Wroclaw hosts CASSINI Hackathon. Space technologies for water, the city, and the region

This year's theme, “Space for Water,” focuses on the use of European space technologies (Copernicus and Galileo programs) to protect, manage, and ensure the security of water resources. This is a topic particularly close to the heart of the capital of Lower Silesia.

For years, Wrocław has been developing based on knowledge, innovation, and cooperation. CASSINI Hackathon fits perfectly into this strategy, combining space technologies with challenges that are important to residents—water, safety, and quality of life. It is also another step in building Wrocław's strong position in the European technology ecosystem

Jacek Sutryk, Mayor of Wrocław.

CASSINI Hackathon is an example of how we effectively combine international initiatives with local potential. Wrocław and the whole of Lower Silesia are showing that they are ready for the development of space technologies, cooperation with ESA, and building innovations that have real applications in cities and regions of Europe

Dr. Magdalena Okulowska, President of the Board of the Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency

Space technologies at the service of residents – specific challenges

Wrocław, the city of 100 bridges, shaped by the Oder River and the history of the great flood of 1997, is becoming a natural laboratory for “Space for Water” solutions. Hackathon participants will not work on theoretical models, but will face real challenges (case studies) defined by the Municipal Water and Sewage Company in Wrocław (MPWiK).

Thanks to the provision of unique city data and satellite images, teams will work on solutions in three key areas:

Detecting failures and leaks from space - Analysis of satellite data to identify changes in soil moisture that may signal potential water supply network failures or pipe breaks before they become visible on the surface.
Smart retention and spatial planning - Using satellite-based soil permeability assessments combined with hydrogeological models to more effectively design rainwater harvesting systems and manage stormwater in the city.
Quality and safety monitoring - Early warning systems that detect threats to water intakes - from algal blooms (high turbidity) to flood risks or low water levels caused by hydrological drought.

Przemysław Chrobot, New Technology Center Manager, MPWiK S.A. in Wrocław:

"It is a great honor for MPWiK to have the opportunity to be part of the CASSINI Hackathon. The case studies we have proposed are directly related to the strategic areas of our company's activity. We see enormous potential in the use of satellite data in areas such as increasing the speed of response to threats to the water intake system, as well as supporting tools for reducing water losses and rainwater management. Each of these topics responds to current challenges and can bring real benefits to the community of Wrocław."

Another step towards becoming an ESA technology center

The organization of the CASSINI Hackathon in Wrocław is another strategic element of the region's activities aimed at developing the space sector. Wrocław, which is actively seeking to host the European Space Agency Technology Center in the area of Space & Defense, is demonstrating its readiness to implement advanced projects on a European scale.

The event reinforces the narrative of Lower Silesia as a region that combines academic and business potential,
capable of creating dual-use solutions for both civil security
and strategic management of critical resources.

An ecosystem that works more broadly

The Wrocław edition of CASSINI Hackathon is not just a weekend of programming. The organizers have opted for a “Living Lab” model, offering an extensive accompanying program:

Online Inspiration Center - A knowledge base and technical webinars (“The Toolbox”) available before the event, preparing participants to work with Copernicus and Galileo satellite data.
“Satellite Station” at Hydropolis - Use of the space at the Wrocław water knowledge center, where satellite images will be presented on large-format screens and residents will be able to see real satellite equipment provided by local space-tech companies.
Expert Mentoring - Direct support from engineers and scientists who will help turn prototypes into real business products.

Aleksandra Kadłubowska, Director of Project Management Operations, ChallengeRocket:

"We invite both students and professionals who are passionate about data, water, technology, and space. This is a great opportunity to create solutions for Wrocław that can also work in other European cities. Wrocław will not only be the venue for a weekend event. We want it to be a starting point for greater involvement of participants and the entire ecosystem, and to launch a process that begins before the hackathon and continues after it: from preparation and education (with materials and inspiration), through workshop work with experts, to further development of ideas on the topic of Space for Water."

Tomasz Florczak, CEO, ChallengeRocket:

"We would like to thank the ARAW team for their highly professional work and the involvement of the local technology ecosystem—without this, it would not have been possible to win this project. In our communication with the EU Agency for the Space Program, we jointly demonstrated our experience, but we also talked about Wrocław as a city shaped by water. Water means safety, resilience, and quality of life—and combining it with space technology opens up new possibilities, which we want to showcase during the hackathon."

Synergy of partners

The event is supported by key players in the regional innovation ecosystem, creating a unique combination of science, business, and administration. The following entities have joined the group of content and technology partners:

Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company (MPWiK) together with Hydropolis, Smart City Wrocław, Department of Strategy and Sustainable Development of the City of Wrocław, Scanway, SatRev, TerraEye, Gekko Photonics, Quantum Connect, Pyszne.pl, Wrocław University of Technology together with the Academic Business Incubator AIP, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław University of Economics together with inQUBE University Business Incubator and the CRAFT (Collaboratory for Responsible and Future Technologies) laboratory operating at the Faculty of Management of Wrocław University of Technology.

Their participation guarantees that the solutions developed will have a chance to be implemented, and the best participants will receive support in the further development of their projects, including through a presentation at the Made in Wroclaw conference (October 27-28, 2026).

Registration for the event and details about the challenges will be available on the official CASSINI Hackathon website and on the ChallengeRocket.com platform from February 19.

Wrocław in the space industry. The Polish NewSpace market

Wrocław has an increasingly strong position in the Polish space industry. In January 2026, we reported that the city was applying for the prestigious European Space Agency Technology Center.

It is worth recalling that on January 3, 2023, a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Polish STAR VIBE satellite was launched into orbit. The Wrocław-based company Scanway is responsible for the project.

In July 2025, we reported that Scanway, as the first Polish company, will deliver a telescope for a lunar mission and create a European system for processing images of the Moon.