Opportunity brief
SPACE OUT: Space Innovation Ideathon 2026
Organized by AstroClub, GLA University, Mathura
SPACE OUT is a premier space innovation ideathon designed to bring together young innovators, problem-solvers, and future engineers to address some of the most pressing challenges in the space sector. Participants will develop novel solutions for real-world problems related to satellite technology, weather forecasting, space debris management, Earth observation, wildfire detection, and other emerging space applications.
Whether you're passionate about space technology, sustainability, artificial intelligence, data analytics, aerospace systems, or astronomy, SPACE OUT provides a platform to showcase your creativity and technical thinking.
Eligibility:
- Open to School Students (Class IX-XII) and Undergraduate Students.
- Participation is allowed individually or in teams.
- Inter-college teams are permitted.
- Inter-disciplinary teams are encouraged.
- Each participant may be part of only one team.
Problem Statements:
Participants may choose from:
- 15 Pre-defined Space-Themed Problem Statements
- 1 Open Innovation Track, where participants can identify and solve any relevant challenge in the space, aerospace, astronomy, Earth observation, environmental monitoring, or allied technology domains.
Potential domains (for open category) include:
- Satellite Weather Forecasting
- Space Debris Detection & Management
- Wildfire Detection using Space Assets
- Earth Observation
- Climate Monitoring
- Disaster Management
- Space Sustainability
- Smart Satellite Applications
- Open Innovation in Space Technology
Competition Format
Round 1: Online Submission
Teams must submit:
- PPT/PDF Presentation
- Proposed solution for the selected problem statement
Evaluation Parameters:
- Innovation
- Feasibility
- Technical Depth
- Scalability
- Potential Impact
Round 2: Grand Finale (Offline)
Top 24 teams will be invited to present their solutions before an expert jury panel at GLA University, Mathura.
Presentation Guidelines:
- Maximum 12-15 slides
- Presentation and Q&A session
- Teams must clearly demonstrate the problem, proposed solution, implementation approach, and expected impact
Judging Criteria
Parameter
Weightage
Innovation & Creativity
15
Feasibility
15
Technical Depth & Scalability
30
Impact & Relevance
20
Presentation & Communication
20
Note: No working prototype needed. Additional 4 marks if you have the prototype ready although main focus is Ideation.
Important Dates:
- Registration & Submission Deadline: 16 October 2026
- Round 1 Results Announcement: 18 October 2026 | 08:00 PM IST
- Grand Finale (Offline): 26 October 2026 | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Detailed schedules for shortlisted teams will be communicated after Round 1 results.
Rewards & Benefits:
Prize Pool:
₹15000+ Prizes + $2000 worth in AI & Sponsor Credits
Additional Rewards:
- Premium Goodies
- Exclusive Event Merchandise
- T-Shirts for Top 5 Teams
- Astronomy Kits
- Participation Goodies for Offline Finalists
- Winner & Runner-Up Recognition
- LinkedIn & Instagram Social Media Shoutouts
- Certificates for All Participants
- Special Certificates for Finalists and Winners
Rules & Guidelines:
- Submissions must be original and created by the participating team.
- Any form of plagiarism will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Previously published or copied ideas are not permitted.
- Use of AI tools is allowed strictly as a support tool and not as a substitute for original ideation.
- Participants must select only one problem statement or the Open Innovation Track.
- The organizing committee reserves the right to modify schedules if required.
- The decision of the judges and organizing committee shall be final and binding.
- By participating, teams agree to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct throughout the competition.