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Become a Wroclaw space innovator: 11th edition of the CASSINI Hackathon

Later this month, Wrocław will become a place where creativity meets technology… from space. Literally. From April 24 to 26, 2026, anyone with interesting ideas on how to improve urban life using satellite data can take part in the unique CASSINI Hackathon. Wrocław has been selected as one of just 10 European cities hosting the 11th edition of the CASSINI Hackathon— a prestigious event organized on the initiative of the European Commission under the auspices of the EU Agency for the Space Programme and the European Space Agency. Thanks to this, from April 24–26, the capital of Lower Silesia will become a true hub for innovation that can transform the city.

The fact that Wrocław is hosting the CASSINI Hackathon confirms its position as one of the leading technology hubs in this part of Europe. We want to show that space is not just about distant galaxies, but above all a tool that can help us here and now—in managing our city and taking care of its resources.
— Paulina Muszyńska, Head of Startup Wroclaw

Space technologies for the city

This year’s theme, “Space for Water,” focuses on using European space technologies (Copernicus and Galileo programs) to protect, manage, and ensure the safety of water resources.

Hackathon participants won’t be working on theoretical models—they will tackle real challenges (case studies) defined by the Municipal Water and Sewage Company in Wrocław. This will allow them to create practical solutions that can genuinely improve the quality of life for residents.

With access to unique city data and satellite imagery, teams will work on solutions in three key areas:

  • detecting potential failures and leaks from space,
  • smart water retention and spatial planning,
  • monitoring water quality and safety.

 

Satellite data for everyone

While many people assume that space data is reserved for scientists, nothing could be further from the truth. Today, satellite data is free and accessible to everyone.

Free space data is now widely available, especially thanks to the Copernicus program and Sentinel satellites. This includes high-quality Earth imagery that can be downloaded from platforms such as the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem or so-called DIAS platforms. This is a major shift—just a dozen years ago, access to such data was limited and expensive.
— Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway

 

When space comes down to Earth

According to Mikołaj Podgórski, the practical applications of satellite data for cities and regions are vast.

First, it enables analysis of changes over time. With archival data, we can track urban development, city expansion, and infrastructure changes. Second, there are environmental and hydrological aspects: monitoring drought, soil moisture, climate change, and flood risk. Agriculture is also a key area—using indicators like NDVI, we can assess plant health, plan irrigation, and predict yields.
— Mikołaj Podgórski

In practice, this means that “space data” is only cosmic in name—it actively supports decision-making at the city, regional, and economic levels

Not an engineer? Perfect!

Organizers emphasize that the CASSINI Hackathon is not just for engineers or programmers. On the contrary—diversity is key. According to Aleksandra Kadłubowska from ChallengeRocket, the event is for people who want to create, test ideas, and work on real challenges—regardless of whether their strengths lie in programming, business, design, analysis, research, or product development.

We really care about building interdisciplinary teams, because the best projects emerge when different perspectives and complementary skills come together. In practice, all you need is to be 18+ and live in the EU or an associated country. Participants can also apply individually—we help match people into teams at every stage.
— Aleksandra Kadłubowska

 

Before the hackathon—get a good night’s sleep

As Aleksandra Kadłubowska points out, no prior experience in space technologies is required. Before the event, participants will have access to onboarding sessions and materials that explain how to use space data in practice.

An Inspiration Hub is being created at ChallengeRocket.com/cassini, featuring materials from partners and organizers. It will help participants better understand the topic, explore promising areas, and find inspiration for projects addressing real challenges related to water, technology, and satellite data.

 

Your idea can change Wrocław

Participants have the opportunity to create solutions that can genuinely improve life in the city. This could include:

  • an app for anglers showing water quality in the Oder River,
  • a system for gardeners to optimize irrigation,
  • an urban game using satellite data,
  • or a solution no one has thought of yet.

And the best part? No access to secret labs required. All you need is:

  • your creativity,
  • free space data,
  • an understanding of real urban challenges.

The Polish edition of the CASSINI Hackathons is organized by the Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency, led by the Startup Wroclaw project, and the Wrocław-based company ChallengeRocket.