Overview of the 2025 Space Apps Challenge in Zugdidi
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is a global competition that invites students, developers, designers, and innovators to solve real‑world problems using open data from NASA and its partners. In 2025, the event was hosted in the city of Zugdidi from October 4 to 5, under the auspices of Alte University and the Georgian Institute of Technology (GITA). The gathering was held at the Zugdidi Technopark, a modern hub for research and innovation that has recently been a destination for technology startups and research groups.
The theme for the event, “Learn, Launch, Lead!”, refreshed the core values of the challenge – lifelong learning, rapid prototyping, and visionary leadership – all within the context of space science and technology. Participants formed multidisciplinary teams, worked on a range of challenges across the spectrum of space science, engineering, and Earth observation, and had the chance to interact with experts from academia, industry, and government.
Challenges and Open Data Resources
Each team was assigned a challenge that required them to apply open data from NASA’s planetary, Earth, and solar missions. The challenge tracks included:
- Commercializing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – designing solutions to enable small satellites to operate effectively in LEO.
- Earth observation and climate data analytics.
- Planetary science and data visualization.
- Space debris monitoring.
Access to the NASA Open Data Portal, Sentinel imagery, satellite telemetry, and other datasets allowed participants to prototype technologies, analyze patterns, and create creative solutions within a 48‑hour sprint.
Expert Mentors and Esteemed Jury Panel
Participants received guidance from a panel of mentors representing different fields: technology and cybersecurity, education policy, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Notable figures included:
- Rezo Lomtatidze – Managing Partner at Solvit, a tech consultancy with a focus on startup acceleration.
- Davit Bochorishvili – Lecturer and researcher at the Scientific Cybersecurity Association (SCSA) and the Caucasus Cybersecurity Center, and also an academic at Alte University.
- Uta Kilasonia – Technology subject expert in the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth; founder of the STEM Innovators Association.
- Khatuna Elbakidze – Professor at Alte University, leading research in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics.
The final judging panel, composed of the above experts, evaluated each project based on criteria such as technical feasibility, real‑world impact, creativity, and team presentation.
Winner Highlight: Sateliko – Remote Nano‑Satellite Workshop
The top prize was awarded to the team named Skill Issue. Their solution tackled the Commercializing LEO challenge by developing a remote automated workshop called Sateliko. Sateliko is a modular platform that allows students and researchers to design, fabricate, and assemble nano‑satellites in a laboratory environment – all without the need to launch a rocket.
Key features of Sateliko include:
- Modular design – interchangeable hardware blocks that can be configured for various payloads.
- 3D‑printed components – rapid prototyping of chassis, antenna structures, and structural elements.
- Simulation suite – integrated tools that model orbital dynamics, power budgets, and communication links, helping users understand operational constraints.
- Data pipeline – automated uploading of test data to a cloud platform for real‑time analysis.
By demonstrating a viable approach to democratizing access to space hardware, Sateliko aligns with a broader movement toward “small‑sat” democratization and can serve as an educational tool for universities worldwide. The winning team received technology vouchers from Alte University as a reward and is preparing to represent Georgia at the international NASA Space Apps finals.
Impact on Participants and Academic Community
For the 74 participants that came from 25 institutions across Georgia, the event was both a learning experience and a networking platform. Many teams reported being inspired by the immediacy of open data and the possibility of turning a 48‑hour hack into a paper, a prototype, or even a startup idea.
Students also gained early exposure to:
- Interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Rapid prototyping with 3D printing and electronics.
- Project communication and pitch delivery.
- Mentoring relationships that could lead to future research collaborations.
Alte University, by hosting the challenge, reinforced its commitment to STEM excellence and positioned itself as a key partner in the national innovation agenda.
Getting Involved in Future NASA Space Apps Events
Participants who want to keep the momentum going have several pathways available. Alte University is routinely active in the NASA Space Apps community and also runs its own version of the hackathon at the next campus event. Students can apply to compete again, apply as mentors, or engage with the university’s research labs for project continuation.
Additionally, scholars who wish to refine the Sateliko platform can explore funding options through the university’s technology voucher programme and apply for grants managed by the Caucasus Cybersecurity Center or the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth.
To maintain a collaborative environment, the organisers have opened a dedicated online forum where participants can share progress, ask questions, and post open‑source code.
Take Action – How You Can Participate or Support the Initiative
- Explore similar hackathon opportunities at Alte University: Check the university calendar for upcoming events and sign up in advance.
- Submit your application to join the next Space Apps Challenge: All interested participants should register through the official NASA Space Apps portal and provide a brief project notion.
- Schedule a free consultation to learn more about STEM funding: Students can book a session with the university’s career development office.
- Have questions? Write to us and we’ll help guide you.
- Share your experience in the comments below – we’d love to hear about the projects you’ve worked on!
In conclusion, the 2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge in Zugdidi was more than a hackathon; it was a step toward building a knowledge‑based, technology‑driven community that can tackle space‑related challenges. With strong institutional support, open‑data resources, and a focus on education, Alte University and its partners are set to keep the momentum going for the next generation of innovators.
