NASA Space Apps Challenge 2025

2025 NASA International Space Apps Challenge
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, B.C.
Hosted by the engineering department at Thompson Rivers University October 4 - 5, 2025
Welcome to the 2025 NASA International Space Apps Challenge
Join us for the world’s largest global hackathon right here in Kamloops. Prepare for an exciting weekend of innovation, creativity and collaboration.
The engineering department at Thompson Rivers University, invites students, professionals, engineers, creatives and space enthusiasts from all backgrounds to tackle real-world challenges using open science and data from NASA. Whether you're a coder, artist, storyteller or problem-solver—there's a place for you here.
Let's build a better future, together!
Date and time: Saturday, Oct. 4 (8:30 a.m.) – Sunday, Oct. 5 (11:59 p.m.)
Location: OLARA Building, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC
How to register for the Nasa International Space Apps Challenge
Follow these steps to register for the hackathon:
- Visit the Space Apps Challenge website to register
- Sign up for an account or log-in with your existing credentials.
- Navigate to the “My local events” page.
- Find and select the "Kamloops" event.
Meet our planning team

Zeinab Teimoori
Lead organizer

Jaspreet Kaur
Co-organizer

Md Moniruzzaman
Director of design

Francisco Andrade Chavez
Co-director of operation

Munima Jahan
Co-director of operation

Catherine Tatarniuk
Co-director of hospitality

Sukhchandan
Co-director of hospitality

Anusha Venkataraman
Co-director of sponsorship support

Mei Lin Cheung
Co-director of sponsorship support

Nisha Puthiyedth
Director of recruitment

Shaista Jabeen
Director of orientation

Anthony Aighobahi
Director of judging
Other members of the team
Mr. Mo Ghorbanali – Tech service supervisor
Dr. Yan Song – Recruitment team member
Maryam Khalilzadeh - Recruitment team member
Mahshad Nikpour – Orientation team member
Andrea Fernandes – Local judge
Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 4
Arrive, get your participant package and orient yourself to the event location.
A meeting for hackers without a team or teams needing members. Team leads can present their ideas and recruit fellow hackers.
Drinks and snacks are provided
Drinks and snacks are provided
Drinks and Snacks are provided
Participants not working through the night must leave the venue by 10 p.m.
Sunday, October 5
Morning work block of second day begins
Drinks and snacks are provided
After the awards announcement, teams can continue working on their projects.
Drinks and snacks are provided
To be considered for the global nominations, submit your projects before 11:59 p.m.
Partnership opportunities
We are seeking sponsors to support the NASA International Space Apps Challenge at TRU. This is an opportunity to amplify your business or organization at the world’s largest global hackathon.
Sponsorship funds will help cover the costs of hosting this event — including, but not limited to, operational expenses, food and beverages and prizes. By partnering with us, you’ll play a vital role in advancing science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
For sponsorships and partnerships, please email Mei Lin Cheung at mcheung@tru.ca.
Presenting sponsor
Investment: $5,000 (one available)
Benefits:
- Speaking opportunity: opening address and MC acknowledgement at the hackathon.
- Branding: display company banners and promotional materials prominently.
- Prize: first-place team wins your organization's prize.
- Social media: two pre-event and one recap posts featuring sponsors, with presenting sponsor highlighted. Platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@thompsonriversu), with a combined reach of 100,000 followers.
- Delegate gift bags: include up to three marketing items in 150 delegate gift bags.
- Email correspondence: sponsor name displayed in the footer with other sponsors.
Launchpad sponsor
Investment: $2,500 (two available)
Benefits:
- Meal break branding: brand featured during four meal breaks with table signs (e.g., "This lunch was sponsored by [Your Organization]").
- MC acknowledgement: sponsorship mentioned during opening and closing addresses.
- Social media: two pre-event and one recap post featuring sponsors, with presenting sponsor highlighted. Platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram (@thompsonriversu), combined reach of 100,000 followers.
- Delegate gift bags: include one marketing item in 150 delegate gift bags.
- Email correspondence: sponsor name displayed in the footer with other sponsors.
Command line champion
Investment: $1,000 (three available)
Benefits:
- MC acknowledgement: sponsorship mentioned during opening and closing address.
- Social media: two pre-event and one recap post featuring sponsors, with presenting sponsor highlighted. Platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@thompsonriversu), with a combined reach of 100,000 followers.
- Delegate gift bags: include one marketing item in 150 delegate gift bags.
- Email correspondence: sponsor name displayed in the footer with other sponsors.
Byte-sized backer
Investment: $750 (five available)
Benefits:
- Delegate gift bags: include one marketing item in 150 delegate gift bags.
- Email correspondence: sponsor name displayed in the footer with other sponsors
If you have any questions, interest in additional opportunities like volunteering or simply want to learn more on how to participate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on nsac_kamloops@tru.ca. We’re excited to bring this hackathon to life—and we cannot do it without your support.
We look forward to building this partnership with you.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the NASA International Space Apps Challenge?
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is the world's largest annual global hackathon. Each October, over two days, participants worldwide collaborate to solve real world problems on Earth and in space using NASA’s open data.
2. Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome! The challenge is open to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. However, participants under 18 must register with parental or guardian consent.
3. Is there a cost to participate?
No, participation is completely free.
4. Do I need to be a programmer or have technical skills?
Not at all! Teams thrive with diverse talents—coders, designers, storytellers, scientists, artists and problem-solvers are all essential.
5. Can I participate alone or do I need a team?
You can join solo or with a team. If you don't have a team, don’t worry—we’ll help you find one at the event.
6. What happens after the event?
Local winning teams may be nominated for global judging by NASA experts. Winners may receive NASA certificates, recognition and the chance to showcase their projects internationally.
7. What challenges will we work on?
NASA provides official challenge statements related to space, Earth sciences, and technology, which will be available in August 2025.
8. What should I bring to the event?
Bring your laptop, chargers, any project tools you need and lots of energy. We’ll provide Wi-Fi, seating, refreshments and support.
9. Are there prizes or awards?
Yes! There will be three local prizes. NASA and its partners recognize outstanding projects in multiple categories for global winners.
10. How do I register?
Registration opens on July 17, 2025. You can sign up through the official NASA International Space Apps website (spaceappschallenge.org) and select the Kamloops location.
Contact Us
Have questions?
Please reach out to our team at nsac_kamloops@tru.ca
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