The NASA Space Apps Challenge

Gear up, Sacramento region! The NASA International Space Apps Challenge Hackathon is making its much-anticipated return to Folsom, CA. This year’s event will unfold on October 7th and 8th, serving as an arena where some of the brightest minds in community science, coding, technology, and design come together. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just for the experts. This event is designed for everyone—from students to artists, from storytellers to innovators. Let’s delve into what makes this event a unique global phenomenon.

When and Where: A Weekend of Impact

The hackathon is scheduled for the weekend of October 7th and 8th, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The venue is none other than the Granite City Coworking space in historic downtown Folsom, spearheaded by Kyle Middleton. In addition to the weekend activities, there will be an informal kickoff and meet-and-greet event on Friday evening for those in the Sacramento area.

The Global Picture: One Event, Hundreds of Locations

What sets the NASA International Space Apps Challenge apart is its global scope. This hackathon takes place simultaneously in hundreds of cities worldwide. Born in 2012, the program has since attracted over 220,000 registrants in 320 locations across 185+ countries. Initially focused only on Space Science, the scope has expanded to also embrace Earth Sciences, Arts, and Humanities challenges.

The Challenges: Diverse Problems, Inclusive Solutions

Upon registering, participants can join or create teams that take on one of the 29 challenges set by NASA experts. These range from climate science to medical engineering, and from gaming to arts. If none of these pre-set challenges tickle your fancy, there’s freedom to create your own project for the weekend. This variety ensures that the hackathon is a platform for diverse thinking and innovative solutions, something validated by results and testimonials from previous years.

Judging and Sponsors: Local Engagement, Global Impact

Come Sunday, the weekend of hard work culminates in team presentations or “pitches” that are judged by a panel consisting of local business leaders, aerospace experts, and investors. The event is sponsored by a network of local organizations, including Granite City Coworking, the Northern California Innovation District, and the Sacramento Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), among others.

Don’t Miss Out

If you’re contemplating whether to attend, consider this: the event’s local lead for the Folsom region, Ingrid Rosten, aptly describes the hackathon as an event that brings together communities of all ages to solve real-world problems on Earth and in space. With cool prizes provided by NASA and local sponsors, who can resist being part of such a transformative experience?

For those looking to be part of this world-changing event, you can register and get updates on the Space Apps Challenge website.

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge Hackathon is not just an event; it’s a movement. It champions diversity, nurtures innovation, and fosters global collaboration. Mark the date and be part of something monumental.

Details

Date: October 7-8, 2023
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250, Folsom, CA 95630
Cost: Free

Register: SpaceAppsChallenge.org

Check out additional events for Startup founders in the Greater Sacramento region here.