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EO MakerSpace Hackathon

Crafting the future of smarter Earth observation systems

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Earth Observation is at the dawn of a new era, driven by the fusion of advanced sensors and onboard intelligence. By processing data directly in orbit, spacecraft can react faster, operate with greater autonomy, and deliver insights that were previously unimaginable. This disruptive shift promises to change the way we monitor our planet, from detecting natural disasters in real time to filtering out low-value imagery before it even reaches the ground.

Founded by of ESA’s InCubed programme, and organized by IngeniArs, the EO MakerSpace Hackathon invites innovation community to co-create the next generation of AI‑driven smart sensors.This is a call to makers, researchers, start-ups, and visionaries who want to shape the future of how Earth is observed and understood.

At the heart of the challenge is GPU@SAT, IngeniArs’ dedicated hardware and software ecosystemdesigned for artificial intelligence and computer vision in the extreme conditions of space. Participants will work with a fully representative development environment that allows them to design, test, and refine algorithms capable of thriving in low‑power, high‑efficiency scenarios.

By joining this initiative, you become part of a community that is pioneering spacecraft capable of thinking for themselves, building the foundations of a more agile, efficient, and intelligent Earth observation system.

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Five Selected Projects will be presented during the Φnnovation Summit

ESA-ESRIN, Frascati (Italy) · June 23, 2026

ESA Φnnovation Summit brings together visionary researchers, bold entrepreneurs, and technology pioneers to shape the future of Earth observation. In an interactive, community‑driven setting, cutting‑edge fields like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum and Edge Computing, bio‑inspired systems, and immersive visualisation take center stage. A unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and ignite ideas that will redefine how we observe our planet.

DISCOVER THE SUMMIT

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE HACKATHON

In the framework of the EO-Makerspace ESA activity, IngeniArs wants to organize a challenge which aims to propose and foster new ideas on Earth Observation. The main topic of the challenge is the use of IngeniArs hardware accelerator for AI that enables the use of Intelligent and parallel algorithms directly onboard satellites. GPU@SAT is an IP-Core that can be installed in all the FPGA chips respecting the minimum requirements. To simplify the interaction with GPU@SAT for this challenge, IngeniArs will host a remote accessible devkit where a dedicated version of the GPU@SAT is installed.

HOW IT WORKS

The participants will propose a topic and an idea that exploits AI model for Earth Observation to be run onboard using GPU@SAT devkit. The idea shall be supported by a market study and technology feasibility. Participants shall be 3-4 per group (possibly with different backgrounds).

OPPORTUNITIES AND PRIZES

The hackathon will award the top three teams with opportunities to further showcase and develop their work.

  • First prize includes a dedicated desk at WMF We Make Future 2027, and dedicateddesk at the AI Festival 2027, and a €1,500 award.

  • Second prize includes a dedicated desk at WMF We Make Future 2027, AI Festival 2027 entry, and €500 award.

  • Third prize includes entry tickets to both WMF We Make Future 2027 and the AI Festival 2027.

    Selected participants will be guaranteed access to the Φnnovation Summit for all team members, along with a reimbursement of up to €200 per team to cover travel expenses.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HACKATHON

Phase I

Candidate an innovative project by proposing an abstract containing:

- Novelty

- Business idea

- Technical feasibility

Deadline of the first phase: 15 March

Phase II

The best 15 ideas will be selected to develop the idea on the GPU@SAT platform.
These ideas will be selected on the following parameters:

- Potential ROI

- Topic relevance

- Refined business plan

- Impact on society

- Time to market

- Engineering feasibility

- Technical results

Deadline of the first phase: 29 May

> Fill the form to participate

The best 5 participants will be selected to present in 15minutes their idea at ESRIN where a dedicated jury will select the best 3 ideas.

15 Dec
Call Opening
15 March
Registration closes
30 March
Announcement of the 15 first-round winners
29 May
Deadline full proposal
5 June
Selection and announcement of the 5 second-round winners
23 June
Partecipation at ESA Φnnovation Summit
and awards ceremony

Would you like to participate in the EO MakerSpace Hackathon?

Fill the form to apply!

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