Supported by ESA and ESA Business Incubation Centres (BICs), ActInSpace is a global innovation challenge initiated by CNES that transforms space technologies into real‑world solutions and supports new entrepreneurial ideas. The last edition gathered 1,800 participants in 35 countries and led to around 40 start-ups. The 2026 hackathon will take place simultaneously worldwide on 30–31 January 2026, supported by both remote and on-site experts. Local winners will advance to the international semi-finals and finals in Bordeaux, France, on 1–2 April 2026.
ActInSpace offers the opportunity to work with ESA and CNES patents. Challenges are grouped into four categories: Business in Everyday Life, Space4.0, Humanitarian, and Fly to the Moon and Beyond, covering themes such as AI, SpaceTech, Disaster Response, Robotics, Sustainability and more.
Among the many prizes offered in 2026, including the Zero‑G flight experience, EBAN Space, Thales Alenia Space, and Airbus Defence and Space prizes, ESA Education and ESA Φ‑lab will each sponsor dedicated ESA prizes.
Registration is open to participants aged 18+.
Read more and sign up on the official competition website by clicking on the button below.
