Build solutions for real water challenges using EU space data
From 24 to 26 April, the 11th CASSINI Hackathon lands in Noordwijk. Hosted at CometLab on the Space Campus, this three-day event invites students, professionals, developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to work with European space data and develop practical solutions that protect our natural water resources.
You do not need prior experience with space technologies. Participants receive training and guidance on how to use data from Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS, and work in multidisciplinary teams to turn ideas into prototypes.
This edition focuses on Space for Water, with three challenge tracks:
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Securing equitable and efficient access to water
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Tracking and preventing water pollution
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Disaster risk monitoring
Positioned in a large river delta, the Netherlands is a natural testing ground for water innovation. Satellite data is already used to detect floods, monitor coastlines, track water levels and support environmental enforcement. During the hackathon, participants will explore how space technologies can strengthen water safety, resilience and sustainability.
👉 Register here:
https://taikai.network/cassinihackathons/hackathons/space-for-water
What you can expect
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Introductory training on EU space data
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Direct access to mentors from public authorities, industry and the innovation ecosystem
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Three days of teamwork and prototyping
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Networking with experts in water, Earth observation and entrepreneurship
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Access to CometLab, a fully equipped prototyping and testing centre on the Noordwijk Space Campus
Local prizes (Netherlands)
Winner
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€3,000 cash prize
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Guidance towards the FIERCE support programme
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Introductions to incubation programmes including ESA BIC, Unmanned Valley, Buccaneer and Startup in Residence
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Pitch slot at NL Space Campus Network & Drinks (30 April)
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Media exposure via Groundstation.space, NL Space Campus and partners
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Assessment of follow-up opportunities for further development
Runner-up
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€1,000 cash prize
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Guidance towards the FIERCE support programme
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Media exposure
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Assessment of follow-up opportunities
All participants
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Invitation to demonstrate solutions via the dotSPACE Open Data Lab
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Subscription to ecosystem updates from dotSPACE, NL Space Campus, SBIC Noordwijk and InnovationQuarter
European (central) prizes
Local winners also qualify for the European competition:
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1st place: €5,000
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2nd place: €3,000
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3rd place: €1,000
The top three teams across all competing hackathons will receive six months of expert mentoring from CASSINI.
Mentors
Participants will be supported by experts from the Dutch space and water ecosystem, including:
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Joris Kruse – Dutch AI Coalition / dotSPACE
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Martijn Seijger – dotSPACE
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Andrei Bocin-Dumitriu – dotSPACE
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Coco Antonissen – NSO
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Rob Broekman – NVWA
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Arthur Maring – Rijkswaterstaat
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Stefan van Seters – InnovationQuarter
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Marnix Lanen – Water Insight
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Edo Loenen – S[&]T
The list of mentors is subject to change and may be updated closer to the event.
Organisers
The Dutch edition is led by Stichting dotSPACE, in collaboration with:
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NL Space Campus
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Rijkswaterstaat
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Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)
Together, the consortium works to strengthen regional and national innovation ecosystems, reduce barriers for non-space professionals to adopt satellite technologies, and support scalable solutions that respond to real policy and market needs.
Partners & Sponsors
Partners include NL Space Campus, NVWA, Rijkswaterstaat, Unmanned Valley, Netherlands Space Office, Water Insight, InnovationQuarter, Global Water Partnership, SBIC Noordwijk and S[&]T.
Additional partners and sponsors may be added. The list is subject to change.
Join us in Noordwijk
Whether you are curious about space data, passionate about water resilience, or exploring your next start-up idea, this hackathon offers a structured environment to test, build and connect.
Register to access the pre-event training and secure your place at the 11th CASSINI Hackathon in Noordwijk.