The International Space Apps Challenge, has announced it is seeking participants for its 2023 event. In partnership with NASA, the ESA, and other international space agencies, the contest, which has been running since 2012, will return to Dublin on October 7 and 8, 2023.
Innovative app solutions
Now in its 12th year, the two-day hackathon will see candidates from across the country, and all over the world, design, code, and build innovative app solutions to a host of different challenges.
The event encourages creativity and team building to foster a broader awareness of Earth and space science, STEM opportunities, and satellite open data.
In 2022, more than 31,500 participants took part in the Space Challenge, with the competition encouraging innovation and collaboration from across the globe.
It will allow scientific, social, business, and creative innovators from all ages and backgrounds to showcase their work and meet other like-minded thinkers. Winners of the Dublin contest have the chance to progress to the Global Award stage at Nasa’s prestigious headquarters in Washington D.C.
The Irish portion of the Space Apps Challenge will take place in Dublin, with the location to be announced in the coming months. Candidates will participate in a series of workshops and presentations ahead of the Space Apps Challenge, running over the course of 48 hours.
Registration is now open, and Nasa is inviting applicants with backgrounds in science, engineering, humanities, business, art, design, and technology, to get involved.
International open sharing of knowledge and data
This year’s theme is ‘Explore Open Science Together’ and encourages participants to be a part of an inclusive community of discovery while celebrating the international open sharing of knowledge and data.
Official challenges will be announced in September and all submissions will be evaluated by a team of local industry leaders and research partners. Contestants will be granted access to Earth and space data from Nasa and other space agencies to help and inspire them along their innovation journey.
Home to 16 of the top 20 global tech companies, with the highest proportion of third-level STEM graduates per 1,000 in Europe, Ireland has positioned itself as one of the leading figures within the European technology and innovation sector.
The country has continued its campaign to future-proof the field, with increased funding and research on STEM learning across all levels of education. With 71% of Irish engineering companies also expecting significant growth in 2024, such figures indicate a promising future for Irish innovation.
Unique opportunity for Ireland
Nasa International Space Apps Challenge provides a unique opportunity for Ireland to showcase its national talent on the global stage and further solidify its position as a world-renowned tech hub. Interested participants can register here. Irish companies, researchers, and experts are also invited to get involved in partnership and collaboration opportunities.
Dublin local lead Paola Vercesi said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Nasa International Space Apps Challenge 2023 in Dublin. It has been an exciting year for all science and technology enthusiasts.
"We’ve seen the landscape change completely with huge developments in AI, space exploration, and climate change. It has always been the goal of Space Apps to challenge contestants with real-world issues and we are excited to see what this year’s group will come up with.”