Poznań will take part in the 2026 NASA International Space Apps Challenge on 14th and 15th November, bringing a global science and technology hackathon to the city. Organised locally in cooperation with the City of Poznań, the weekend event will see participants develop ideas and practical solutions to challenges involving Earth and space.
The hackathon is part of an international initiative organised across hundreds of locations worldwide. Its central idea is to make scientific data more accessible and encourage people with different skills and backgrounds to work together on real-world problems.
In Poznań, teams will draw on open data from NASA and partner space agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA). The challenges cover a range of subjects, from environmental and technological issues on Earth to questions relating to space exploration.
Science, technology and creative thinking
The event is designed around collaboration between different disciplines. Programming skills are useful, but they are not a requirement. Data analysts, graphic designers, biologists, geographers and people with an interest in science and technology are also encouraged to take part.
Participants will form teams and select one of the official NASA challenges before developing their ideas over the weekend. Mentors from the scientific, technological and innovation communities will be available to provide guidance throughout the process.
Teams can comprise between two and six people, while participants arriving individually will have an opportunity to meet potential teammates during the opening session.
Projects developed in Poznań will be assessed locally, with the leading entry receiving a nomination for the global judging stage. Successful projects from local events around the world will then compete for international recognition, with NASA announcing its global winners in a later round.
Registration and practical information
The Poznań event takes place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November. Participation is free, although places are limited and advance registration is required.
There are two registration steps: participants must first sign up through the official NASA Space Apps website and select Poznań as their local event, then complete the additional local registration form. This second step is required to secure an on-site place and arrangements for the weekend.
The exact venue will be communicated directly to registered participants by email.
Participants should bring their own laptop and charger. Wi-Fi, workspaces, refreshments, meals and mentoring support will be provided during the event.
Further information and registration are available on the official NASA Space Apps Challenge Poznań page.
The Poznań edition offers a chance to connect the city's student and technology communities with a worldwide initiative, putting scientific data and collaborative problem-solving at the centre of a weekend of practical work.
