(Phnom Penh): Registration is open for the NASA International Space Apps Challenge Phnom Penh 2026, bringing the global Earth and space innovation hackathon to Cambodia.

Organised globally by NASA, Space Apps brings together participants from varied backgrounds to develop solutions using NASA’s open data and resources. Teams tackle challenges related to Earth, space, science, technology and society.

The Phnom Penh event is led by Voneat Pen, with Toptimize and Tech for Kids Academy supporting as in-kind local collaborators. The initiative aims to introduce Cambodian youth and innovators to space science, Earth observation, technology and problem-solving on a global platform.

The event comes as Cambodia explores stronger capabilities in satellite technology and the wider space sector.

“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 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.”

Participation is free and open to students, programmers, designers, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, storytellers and other aspiring problem-solvers. No aerospace or space-science background is required. Participants under 18 must obtain parent or guardian consent.

Applicants must complete two steps:

Register through the official NASA Space Apps Phnom Penh page: spaceappschallenge.org/2026/local-events/phnom-penh

Submit the local Pre-Event Meetup application form: forms.gle/USQMqvNY9zguNuY67

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an in-person Pre-Event Meetup on 18 October 2026 for technical preparation, team matching and mentor alignment, ahead of the main 48-hour hackathon on 14–15 November 2026.
=FRESH NEWS