FOLSOM, CA – The NASA International Space Apps Challenge Hackathon (Space Apps) is coming to Folsom the weekend of October 4–5. Held annually, this free global hackathon takes place simultaneously in hundreds of cities around the world. For Sacramento-area participants, Folsom Lake College will serve as the host venue, with activities scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both days at 10 College Parkway, Folsom.
Space Apps brings together scientists, coders, technologists, designers, students, artists, storytellers, and innovators throughout a community to collaborate on solving some of the most pressing challenges on Earth and in space. Participants join or form teams to tackle one of eighteen challenges designed by NASA experts. The topics vary in both difficulty and focus. Some encourage creativity, like developing a children’s story about space weather, while advanced challenges require teams to use AI and machine learning to analyze NASA data sets, such as those searching for habitable planets beyond our solar system. Teams may also create their own project. The full list can be found HERE.
Teams may be formed at any time before or on the morning of Saturday, October 4, when the hackathon officially begins. Teams can organize in advance; however, no work may start until the event commences. The event concludes on Sunday with team presentations (“pitches”) delivered before a panel of judges. Judges at the Sacramento area event will represent diverse backgrounds, including local business leaders, aerospace experts, educators, and investors.
Under the 2025 theme “Learn, Launch, Lead,” Space Apps provides hands-on STEM challenges using NASA’s open data, encouraging participants to learn new skills, launch bold ideas, and improve their communities through innovation.
Since its launch in 2012 with just 2,000 participants, the NASA International Space Apps Challenge has grown exponentially. The 2024 event set a new record with more than 93,500 participants across 163 countries and 485 local events. While originally focused solely on space science, the program has expanded to include Earth sciences, arts, and humanities so people of all backgrounds can contribute.
“This event is about more than coding—it’s about creativity, teamwork, and applying your skills to real-world challenges,” said Brett Hoffstadt, Local Lead for the Folsom Space Apps Challenge. “We’re excited to see what solutions Sacramento-area innovators will create and share with the global Space Apps community.”
“We are thrilled to host Space Apps and provide a tour of our new Oak Hall science building,” said Dr. Lorena Navarro, Dean of Math, Science, and Engineering at Folsom Lake College. “Oak Hall features cutting-edge labs and collaborative spaces designed to highlight the strengths of our STEM programs. It’s an inspiring environment where innovators can come together and dream big.”
Navarro added, “Our students and community partners will experience firsthand how STEM education ignites creativity, fosters problem-solving skills, and opens pathways to careers in aerospace, technology, and beyond.”
A unique benefit for participants this year will be access to the hands-on multidisciplinary Innovation Center, or makerspace, at Folsom Lake College. This facility has 3-d printers, sewing machines, and even a music recording studio. “The Innovation Center Maker Space is all about giving people tools and freedom to bring their wildest ideas to life,” said Dr. Zack Dowell, Faculty Director of the Innovation Center. “We can’t wait to see the rad projects that emerge from this year’s hackathon and share our amazing maker space with all the participants.”
Since space is limited and participants receive important information in advance, registration is required through the local NASA Space Apps webpage found HERE.
This local event is proudly supported by an impressive group of sponsors including Folsom Lake College, the Aerospace Museum of California, Aero Maestro Book Publishing, Tecma, Lazy Dog Folsom, The CoderSchool Folsom, Technovate Investments LLC, and CalNY Technologies LLC.
ASA Space Apps Challenge Hackathon – Folsom
What: The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a free, global hackathon where coders, scientists, designers, artists, students, and innovators come together to solve challenges using NASA’s open data. Teams work on projects October 4–5 and present their solutions to local judges.
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 4–5, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day
Where: Folsom Lake College
10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA
Cost: Free (advance registration required)
Registration: Click HERE and choose Folsom, CA as your location
Why Attend: Learn new skills, meet innovators, and contribute solutions to real-world challenges on Earth and in space.Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
