3rd CASSINI Hackathons in May ’22: (re)visit Europe with space technologies

Europe’s tourism industry is bursting with potential. In the last four years alone, the continent has welcomed over 2 billion global tourists, providing a primary source of income for European economies. From the medieval streets of Prague and the beaches of Barcelona to the modern skyline of Oslo, Europe truly holds something for everyone. Because of this, the 3rd CASSINI Hackathon will focus on preserving these unforgettable destinations and the way in which we access them. You’ll be challenged to develop ideas that support sustainable travel, enhance the experience in local cities and cultures, and promote thoughtful exploration of Europe’s nature. With your help, we can uplift the tourism industry with resilient and sustainable digital solutions.

The CASSINI Hackathons and Mentoring, initiated by the European Union and its space program, is a series of 6 hackathons that tackle global challenges using European space technologies. Now in its 3rd edition, this hackathon provides access to European space data, information and signals from Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS, plus other valuable tools to help participants take on one of our three pressing challenges. The top ideas will be awarded at both local and EU levels, and the overall winners will enter a 6-month mentoring program that includes 100 hours of customized expert mentoring.

Here’s what to expect

If you’re a rising innovator in Europe, you’re invited to participate in the CASSINI Hackathon at one of our 10 locations. Each hackathon location features its own unique set of experts, prizes, and additional special features. Once you select a location, it’s time for registration, team formation and ideation! Your team will choose to solve one of three challenges, all related to the theme of European tourism:

1. Creating sustainable destinations: Develop innovative ideas or design new products or services that reduce the carbon footprint of tourism travel. For this challenge, participants are encouraged to explore the areas of carbon footprint measurement, alternative destinations or modes of transport, online travel agents and other intermediaries, disruptive travel concepts, and understanding travel patterns between cities or countries.
2. Experiencing lesser-known cities and cultures: Develop innovative ideas or design new products or services to offer travelers a unique and sustainable way to experience local destinations while supporting local businesses and communities. For this challenge, participants are encouraged to explore the areas of crowd management and slow tourism, personal recommendations and itineraries, social recognition and social media, state-of-the-art virtual travel experiences, and supporting local businesses and communities.
3. Exploring nature with care: Develop innovative ideas or design new products or services to offer tourists a unique and sustainable opportunity to explore our nature. For this challenge, participants are encouraged to explore the areas of conservation of local nature and biodiversity, social recognition, and social media, supporting local businesses and communities, the generation of (new) routes and points of interest, and tourist information about the environmental state of areas.

Get your spot

Remember, no previous space experience is required! This is your chance to engage with the sector, even if it’s for the first time. The application process couldn’t be easier: simply choose a challenge and decide how you’ll leverage EU space technologies to reshape European tourism. Register here: hackathons.cassini.eu

Hackers aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of the CASSINI Hackathons & Mentoring. If you’d like to participate as an organizer or mentor, we’d love to hear from you. All interested individuals, organisations, companies, and institutions are invited to apply to support the next generation of space-based entrepreneurs. Information on how to get involved can be found here for mentors and organizers.

Now is your chance to become part of this exciting European initiative to promote EU Space technology and its many applications. Hack with a purpose and leverage EU space data, services, and signals to strengthen and transform the way Europe does tourism! More information: hackathons.cassini.eu