The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is returning to the Sacramento region for its fifth year. This two-day global hackathon brings together problem-solvers of all ages and backgrounds to tackle real-world challenges using NASA’s free and open data.

Taking place the weekend of October 4 and 5, 2025, the event will be hosted at Folsom Lake College in Folsom. It is completely free to attend and open to the public. Whether you are a coder, entrepreneur, artist, scientist, engineer, designer, storyteller, maker, technologist, or generalist, you are invited to join a global movement that’s solving problems on Earth and in space.

What is the NASA Space Apps Challenge?

The NASA Space Apps Challenge is the world’s largest annual global hackathon. Participants from across the globe collaborate locally and virtually to create innovative solutions using NASA’s open-source data. This is not just an event for coders. Anyone with a passion for Earth and space science is welcome to join, regardless of experience or skill level. The challenge themes span topics such as Earth science, space exploration, climate, robotics, and more.

Who Can Participate?

Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be an expert to make a difference. Participants can join as individuals or teams and will have the opportunity to form teams at the event. Children under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This is your chance to learn something new, connect with a global community, and contribute your creativity to meaningful challenges. Whether you are a student or a seasoned professional, your ideas and input are valued.

Why Attend?

This is more than just a hackathon. It is a chance to:

  • Collaborate with diverse and passionate people
  • Learn about Earth and space science
  • Build a creative solution from start to finish
  • Present your project to a panel of local judges
  • Join a global network of innovators working together for the good of humanity

Event Schedule

Saturday October 4

  • 9:00 AM Hackathon Challenge Day 1 begins
  • Check-in and welcome overview
  • Team formation (you can arrive solo and join a team onsite)
  • Hacking begins
  • Lunch break
  • Teams continue working
  • Venue closes around 5:00 PM (teams may continue working virtually)

Sunday October 5

  • 9:00 AM Hackathon Challenge Day 2 begins
  • Teams finalize their solutions and start building presentations
  • Lunch break
  • Project presentations to a panel of local judges
  • Judges determine winners for first and second place and other special awards
  • Participants vote for the People’s Choice Award
  • Recognition ceremony and celebration
  • All project submissions must be uploaded to the NASA website by midnight PST

Register Today

This event is free, but advance registration is strongly encouraged. To sign up and get full details, visit the official NASA Space Apps Challenge website and search for the Folsom event.

The world needs your creativity and perspective. Join us at Folsom Lake College on October 4 and 5 to be part of a global hackathon community. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Interested in learning about more events happening in the Greater Sacramento region? Check our event listings!