NASA Space Apps Challenge: The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a global hackathon bringing together coders, scientists, designers, and innovators to address challenges using open data from NASA and its partners. Participants collaborate over two days to create solutions for Earth and space-related issues, employing skills such as software development, art, and storytelling. The event fosters networking opportunities locally and globally, emphasizing this year's theme of promoting knowledge and data sharing for positive outcomes.
When & Where?
The hackathon will be held at Library Hall, Pulchowk Campus on Oct 7-8.
Important Deadlines
The deadline for application is Oct 2, 2023. Please note that we will be selecting the applications as they come in and will stop accepting applications after we have selected 100 participants.

Why Physical Hackathon?
Experience a unique physical hackathon, where face-to-face interactions drive enhanced collaboration, unmatched by virtual settings. The vibrant atmosphere ignites excitement and competition, motivating participants like never before.
- 36-hour timeframe, with continuous brainstorming and innovation, complemented by on-site refreshments that maintain focus and energy
- Balanced breaks encourage socializing, preventing burnout and boosting energy levels
- In-person mentors provide real-time guidance, enhancing the learning journey
The competition gains purpose by addressing real-world challenges, infusing depth into projects. Participate in this intellectually thrilling adventure, crafting unforgettable memories in a focused environment.
Event Timeline
Pre-Events
Promoting the event to potential participants, Recruiting and training mentors, Preparing the event space, Gathering and organizing challenge data, Creating a schedule and logistics plan
Hackathon Annoucement
Announcing hackathon on online platforms and website orientation
Registration Opens
Opening registration along with announcement
Registration Closes
The registration phase comes to an end
Team Selection
Projects are carefully reviewed, and selected teams are announced. We will choose 25 teams for the physical hackathon, while others will have the chance to engage virtually.
Main Event
The highly anticipated Hackathon takes place on October 7th and 8th
Certificates and Prizes by NRCC
Announcement of winners and distribution of certificates and prizes
Local Judging
Submissions from participants undergo local judging, where experts evaluate the projects based on creativity, feasibility, and impact.
Itinerary
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8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration and Set-Up
Participants arrive and complete the registration process, ensuring their devices are set up for the event
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9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Inauguration
The event kicks off with an inaugural session, setting the tone for the hackathon
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9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Intro to NASA Space Apps
An overview is provided about NASA Space Apps, explaining its purpose and the challenges participants will be addressing
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10:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Hackathon Begins
The hackathon officially begins, and participants start working on their innovative solutions
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12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch
Participants break for lunch to recharge before continuing their work
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1:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Working on Ideas
Participants utilize this time to further brainstorm, refine, and develop their ideas.
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4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
Talk by Guest Speaker
Guest speaker shares valuable insights and expertise related to the theme of the hackathon
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Upload of Project Progress
Participants share their progress with mentors for feedback
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7:15 PM - 8:15 PM
Dinner
Another meal break provides participants the chance to relax and network.
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8:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Mentoring and Networking
Participants engage with mentors for guidance and network with fellow participants
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11:15 PM - 12:00 AM
Fun Session
A fun activity session provides a relaxing and enjoyable touch to the day
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12:15 AM - 6:00 AM
Hacking Continues (Optional)
Participants who prefer to work late into the night may do so, ensuring adequate time for project development
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6:15 AM - 7:00 AM
Breakfast
A morning meal provides participants with the energy needed to continue their work
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7:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Refining Projects
Participants focus on adjusting their projects, incorporating feedback and making final improvements
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11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Lunch
Another break for lunch allows participants to recharge before the final phase of the event
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1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Final Upload of Projects
Participants upload their final projects for judging and evaluation
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2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Break
A brief break for participants to relax before the closing ceremony
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Ceremony
The event concludes with a closing ceremony, during which projects are presented, winners are announced, and participants reflect on their experience
Our Collaborators
Organizers

Swastika Yogi
Space Apps Local Lead / Founding Treasurer BSc Physics, BA Economics, TU
Bibek Lal Karn
Space Apps Local Lead / Founding Chairman BSc Physics, Tribhuvan University
Agrima Bogati
Program Director / Secretary BSc Biology, Tribhuvan University
Bijay Adhikari
Program Executive / Member BSc.CSIT, Tribhuvan University
Jhanak Shreshtha
Program Executive / Member BSc Physics, Tribhuvan University
Apekshya Gyawali
Program Executive / Member BSc.CSIT, Tribhuvan University
Prinshu Dahal
Program Executive / Member Public Health, Purbanchal UniversityFrequently Asked Questions
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What is the NASA International Space Apps Challenge?
Each October, over the course of two days, coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists, and technologists from around the world come together in a global hackathon. Participants in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge create in-person and virtual teams to solve challenges using open-source data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners.
This year's Space Agency Partners include the Australian Space Agency, Brazilian Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, European Space Agency, Indian Space Research Organization, Italian Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Mexican Space Agency, National Space Activities Commission of Argentina, National Space Science Agency of Bahrain, Paraguayan Space Agency, South African National Space Agency, and the Turkish Space Agency. -
What is the purpose of Space Apps?
The Space Apps Challenge, founded in 2012, has become the largest annual global hackathon in the world. While the top projects are recognized as Global Winners, Space Apps is all about collaboration! Our mission is focused on the following objectives:
- Inspire collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking
- Foster interest in Earth and space science and exploration
- Raise global awareness of NASA data
- Encourage growth and diversity in the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists, and designers
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What is the theme of the 2023 Space Apps Challenge?
The theme for the 2023 Space Apps Challenge is "Explore Open Science Together". For more information, please visit spaceappschallenge.org
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Who should participate in the Space Apps Challenge?
Space Apps is for everyone, including those who have never “hacked" before! All passionate problem solvers, from students to life-long learners, are encouraged to join. While some of our challenges are technical, others ask you to use artistic skills, business acumen, or your imagination.
In other words, you do not need to be a coder or data expert to be a part of the Space Apps Challenge. In fact, teams with the most diverse sets of skills are often the most successful! -
Does it cost anything to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the Space Apps Challenge.
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What are the important dates?
The deadline for application is Oct 2, 2023. We will stop accepting applications after we have selected 100 participants. So, do not wait for the deadline.
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What is the minimum age for participants?
Participants who are under the age of 18 must be registered for the event by a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times during the event.
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Do I register individually or as a team?
Participants register as individuals, not as teams. Forming your team is a separate process.
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Do the participants have to pay for the food during the hackathon?
No. The food and refreshments will be provided by the organisers during the hackathon.