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