Deadline Date: March 26, 2026
The CASSINI Challenges 2026 is requesting applications to develop solutions using space data and technology to address commercial, social, and environmental challenges.
The contest focuses on promoting the use of space data and technology to solve commercial, social, and environmental challenges, fostering innovative solutions and technological excellence, encouraging the use of EU space resources such as satellite navigation, Earth observation, satellite communication, space surveillance and tracking, supporting the advancement and global competitiveness of the European space industry, demonstrating the potential of space technology across industries, driving economic growth and technological leadership, and strengthening Europe’s strategic position in the global space sector.
The 2026 edition of the CASSINI Challenges is organized around the theme “Space to Lift Europe,” which aims to inspire and recognize innovative applications and commercialization of space technology. Participants are required to identify a pressing commercial, social, or environmental challenge and present a solution in the form of a Minimum Viable Product. The proposed solution must leverage EU space data and services such as Galileo, Copernicus, Space Surveillance and Tracking, Space Situational Awareness, or GOVSATCOM while demonstrating innovation, competitiveness, and potential commercial impact for the EU space programme.
Participants have the opportunity to win prizes of up to €100,000 for innovative ideas that use space technology to create impact on Earth and beyond.
A Minimum Viable Product for the contest is defined as a solution that addresses a relevant challenge while utilizing EU space data and services and contributing to the competitiveness and innovation of the EU space programme. The proposed solution must meet minimum levels of technological and commercial readiness, including a Technology Readiness Level of at least 5, indicating that the technology has been validated in a relevant environment, and a Commercial Readiness Level of at least 4, reflecting early market validation and the presence of a basic commercial infrastructure. Applications that fail to demonstrate compliance with these minimum requirements may be considered ineligible.
Participation in the contest is open to economic operators, including natural or legal persons established in the Member States of the European Union. Natural persons applying must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. Applicants may submit proposals individually or as part of a team. Participation is also open to economic operators established in Norway and Switzerland for solutions primarily related to the Galileo component or satellite navigation, positioning, and timing, as well as to economic operators established in Iceland, Norway, and the United Kingdom under the specified conditions.
For more information, visit EUSPA.
