NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026

Guidelines: Eligibility: Open to students, developers, engineers, scientists, designers, researchers, and innovators. Participants from all academic disciplines and specialisations are eligible. Participants from different colleges/universities can form a team. Inter-specialisation and multidisciplinary teams are allowed and encouraged. Participants can participate individually or as part of a team. Participants must complete the required registration process before participating. Team Formation: Inter-college teams are allowed. Inter-specialisation teams are allowed. Participants can collaborate with members having different technical and non-technical skills. Teams should select one official NASA Space Apps Challenge problem statement. Competition Format: This is a two-day international hackathon. Participants will select one official NASA Space Apps Challenge problem statement. Teams will research the problem, develop a solution/prototype, and present their work. Solutions may involve software, hardware, data analysis, scientific research, engineering, design, visualisation, storytelling, or other innovative approaches. Participants can use relevant NASA and Space Agency partner open data and resources. The completed project must be submitted through the official submission process within the specified deadline. Problem Statements: Multiple official problem statements will be provided by NASA on the 28th of October Each team must select one challenge statement. The number and detailed descriptions of the 2026 problem statements will be released through the official NASA Space Apps platform. Duration: 14–15 November 2026 Duration: 2 Days The detailed local event schedule, including registration, development, mentoring, submission, and presentation timings, will be communicated by the organising team. Process: Register for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026. Form a team or participate individually. Select one official challenge/problem statement. Understand and research the selected problem. Identify and use relevant NASA open data and resources. Develop an innovative solution or prototype. Test and refine the solution. Prepare the project documentation and presentation. Submit the final project within the specified deadline. Projects will be evaluated according to the applicable NASA Space Apps judging criteria and process. Rules: The project must address an official NASA Space Apps Challenge problem statement. Participants must comply with the official NASA Space Apps rules and terms. All external data, software, libraries, images, and other resources used in the project must be appropriately acknowledged or cited. Participants must have the necessary rights and permissions to use materials included in their submission. Projects must be submitted within the specified hackathon timeline. Plagiarism and unauthorised use of another participant's or team's work are not permitted. Participants must maintain professional and respectful conduct throughout the event. Any form of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or misconduct is prohibited. Teams are responsible for the originality, accuracy, and legality of their submissions. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify submissions that violate the event rules or official NASA Space Apps terms. The decision of the organisers/judging panel, in accordance with the applicable event rules, will be final. Participants should regularly check the official event communication channels for updates regarding schedules, submissions, and other requirements