Make space for what comes next.

NASA Space Apps Kandy is the Kandy, Sri Lanka local event of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, a global hackathon where teams build with NASA open data. The 2026 theme is The Next Frontier.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026, at SLIIT Kandy UNI (open in Google Maps). Virtual participants join online.

Registration is free. Register on the official NASA Space Apps Challenge Kandy event page. Registration opened on 26 August 2026.

Yes. The Kandy event supports both in-person and virtual participation. Virtual participants join online.

No. You do not need space knowledge or coding experience. Challenges need coders, designers, researchers, storytellers, artists and business thinkers. Bring your curiosity and we will help with the rest.

Both work. Register for the Kandy local event, then create or join a team in the Teams tab. Coming alone? Ask our team to help you meet collaborators.

Everyone is welcome, including first-time hackers, school and university students, and working professionals. Some challenges are technical; others need art, design, storytelling or business skills. Bring your enthusiasm and learn with your team.

No. Participation is 100% free.

Yes. Meals, snacks and beverages will be provided for in-person participants during the hackathon. We will ask about dietary requirements before the event.

Yes. Free, half-day bootcamps run in Colombo and Kandy in the first week of November 2026, plus an island-wide webinar. The Kandy bootcamp is at EOE Pereira Theater, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. Register for the Kandy bootcamp.

Participants under 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian, who must accompany them throughout the event. Bring a signed parental consent letter. Read the under-18 guidance and print the letter in English, Sinhala or Tamil before attending. Contact the team to confirm guardian access arrangements.

The Kandy hacking window starts at 12:00 AM on Saturday 14 November, Sri Lanka time. In-person hacking begins at 11:00 AM after the opening ceremony. The official NASA Space Apps project submission page opens at 9:00 AM Saturday and closes at 11:59 PM Sunday 15 November. Submit there to be eligible for Global Nomination.

Local judging is planned for 16 to 22 November. Kandy's Global Nominees will be announced at the Prize Giving Ceremony, with its date and venue to follow. Teams that submit through the official NASA Space Apps website receive an official digital participation certificate.

Build with mentors, meet new collaborators, explore awards and receive an official NASA Space Apps participation certificate when you submit a project. In-person participants also receive meals, snacks and beverages.