We are currently waitlisting new registrants. Thank you for your enthusiasm!

-For people who are registered, please join our Discord server for questions and more frequent updates!

- If you are a member of a group (women in computer science, data science club, etc) please reach out to nasaspaceappschicago@gmail.com to apply to become an official partner of the event and your team can jump the waitlist.

-NASA Space Apps International has a virtual option. There are also other locations in the US with open spots that are extremely well-run.

-For University of Illinois Students who are registered: We have a participant from there who has volunteered to coordinate the travel plans. We'll send an email out and message over our Discord.

-NASA Space Apps Chicago is run by volunteers with full time jobs and families. Please be patient. Use the nasaspaceappschicago@gmail.com email for questions.

NASA SPACE APPS CHICAGO in Partnership With CIERA-Northwestern

HOW IT WORKS

Participants sign up and form teams ahead of time or at the event. Don't have a team? Don't worry, we'll help you form one.
NASA provides 20+ challenges for teams to tackle. Choose one that fits your interest and get started. 2023 challenges can be found here: https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/2023/challenges/
Participants work on challenges through the day. We will set aside a time to take a break and hear from our sponsor companies.
CIERA staff will be on hand to answer questions and talk about hackathon topics.
Participants are welcome to work through the night at TechNexus facilities or leave and return on Sunday morning.
On Sunday, presentations are given in front of our panel of judges. A winner is decided and prizes handed out. Projects are submitted to NASA Space Apps International to compete in the global competition.

HACKATHON FAQS

When and where will the event take place?

October 5-6
Teamworking by TechNexus facilities, 20 N Wacker Drive 12th floor

Do I need to register with a team?

Teams can be formed at the event or ahead of time in our Discord server.

Do I need to be an expert on space?

No. NASA Space Apps Chicago will be fully supported by our main partner CIERA-Northwestern. CIERA is one of the world's leading astrophysics institutes and you'll have the opportunity to learn from the experts throughout the event. Learn more about CIERA here: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/

Who should participate?

Space Apps is for everyone, including those who have never “hacked" before! All passionate problem solvers, from students to life-long learners, are encouraged to join. While some of our challenges are technical, others ask you to use artistic skills, business acumen, or your imagination. Bring your enthusiasm and CIERA, NASA Space Apps Chicago, and your fellow participants will help with the rest.

Does it cost anything to participate?

There is no cost to participate in the Space Apps Challenge.

Will meals be provided?

All meals are provided. We'll be asking about dietary restrictions ahead of time.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants under the age of 18 must be registered for the event by a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times during the event.

So when can I get to work on my challenge?

You're officially allowed to start your challenge at 9:00 AM, Oct 5. Submissions are due at 11:59 PM, Oct 6

What should I bring with me?

Required

Laptop, charger, dongles/adapters
Photo ID

Suggested

USB drive for emergency backup
Phone charger
Spare batteries if needed
Any materials needed such as writing materials, notebooks, etc...
Personal snacks, beverages
Reusable mug/tumbler for coffee, bottle for water
Comfy clothes and shoes, layers if you think you'll get hot/cold
Headphones
Sleeping mask
Aspirin/Tylenol
Deodorant
If staying overnight, toothbrush/paste, sleeping bag/blanket/pillow, change of clothes

What are you providing?

Power strips, extension cords
Wi-Fi
Water and coffee throughout
Meals from Saturday lunch through Sunday lunch
Late-night snack

Additional participant FAQ can be found here: https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/resources/participant-faq/

For additional questions please contact NASA Space Apps Chicago at NASASpaceAppsChicago@gmail.com or contact NASA Space Apps International at info@spaceappschallenge.org.