2026 NASA International Space Apps Challenge TRU Faculty of Science

How to register for the Nasa International Space Apps Challenge

Follow these steps to register for the hackathon:

1. Visit the Space Apps Challenge website to register
2. Sign up for an account or log-in with your existing credentials.
3. Navigate to the “My local events” page.
4. Find and select the"Kamloops" event.

Partnership opportunities

We are seeking sponsors to support the NASA International Space Apps Challenge at TRU. This is an opportunity to amplify your business or organization at the world’s largest global hackathon.

Sponsorship funds will help cover the costs of hosting this event — including, but not limited to, operational expenses, food and beverages and prizes. By partnering with us, you’ll play a vital role in advancing science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

For sponsorships and partnerships, please email Mei Lin Cheung at mcheung@tru.ca.

Presenting sponsor

Investment: $3,000 (two available)

Benefits:

• Speaking opportunity during the opening address of the hackathon & MC acknowledgement of sponsorship at the opening and closing address.
• Prominent branding – opportunity to display company banners and promotional materials at the hackathon.
• The first-place team wins your organization prize.
• Two pre-event and one recap social media posts featuring event sponsors: presenting sponsor brand proportionately larger than the others, posted on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@thompsonriversu) combined reach of 100k followers.
• Opportunity to include up to three marketing or promotional items to delegate gift bags – 150 delegate gift bags.
• Sponsor name displayed on email event correspondence in footer with other sponsors.

Launchpad sponsor

Investment: $2,000 (three available)

Benefits:

• Brand featured during lunch and dinner breaks, 4 designated meal breaks. Example, the table sign would be on the lunch table and say “this lunch was sponsored by [Your Organization]”.
• MC acknowledgement of sponsorship during opening and closing address.
• Two pre-event and one recap social media post featuring event sponsors: presenting sponsor brand proportionately larger than the others, posted on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@thompsonriversu) combined reach of 100k followers.
• Opportunity to include one marketing or promotional item to delegate gift bags – 150 delegate gift bags.
• Sponsor name displayed on email event correspondence in footer with other sponsors.

Command line champion

Investment: $1,000 (four available)

Benefits:

• MC acknowledgement of sponsorship during opening and closing address.
• Two pre-event and one recap social media post featuring event sponsors: presenting sponsor brand proportionately larger than the others, posted on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@thompsonriversu) combined reach of 100k followers.
• Sponsor name displayed on email event correspondence in footer with other sponsors.
• Opportunity to include one marketing or promotional item to delegate gift bags – 150 delegate gift bags.

Byte-sized backer

Investment: $500 (seven available)

Benefits:

• Opportunity to include one marketing or promotional item to delegate gift bags – 150 delegate giftbags.
• Sponsor name displayed on email event correspondence in footer with other sponsors

If you have any questions, interest in additional opportunities like volunteering or simply want to learn more on how to participate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on nsac_kamloops@tru.ca. We’re excited to bring this hackathon to life—and we cannot do it without your support.

We look forward to building this partnership with you.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the NASA International Space Apps Challenge?
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is the world's largest annual global hackathon. Each Fall, over two days, participants worldwide collaborate to solve real-world problems on Earth and in space using NASA’s open data.

2. Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome! The challenge is open to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. However, participants under 18 must register with parental or guardian consent.

3. Is there a cost to participate?
No, participation is completely free.

4. Do I need to be a programmer or have technical skills?
Not at all! Teams thrive with diverse talents—coders, designers, storytellers, scientists, artists and problem-solvers are all essential.

5. Can I participate alone or do I need a team?
You can join solo or with a team. If you don't have a team, don’t worry—we’ll help you find one at the event.

6. What happens after the event?
Local winning teams may be nominated for global judging by NASA experts. Winners may receive NASA certificates, recognition and the chance to showcase their projects internationally.

7. What challenges will we work on?
NASA provides official challenge statements related to space, Earth sciences, and technology, which will be available about a month before the event.

8. What should I bring to the event?
Bring your laptop, chargers, any project tools you need and lots of energy. We’ll provide Wi-Fi, seating, refreshments and support.

9. Are there prizes or awards?
Yes! There will be three local prizes. NASA and its partners recognize outstanding projects in multiple categories for global winners.

10. How do I register?
Registration opens in Summer 2026. You can sign up through the official NASA International Space Apps website (spaceappschallenge.org) and select the Kamloops location.