ActInSpace® – The International Aerospace Innovation Contest arrives in Vietnam

ActInSpace® is a leading international space-themed hackathon initiated by the French Space Agency (CNES) and the European Space Agency (ESA). The contest challenges young talents to solve real-world problems from top-tier corporations such as Airbus and Thales Alenia Space by utilizing space data and technologies.

In 2026, ActInSpace® is scheduled to launch in Vietnam for the first time, opening doors for local engineers, students, and tech enthusiasts to join a global innovation network.

Organizing Committee in Vietnam

The ActInSpace® 2026 competition will be officially organized in Vietnam by the Vietnam Space Industry Group (VSIG). Specifically, the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) Innovation Hub will coordinate the event in the Northern region, while the Ho Chi Minh University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE) will serve as the host for the Southern region. This competition aims to build upon the successes of VSIG activities in developing the space industry ecosystem and fostering innovation from global to Viet Nam and vice versa.

Competition Timeline & Structure

Below is the specific schedule for the selection rounds to find the team representing Vietnam:

Phase 1: Regional Qualifier (In-person)

• Date: January 30 - 31, 2026.

• Hanoi (Northern Region): Hosted by University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) Innovation Hub.

  • Result: Top 2 teams advance to the National Round.

• Ho Chi Minh City (Southern Region): Hosted by the Ho Chi Minh University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE).

  • Result: Top 2 teams advance to the National Round.

Phase 2: National Round (Virtual)

• Date: February 28, 2026.

• Format: 100% Online.

• Scale: 4 finalists from Phase 1.

• Result: 1 winning team will represent Vietnam at the International Grand Final on April 1, 2026, in Bordeaux, France.

About Vietnam Space Industry Group (VSIG)

Vietnam Space Industry Group (VSIG)  — is a non-profit association dedicated to promoting the development of the space industry in Vietnam. VSIG serves as a collaborative platform for organizations and individuals involved in space technology, research, and policy, aiming to actively integrate Vietnam into the global space economy.

Why join ActInSpace®?

By taking part in ActInSpace®, you will be part of a truly international event bringing together entrepreneurs, students, job seekers, developers, and creatives worldwide. For 24 consecutive hours, teams will collaborate alongside business mentors and technical experts to imagine and design innovative services and products that find everyday uses for space technologies.

ActInSpace® Key Goals

1. Dream Bigger: Developing the entrepreneurial spirit, especially among young people.

2. The Magic of Space: Showing the public how the space sector can positively impact our daily lives.

3. Socio-Economic Growth: Boosting startup creation and demonstrating the social-economic potential of the space sector.

4. Building Bridges: Linking civil society with space agencies to make patent licensing more accessible.

5. Empowering Women (#WomenInSpace): Encouraging women to lead and start technical companies.

Official Website: https://actinspace.org/

Get ready to change the world with ActInSpace®!