A global hackathon with 14 challenges from NASA
NASA Space Apps Challenge is a two-day hackathon in which teams use open data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners to solve real challenges on Earth and in space. The challenges are written by scientists and subject matter experts from NASA and its partner agencies.
In 2026, participants choose one of 14 official challenges. Topics range from tracking wildfires and mapping changes on Earth’s surface with radar data, to helping farmers adapt to a changing climate, monitoring astronaut health, mapping Mars and designing space mission games. Several challenges are tagged as suitable for beginners and young participants. Full challenge statements and datasets will be released on October 28, 2026.
The challenge is open to all ages and backgrounds: school and university students, developers, designers, storytellers and anyone who loves science. Teams have 1 to 6 members, and participation is completely free.
SEPA brings Space Apps to Hanoi
Following the 2025 edition of NASA Space Apps Challenge in Ninh Binh (October 4–5, 2025), SEPA is hosting this year’s local event in Hanoi. The program is under the patronage of the National Innovation Center (NIC) – Ministry of Finance of Vietnam. The venue will be announced soon.
How to register
- Create an account on the official Space Apps website and choose the Hanoi Local Event.
- Create a team of 1–6 people or request to join a team that is seeking members. All members need to be registered for the Hanoi Local Event.
- Choose one of the 14 official challenges.
- Join the hackathon on November 14–15 and submit your project on the Space Apps website before 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2026.
Please note: teams must not start working on their projects before November 14. Participants under 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian and accompanied by them throughout the event.
Volunteers and organizing team wanted
Behind every team that shines is an organizing team and a group of volunteers who quietly keep everything running. SEPA is looking for people to join five teams: Technical content; Communications & outreach; Partnerships & sponsorship; Logistics & venue; and Operations & volunteers.
The team works mostly online via Google Meet, Zalo and Google Drive, and some roles need to be in Hanoi during the two event days. Volunteers receive a certificate from the organizing team, hands-on experience at an international event, and connections with mentors, experts and fellow science and technology enthusiasts.
The first-round deadline is 11:59 p.m. on October 24, 2026, in time for the online orientation on October 25. The registration form is in Vietnamese, and international volunteers are very welcome to answer in English. Register as a volunteer or organizing team member here.
Key dates
- October 24, 2026: first-round deadline for volunteers and organizing team members
- October 28, 2026: full challenge statements and datasets released
- November 2, 2026: Space Apps Connect opens to help participants find teammates
- November 14–15, 2026: hackathon in Hanoi
- December 2026: Global Nominees and Global Finalists announced
- January 2027: Global Winners announced
Full details, the list of 14 challenges and the registration form are available at sepa.org.vn/en/spaceapps-hanoi-2026.