NASA International Space Apps Hackathon (Space Apps) hosted in Folsom
NASA International Space Apps Hackathon Returns to Folsom
Exciting news for innovators and problem solvers in the Sacramento area—the NASA International Space Apps Hackathon is coming back to Folsom! This free, global event takes place annually, uniting participants from hundreds of cities around the world to work on real-world challenges. For those in the Sacramento region, Granite City Coworking Event Center will host this year's hackathon on October 5th and 6th, from 9 AM to 5 PM each day, at 795 Gold Lake Drive, Suite 100. Due to limited space and the need for pre-event information, advance registration is required via the NASA website.
The Space Apps Hackathon is a unique experience where coders, scientists, designers, students, artists, and community innovators come together to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing Earth and space exploration. Once registered, participants either form or join a team to collaborate on one of 20 challenges created by NASA experts. It's important to note that no work on challenges can be done before the event, as this would lead to disqualification. Teams can also create their own projects, though these will not be eligible for NASA’s official judging.
What to Expect at Space Apps Folsom
Teams will get to work as soon as the event kicks off on the morning of October 5th. The hackathon concludes on Sunday, October 6th, with team presentations (or "pitches"), which will be judged by local business leaders, aerospace experts, educators, and investors. Challenges are divided into three difficulty levels—Beginner/Youth, Intermediate, and Advanced—and cover a wide range of topics, from climate science to engineering, medical advancements, and even creative fields like art and gaming. The theme this year is "The Sun Touches Everything," ensuring a diverse array of projects.
A Global Movement with Local Impact
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge, launched in 2012, has since expanded to include over 2,400 local events across more than 185 countries. What began as a space science-focused initiative has evolved to incorporate Earth sciences, the arts, and humanities, making it accessible to people of all skill sets and backgrounds.
Ingrid Rosten, the local lead for the Folsom event, shared her enthusiasm: "What I love about this hackathon is bringing the community of all ages together to solve real-world and space problems. We need it now more than ever! It’s fun, and together we can make a big difference locally and globally."
How to Get Involve
If you're ready to make an impact and join this innovative community, head to Space Apps Folsom to register. Please note that participants aged 12-17 must have a parent or guardian register on their behalf.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to solutions that will shape the future of Earth and space exploration!
Dates: October 4-6
Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250, Folsom, CA 95630
Register: Space App Challenge
Cost: Free