“Space Apps is more than a hackathon for us. It is an opportunity to expose a new generation of Cambodians to space science and the possibility that they can contribute to Cambodia’s future in space.”
Registration is now open for the NASA International Space Apps Challenge Phnom Penh 2026, bringing the world's largest annual Earth and space innovation hackathon to Cambodia .
NASA Space Apps is an international hackathon organised by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the United States’ civil space agency. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds to solve challenges using NASA’s open data and resources. Participants collaborate in teams to develop ideas and solutions addressing Earth, space, science, technology, and society.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge Phnom Penh is locally led by Voneat Pen, in collaboration with Toptimize and Tech for Kids Academy supporting the event as in-kind local collaborators. Together, the local organizing team aims to create opportunities for Cambodian young people and innovators to engage with space science, technology, and real-world problem solving while connecting Cambodia's emerging innovation community with a global platform .
The launch comes at an important moment for Cambodia as the country begins exploring a more ambitious future in space and satellite technology. Cambodia has expressed an ambition to develop its own satellite capability within the coming years and is exploring the institutional, technical, and human capacity needed to support the country's emerging space sector.
NASA Space Apps Phnom Penh aims to contribute to this momentum by creating an accessible entry point for Cambodian young people to explore space science, Earth observation, data, technology, and innovation.
“We may not know who will build Cambodia’s first satellite, but that person could be among the young people we inspire today,” said Voneat Pen, Local Lead for NASA Space Apps Challenge Phnom Penh. “Space Apps is more than a hackathon for us. It is an opportunity to expose a new generation of Cambodians to space science and the possibility that they can contribute to Cambodia’s future in space.”
Registration for the NASA Space Apps Challenge Phnom Penh 2026 is officially open and 100% free of charge.
To be considered for the final cohort, all participants must complete a two-step registration process:
Following a rigorous review and interview process, a cohort of shortlisted participants will be selected and invited to attend an exclusive in-person Pre-Event Meetup on Sunday, October 18, 2026 . This meetup will serve as a technical preparation, team matching, and mentor alignment session before heading into the main 48-hour hackathon weekend on November 14–15, 2026.
Participation is open to people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines. Participants do not need to be aerospace engineers or space scientists. Students, programmers, designers, data analysts, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and anyone interested in solving problems are highly encouraged to participate. For participants under 18, parent or legal guardian consent is required.
👉 Register and learn more about the event here: https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/2026/local-events/phnom-penh/
Agefrom 6 years to 16 years
