Make it with Space!

The CASSINI Challenges 2024 wants you to ‘Make it with Space’.

Now open for applications, the latest edition of the popular competition looks to promote the use of space technologies to address pressing commercial, social and environmental challenges.

“By applying space technologies to non-space industries, we aim to inspire innovation, cultivate ideas and deliver solutions that will ultimately benefit citizens and businesses across all industry sectors,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.    

While the ‘what’ you make is entirely up to you, the ‘how’ must involve space technologies. That means using satellite navigation (such as EGNOS, Galileo), Earth Observation (Copernicus for example), secure satellite communications or space surveillance and tracking. A broad scope for innovation and creativity!  

Regardless of which technologies you end up using, all submissions should help advance the EU Space companies, enhance its global competitiveness and demonstrate the vast potential for using space technology across a variety of industries.   

Let’s not forget to mention that there’s well over EUR 1 million in prize money on the table!

Let’s talk details 

Ok, now that we have your attention, let’s talk details.

This year’s competition is divided into three categories, or tracks:

Visionary Track (submission of an idea)

Here applicants are required to present a theoretical idea and the problem that said idea intends to help answer. The applicant must also describe the targeted use case(s) of the idea and the concrete customer needs it will address. Even if this track is only focused on an idea, applicants should still include a strong plan for commercialisation. 

The expected technology readiness level (TRL) of applications in this track is TRL1-TRL3.

Innovator Track (submission of a prototype)

This track is for those ready to present a prototype or beta version of a solution that has already been tested in a relevant environment. Submissions must include a description of the targeted use case(s) of the prototype, the customer needs that it addresses and the value proposition. A solid plan for commercialisation is also expected.

The expected TRL of applications in this track is TRL4-TRL7. 

Entrepreneur Track (submission of a product)

In this track, applicants can submit a product or solution that is either ready for commercialisation or already on the market. Submissions should include a description of the targeted use case(s) of the product/solution, the customer needs that it addresses and the value proposition. Evidence of commercial traction is also required. 

The expected TRL of applications in this track is TRL8-TRL9.

About that prize money…

Each submission is expected to demonstrate the technological excellence of their solutions by showcasing effectiveness, efficiency, uniqueness and innovation. They should also show a strong focus on commercial potential and scalability.

Submissions will also be judged based on such factors as:  

• Problem being solved
• Market needs and relevance
• Level of innovation, feasibility and impact
• Use of EU Space data, services and capabilities
• Team’s expertise, diversity, leadership and vision 

The top 15 ideas from the Visionary Track will each receive a cash prize of EUR 10,000.00, while the 10 best prototypes in the Innovator Track will receive cash prizes of EUR 30,000.00. 

The top 7 products in the Entrepreneur Track will be awarded EUR 100,000.00, with the winners being announced during the next Entrepreneurship Day event scheduled for June 2025.

“The potential of space technologies is simply enormous. This is why this year we expand the scope of the competition to all the components of the EU Space programme but also to any Space technology and upstream solutions. We expect again very impactful solutions,” concludes da Costa. 

For those ready to accept the challenge, you can find all the information you need – including contest timeline, deadlines, criteria, rules and application process – here.

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