Do I need a degree to participate?
No specific academic degree is required. Participants from different educational and professional backgrounds are welcome.
6. Do I need programming experience?
No. Expert programming skills are not required. Participants can contribute through science, research, design, storytelling, data analysis, creativity, technology, or other relevant skills.
7. Can I participate as an individual?
Yes. Participants can work individually or collaborate with other participants in teams.
8. What type of projects can I create?
Projects can include websites, web applications, mobile applications, software prototypes, data visualizations, scientific concepts, educational tools, storytelling projects, and other innovative solutions.
9. What data can participants use?
Participants can use NASA’s open data, data from international space agency partners, and other available resources relevant to their selected challenge.
10. Do I need to submit academic certificates?
No. This is a global hackathon rather than a traditional academic scholarship. Participants should provide the information and project materials required by the official event platform.
11. Can students participate in the NASA Space Apps Challenge?
Yes. Students are welcome to participate, along with professionals and participants from many other backgrounds.
12. What are the benefits of participating?
Participants can gain international exposure, practical project-development experience, collaboration opportunities, project evaluation, and the possibility of receiving Global Awards.
13. What is the deadline for NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026?
The project submission deadline is November 15, 2026, at the close of the hackathon weekend.
14. Where can I register?
Registration and official event information are available through the NASA Space Apps Challenge official website.
