The annual CASSINI Challenges competition has started

The 2024 CASSINI Challenges edition on the search for innovative, space-based solutions and ideas that could help solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.

On 6 September 2024, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), together with the European Commission, launched the CASSINI Challenges 2024. The annual competition aims 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.   

With the theme of ‘Make it with Space’, this year’s edition will see applicants competing for over EUR 1 million in prize money. 

Submissions can be made in one of three tracks: 
1.    Visionary Track (submission of an idea)
2.    Innovator Track (submission of a prototype)
3.    Entrepreneur Track (submission of a product)

Regardless of which track one competes in, all applicants must use Space technologies, such as satellite navigation (such as EGNOS, Galileo), Earth Observation (Copernicus for example), secure satellite communication, space surveillance and tracking or any combination thereof.

Submissions will be evaluated based on their technology excellence, level of innovation, and commercial potential, amongst other criteria. All submissions should also demonstrate how they will advance the EU Space industry, enhance its global competitiveness and showcase the vast potential for using space technology across several industries. 

The top 15 ideas from the Visionary Track will 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. 

Each 7 winners of the Entrepreneur Track will be announced during the CASSINI Entrepreneurship Day scheduled in June 2025 and awarded EUR 100,000.00. 

The CASSINI Challenges are part of CASSINI, the European Commission’s initiative supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs to develop innovative applications and services that leverage the EU Space Programme.

Webinar presentation on the introduction of the Idea Track

Source: European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)