🚀 NASA Space Apps Kathmandu 2025 🌏 Register Now

NASA Space Apps Challenge: The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is the world's largest annual global hackathon, bringing together coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, technologists, and innovators. Participants collaborate over two days, using open data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners to address real-world challenges on Earth and in space. This year’s theme, “The Sun Touches Everything,” emphasizes NASA Heliophysics. The event offers a unique opportunity for global creativity and collaboration, with challenges ranging from artistic data visualizations to developing apps and software solutions.

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When & Where?

The hackathon will be held at Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Kalanki-14, Kathmandu, on Oct 5 - 6.

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Where can I Apply?

You can apply by filling the form provided here.

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Important Deadlines

The deadline for application is Sep 30, 2024. Please note that we will be selecting the applications as they come in and will stop accepting applications after we have selected ~100 participants (21 teams).

Why Physical Hackathon?

Experience a unique physical hackathon, where face-to-face interactions drive enhanced collaboration, unmatched by virtual settings. The vibrant atmosphere ignites excitement and competition, motivating participants like never before.

  •   Intense 36-Hour Innovation: Continuous brainstorming and focused energy in a dynamic environment

  •   Face-to-Face Interaction: Direct communication that enhances teamwork and creativity

  •   Real-Time Mentorship: Immediate, hands-on guidance from mentors to refine your ideas

  •   Social Connection: Networking during breaks to build relationships and prevent burnout

The competition gains purpose by addressing real-world challenges, infusing depth into projects. Participate in this intellectually thrilling adventure, crafting unforgettable memories in a focused environment.

Event Timeline

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Pre-Events

Promoting the event to potential participants, Recruiting and training mentors, Preparing the event space, Gathering and organizing challenge data, Creating a schedule and logistics plan

Hackathon Annoucement

Announcing hackathon on online platforms and website orientation

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Registration Opens

Opening registration along with announcement

Registration Closes

The registration phase comes to an end

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5
Team Selection

Projects are carefully reviewed, and selected teams are announced. We will choose 25 teams for the physical hackathon, while others will have the chance to engage virtually.

Main Event

The highly anticipated Hackathon takes place on October 7th and 8th

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7
Certificates and Prizes by NRCC

Announcement of winners and distribution of certificates and prizes

Local Judging

Submissions from participants undergo local judging, where experts evaluate the projects based on creativity, feasibility, and impact.

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Itinerary


  • 8:00 AM  - 9:00 AM

    Registration and Set-Up

    Participants arrive and complete the registration process, ensuring their devices are set up for the event

  • 9:15 AM   -  9:30 AM

    Inauguration

    The event kicks off with an inaugural session, setting the tone for the hackathon

  • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

    Intro to NASA Space Apps

    An overview is provided about NASA Space Apps, explaining its purpose and the challenges participants will be addressing

  • 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM

    Hackathon Begins

    The hackathon officially begins, and participants start working on their innovative solutions

  • 12:15 PM   -   1:15 PM

    Lunch

    Participants break for lunch to recharge before continuing their work

  • 1:30 AM  -   3:30 PM

    Working on Ideas

    Participants utilize this time to further brainstorm, refine, and develop their ideas.

  • 3:30 PM  -  4:00 PM

    Talk by Guest Speaker

    Guest speaker shares valuable insights and expertise related to the theme of the hackathon

  • 4:00 PM  -  4:30 PM

    Snacks Break

    A short break for participants to grab light refreshments before the intense work begins

  • 4:30 PM  -  6:00 PM

    Hackathon Continues

    Participants continue working on their projects, collaborating with their teams to brainstorm, research, and begin implementing their solutions

  • 6:00 PM  -  6:30 PM

    Upload of Project Progress

    Participants share their progress with mentors for feedback

  • 6:30 PM   -    7:30 PM

    Dinner

    Another meal break provides participants the chance to relax and network.

  • 8:30 PM  -  9:00 PM

    Networking

    Participants engage and network with fellow participants

  • 9:00 PM  -  11:15 PM

    Hackathon Continues

    Participants continue working on their projects, collaborating with their teams, working on their solutions

  • 11:15 PM  -  12:00 AM

    Fun Session

    A fun activity session provides a relaxing and enjoyable touch to the day

  • 12:15 AM -  6:00 AM

    Hacking Continues (Optional)

    Participants who prefer to work late into the night may do so, ensuring adequate time for project development

  • 6:00 AM  -  7:00 AM

    Project Update

    Second Phase Project presentation and upload progress to drive

  • 7:00 AM  -  8:00 AM

    Breakfast

    A morning meal provides participants with the energy needed to continue their work

  • 8:00 AM  -   11:00 AM

    Refining Projects

    Participants focus on adjusting their projects, incorporating feedback and making final improvements

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Lunch

    Another break for lunch allows participants to recharge before the final phase of the event

  • 12:00 PM  -  2:00 PM

    Final touch to the project

    Prepare demo presentation and high-level summary on website

  • 2:00 PM  -  3:00 PM

    Final Presentation

    Final Presentation of the project and get feedback and suggestions for any changes to be needed

  • 3:00 PM  -  3:30 PM

    Snacks Break

    A brief break for participants to relax before the closing ceremony

  • 3:30 PM  -  4:15 PM

    Final Upload of the Project

    Participants upload their final projects for judging and evaluation

  • 4:30 PM -  5:30 PM

    Closing Ceremony

    The event concludes with a closing ceremony, during which projects are presented, winners are announced, and participants reflect on their experience

Our Collaborators

Organizers

Swastika Yogi

Space Apps Local Lead

Bijay Adhikari

Space Apps Local Lead

Jhanak Shreshtha

Program Executive

Mission Shrestha

Program Executive

Om Bishnu Chaudhary

Program Executive

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the NASA International Space Apps Challenge?

    Each October, over the course of two days, coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists, and technologists from around the world come together in a global hackathon. Participants in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge create in-person and virtual teams to solve challenges using open-source data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners.

    This year's Space Agency Partners include the Australian Space Agency, Brazilian Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, European Space Agency, Indian Space Research Organization, Italian Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Mexican Space Agency, National Space Activities Commission of Argentina, National Space Science Agency of Bahrain, Paraguayan Space Agency, South African National Space Agency, and the Turkish Space Agency.

  • The Space Apps Challenge, founded in 2012, has become the largest annual global hackathon in the world. While the top projects are recognized as Global Winners, Space Apps is all about collaboration! Our mission is focused on the following objectives:

    • Inspire collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking
    • Foster interest in Earth and space science and exploration
    • Raise global awareness of NASA data
    • Encourage growth and diversity in the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists, and designers

  • Space Apps is for everyone, including those who have never “hacked" before! All passionate problem solvers, from students to life-long learners, are encouraged to join. While some of our challenges are technical, others ask you to use artistic skills, business acumen, or your imagination.

    In other words, you do not need to be a coder or data expert to be a part of the Space Apps Challenge. In fact, teams with the most diverse sets of skills are often the most successful!

  • There is no cost to participate in the Space Apps Challenge.

  • Participants who are under the age of 18 must be registered for the event by a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times during the event.

  • Participants register as individuals, not as teams. Forming your team is a separate process.

  • No. The food and refreshments will be provided by the organisers during the hackathon.