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NASA Space Apps Challenge: global hackathon using NASA data, 14–15 November 2026

A two-day hackathon on NASA data on 14–15 November 2026: open to all ages, free registration open now. Local events run around the world.

NASA· NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 (hackathon, 14–15 November)

At a glance

Amount

Free to take part. Teams solve challenges with NASA data; 10 global winners are chosen after several judging rounds

Deadline
14 Nov 2026

14 November 2026

Covers
ProgrammeMentoring
Duration

One-off

Cycle: 2026

About this grant

The NASA Space Apps Challenge is a global hackathon on NASA data held on 14–15 November 2026; there are local venues around the world. Anyone can take part regardless of age or level; minors are registered by a parent or guardian. Participation is free and registration is open now (per media and participation rules: check on the website).

Teams solve challenges using NASA data, judging runs in several rounds and then 10 global winners are chosen. It is a good way to try a project with real data and to form a team, and the registration date coincides with the hackathon's: 14 November 2026.

Is this right for you

Checking against your answers…

Who can apply

Citizenship
any
Fields of study
Natural sciences, Computer science, Engineering
Other
Any age and skill level; minors are registered by a parent or guardian (terms of participation)

How to apply

Where to go and what to do, step by step

Where to apply
The NASA Space Apps Challenge site (spaceappschallenge.org)
https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/
Go to the application page
Who submits it
You yourself
Time needed
Registration ≈ 15 minutes; a two-day hackathon

Steps

  1. 1

    Open spaceappschallenge.org and register: on 5 October 2026 registration was open and the hackathon is on 14–15 November 2026.

  2. 2

    For minors, a parent or guardian registers under the participation rules; check this in the rules on the site.

  3. 3

    Join a team or form your own.

  4. 4

    Choose one of the 14 challenges that use NASA data.

  5. 5

    Work on the project during the hackathon days and submit it at the end.

  6. 6

    Wait for judging: after several rounds, 10 global winners are chosen.

Apply by:14 Nov 202614 November 2026

What exactly to submit

Documents and materials to attach to the application.

  • An account on spaceappschallenge.org
  • For minors, registration by a parent or guardian under the participation rules
  • A team (join one or form your own)
  • A project on one of the 14 challenges

Example

Example (written by us): Ana registers on the site in October, joins a team of three, picks a challenge with NASA climate data and in the two hackathon days builds a map and a short video with a description.

An example we wrote to illustrate: it is not an official sample, replace the details with your own.

How applicants are chosen

Anyone may take part; judging runs in several rounds, then 10 global winners are chosen.

What happens after you apply

Entry is free (per media and participation rules: check on the site); teams solve challenges using NASA data and after several rounds 10 global winners are chosen. The hackathon is on 14–15 November 2026.

Common mistakes

  • Putting off registration: the hackathon is on 14–15 November 2026
  • Not checking the rules for minors: a parent or guardian registers
  • Taking on too much: pick one challenge and finish the project

Tips

  • We haven't re-checked the conditions by hand yet: compare amounts and deadlines with the official page before applying.

Guide checked against the official pages: 9 October 2026. Guide written from official sources. Details may change: check them on the application page.

A letter template and a checklist to review before sending. If a local model is running on your computer, the text reads more naturally.

Verbatim from the source

“The NASA Space Apps Challenge offers opportunities for anyone with an interest in space and science to address real-world challenges through our annual hackathon and global community. All ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds are welcome.”
Original in englishOfficial source

Reviews

Experience from people who have already applied. These are user opinions and are not verified by the organiser.

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This information is for guidance only. Conditions change every year — check them on the provider's official website before applying.

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