OPPORTUNITY: CASSINI Challenges wants you to ‘Make it with Space’

The 2025 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.

The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), together with the European Commission, launched the CASSINI Challenges 2025 at the beginning of September. 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.

Worth knowing! EUSPA organizes several events to help participants better prepare for the Cassini Challenges. Here is the timeline: 

  • 14th October 2024: Informative Idea Track Webinar. Register here!
  • 4th November 2024: Informative Prototype Track Webinar
  • 25th November 2024: Idea and Prototype Tracks submission deadline
  • 3rd February 2025: Informative Product Track Webinar
  • 24th March 2025: Product Track submission deadline
  • June 2025: Finals

About the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)

EUSPA provides safe and secure European satellite navigation services, promotes the commercialization of Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus data and services and coordinates the EU’s forthcoming governmental satellite communications programme GOVSATCOM and manages the EU SST Front Desk. By fostering the development of an innovative and competitive space sector and engaging with the entire EU Space community, EUSPA contributes to the European Green Deal and digital transition, the safety and security of the Union and its citizens, while reinforcing its autonomy and resilience. 

Source: EUSPA