ActInSpace in New Zealand
- Auckland -

Key Dates
Deadline for Registration: 15 January 2026, NZT

• Warm-Up Meetup:  19 January 2026  – team formation & challenge selection
 (online)

• Hackathon: Friday 30 – Saturday 31 January 2026 – 24 hours to innovate, collaborate, and pitch your idea (GRIDAKL, Auckland)

• National Winner Announcement: 31 January 2026
(Outset Ventures, Auckland)

• International Semi-Finals & Finals: 1–2 April 2026, Bordeaux, France

Who Can Apply

• Anyone 18 years or older residing or working in New Zealand

• Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, engineers, designers, developers, researchers — all backgrounds welcome

• Teams of 2 to 5 members (you can form a team or join one via actinspace.org)

• Participation is free of charge

Choosing a Challenge

All challenges are published on the official ActInSpace website under “Challenges.” They are based on ESA and CNES technologies and patents, as well as global sponsor data, across four major themes:


1. Use Space for Humanity – Space tech for societal or environmental benefit


2. Be a New Space Player – Turn a patent into a startup opportunity


3. Make a Difference in Everyday Life – Practical, human-centred innovation


4. Fly to the Moon and Beyond – Pushing frontiers in exploration

What to Expect

During the 24-hour hackathon, teams will:


• Brainstorm and prototype innovative solutions


• Receive mentorship from local and international space, tech, and business experts


• Access the ActInSpace Helpline, an online support platform of CNES / ESA mentors


• Work overnight with meals, snacks, and drinks provided

Final Deliverables: an 8 – minute pitch presentation to the jury on Saturday afternoon.

The 8-Minute Pitch

Each team will have 8 minutes (followed by Q&A) to present their project. The presentation must use the official ActInSpace PowerPoint template and include:


1. The challenge chosen and why


2. The key issues or needs addressed


3. The proposed solution / innovation (technology, data, or product)


4. How space technology or data is used


5. Potential impact – economic, social, or environmental


6. Action plan and next steps


7. Basic business or financial model

Prizes

Local Prizes (New Zealand):
• Mentoring
• The Grand Prize: Travel for at least one team member to France to represent New Zealand at the international finals

International Prizes:

The ActInSpace Grand Prize: Zero-G flights by Airbus

Additional awards from the international sponsros and ESA BIC incubators

Accommodation and meals in France (3 nights) are provided by CNES.

Judging & Evaluation Criteria

All teams will be evaluated on:


1. Use of space data or technologies (essential – non-compliance = disqualification)


2. Innovation & originality (technical, design, or business)


3. Impact & value creation (economic, environmental, or social benefit)


4. Feasibility & economic model (realistic path to implementation or revenue)

Hackathon Schedule Snapshot

Friday 30 January (Outset Ventures)


• 1 – 3 PM: Welcome & Team Formation


• 3 PM – 3 PM (Sat): 24-hour Hackathon / Mentoring

Saturnday 31 January (Outset Ventures)

10 AM – 1 PM: Pitch Training Session

4 PM: Final 8-Minute Pitches & Q&A

5 PM: Awards Ceremony & Networking Reception (Auckland Aerospace)

Intellectual Property & Fair Play

• All IP developed during the hackathon remains the property of the team.


• Teams are responsible for ensuring they do not infringe on third-party rights.


• Participation implies acceptance of the ActInSpace Competition Rules.

Why Join

• Work with real ESA / CNES data and patents


• Get mentored by industry experts


• Connect with entrepreneurs and investors worldwide


• Gain international visibility — and a potential path to ESA BIC incubation