NASA hackathon returns to Barcelona this October

For the third year in a row, Barcelona will be one of the host cities for the NASA SpaceAPPS Challenge, the world’s largest STEAM hackathon, on October 4 and 5. The event is organized by SpaceAPPS Spain, in collaboration with the telecommunications company Telefónica, the Catalan government and the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia. 

For two days at the free programming campus, 42 Barcelona, the SpaceAPPS Challenge will bring together students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and STEAM enthusiasts with the task of solving global challenges previously set by the U.S. space agency NASA. 

Topics covered will include: sustainability, spatial exploration, health, and education. 

“I trust that this kind of event will become a breeding ground for projects that continue to elevate the Spain brand on an international level,” said Director of NASA SpaceAPPS Spain Óscar Sala at a launch event. 

During the event, a business panel focused on digital talent in Barcelona was held, with participants from Telefónica, the city’s economic development agency Barcelona Activa and teach company HP. 

“We are fully convinced that the city’s digital and technological talent is ready to take on this kind of challenge,” said Sara Díaz, Director of Strategic Sectors and Talent at Barcelona Activa. 

“In 2024, Barcelona surpassed 130,000 people working in the tech sector, marking the highest growth in its historical series. We have the talent, a city that attracts investment, and an environment that fosters development in the sector,” she said. 

At last year’s hackathon, more than 100 Catalans participated. The winning team, along with nine other global champions, got the opportunity to go to the Kennedy Space Center in the United States to present their ideas before NASA experts. 

On an international level, the SpaceAPPS Challenge is held in more than 150 countries, with more than 93,000 participants.