Observing the Earth from space is an important task of space flight. It provides data for environmental protection, climate monitoring, natural disaster assessment and other tasks. The proposed action “Coding Copernicus” is a fast-pace event that brings together space enthusiasts, developers, programmers, computer scientists and graphic designers to collaborate on the development of new software or applications based on Copernicus.

The goal of the hackathon is to find new ways for using Copernicus data, e.g. by creating innovative apps or platforms regarding environmental, social or business related ideas.

“Coding Copernicus” is a series of 2 hackathons, 1 organized per year (2023 and 2024). Each hackathon will last 24-48 hours starting with a short welcome, introduction to the challenges and team match-making. The match-making is a fundamental part of the hackathon as participants get to know each other and form teams. After the opening part participants will be given 24 -48 hours for coding.
Participants will work in teams on one of the environmental, socioeconomical, business or investment related challenges. During the whole hackathon they will be supported by experts from the Copernicus network. After the 24 - 48 hours coding, the teams present their ideas in short pitches. The winning teams of the challenges will be awarded at the ceremony. Interested spectators are invited to watch the pitches. We hope that this will lead to initial networking discussions and it will create innovative approaches.

Prior to the event, participants will be given a hand-out on Copernicus data description (access, format, and application fields), open source software and cloud resources.

During the event there will be an information desk where participants can get information on business plan development and on the Copernicus start-up program.

Outputs and Results

• Webinar on data access
• Hand-out on business plan development
• Information on business plan development
• Emergence of new applications and business ideas based on Copernicus
• The results will be made available through the “FPCUP” portal, the designed hackathon-Website and the German Copernicus Website