Be Part of the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 in Folsom, CA – A Global Hackathon for Innovators and Creatives!

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is making its way back to the Sacramento region this fall, and we’re excited to welcome it back!! On the weekend of October 5 & 6, 2024, innovators, designers, artists, technologists, and community scientists from all walks of life will converge to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This free, global hackathon will take place at Granite City Coworking in Folsom, running from 9 AM to 5 PM both days.

What is the NASA Space Apps Challenge?

The NASA Space Apps Challenge is an annual event where participants come together to solve Earth and space-related challenges using data and resources provided by NASA. Held simultaneously in hundreds of cities around the world, this community-wide innovation event has something for everyone—whether you’re a coder, artist, storyteller, student, or simply someone passionate about making an impact. This year’s theme is “The Sun Touches Everything,” and participants will work on one of twenty unique challenges designed by NASA experts.

The Folsom event is organized by local community leaders Brett Hoffstadt, a professional engineer and STEM advocate, and Ingrid Rosten, an entrepreneur and startup supporter in Sacramento. Their goal is to bring people of all ages together to collaboratively solve real-world and space-related problems.

Who Can Participate?

Anyone and everyone! Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced participant, there are challenges tailored to all skill levels. Teams can focus on a wide range of topics, from climate science and medical advancements to engineering, games, and even artistic expressions. Participants must register ahead of time through the local event page hosted on the NASA Space Apps website, and you can either join an existing team or create your own. Keep in mind that working on your project before the event will disqualify you from NASA’s official judging process, so be sure to save your creative juices for the hackathon weekend!

Why Attend?

This hackathon isn’t just about space—it’s about Earth too. NASA’s Space Apps Challenge has grown from focusing solely on space science to now encompassing earth sciences, arts, and humanities, so participants can contribute no matter what their skills or passions may be. It’s also an excellent opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, be mentored by experts, and present your solutions to a panel of local judges, including aerospace experts, educators, and investors.

The event is sponsored by community-minded organizations like Granite City Coworking, CalNY Technologies, The Sacramento Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), Aero Maestro Book Publishing, Technovate Investments LLC, and the Aerospace Museum of California.

Register Today!

If you’re ready to tackle challenges from climate science to engineering and beyond, and be part of an international community of problem-solvers, this is your chance! For more details and to register for the Folsom event, visit the official page. Remember, participants ages 12-17 will need a parent or guardian to register on their behalf. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and make a difference!

Wrap-Up

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of a global movement driving innovation and creative solutions for both Earth and space. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about what you can contribute, the NASA Space Apps Challenge is a chance to collaborate with a diverse group of thinkers and creators. Register today to secure your spot and get ready to turn your ideas into reality on October 5 & 6 at Granite City Coworking in Folsom. Together, we can make a difference locally and globally!

Event Details:

  • Dates: October 5 & 6, 2024
  • Time: 9 AM to 5 PM both days
  • Location: Granite City Coworking Event Center, 795 Gold Lake Drive, Suite 100, Folsom, CA
  • Registration: Advanced registration is required. Learn more and sign up here

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