Have an idea that could solve a real-world problem? The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is coming to Folsom Lake College on November 14 and 15, bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, developers, designers, and creative thinkers for a free, two-day hackathon. Participants will work in teams to tackle challenges using NASA's open data, develop solutions, and present their ideas to a panel of judges. No experience in aerospace, coding, or science is required.
What Is the NASA Space Apps Challenge?
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is the world's largest annual global hackathon, bringing together participants from hundreds of locations worldwide to solve challenges related to Earth and space. This year's theme, "The Next Frontier," features 14 challenges developed by NASA, ranging from identifying potential lunar landing sites and designing space mission video games to storytelling about equipment left behind on the Moon or Mars.
Since launching in 2012, the initiative has hosted more than 3,400 local events across over 190 countries. The challenges vary in difficulty, making the event accessible to people with different backgrounds, skills, and experience levels.
Who Can Participate?
You don't need to be a scientist or engineer to join. The event welcomes entrepreneurs, small business owners, developers, artists, designers, students, engineers, storytellers, and anyone interested in creative problem-solving. Participants can register individually or with a team, and organizers will help those attending alone connect with other participants.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to help solve a NASA challenge," said Brett Hoffstadt, Local Lead for the Folsom event. "In fact, this is a perfect opportunity for anyone with an interest in space or earth science topics to collaborate with others and come up with creative solutions."
For entrepreneurs and early-stage founders, the hackathon offers an opportunity to develop skills that are valuable when building a business, including collaboration, rapid prototyping, problem-solving, and pitching ideas.
Build, Collaborate, and Pitch Your Ideas
Throughout the weekend, teams will work together to develop solutions to their selected challenges. Participants will have access to Folsom Lake College's Innovation Center makerspace, which features 3D printers, sewing machines, and a music recording studio. The facility provides opportunities for teams to develop physical prototypes or mockups of their ideas.
Attendees can also explore the college's new Oak Hall science building, visit technology demonstrations, meet local robotics clubs, and observe the Sun through a solar telescope. On Sunday afternoon, teams will present their projects to a panel of judges representing aerospace, education, and business. Awards will recognize the top two teams, and attendees will vote for a People's Choice Award.
Weekend Schedule
Saturday, November 14
8:00 AM — Check-in and breakfast
9:00 AM — Kickoff and team formation (every participant should attend)
10:30 AM — Working sessions, lunch, tours, and bonus attractions (teams can work at Folsom Lake College until 6:00 PM)
Sunday, November 15
9:00 AM — Working sessions, lunch, and tours
12:00 PM — Team presentation building
2:00 PM — Team presentations to the panel of local judges
4:30 PM — Team awards and event celebration
Where to go: Teams meet in the Falcon's Roost at Folsom Lake College. Free parking is available in lots B, C, or D. Take the accessible entrance between the parking lot and the Student Center, go to the 2nd floor, and find the Falcon's Roost on your left next to the Subway. Please bring your own laptop or device.
This is Folsom's 6th year hosting Space Apps, with more than 300 participants over the last five years — including past winners from local high schools and Folsom Lake College. Tours of the Aerospace Museum of California and the FLC Innovation Center / Makerspace will be available, and attendees can sign up at check-in.
How to Register
The event is completely free, but advance registration is required because space is limited. The NASA Space Apps Challenge takes place November 14 and 15, 2026, at Folsom Lake College (10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630). The event is open to all ages and experience levels, and participants do not need an existing team or project idea to join.
Register for the NASA Space Apps Challenge here: https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/2026/local-events/folsom/
Participants ages 14–17 can attend with a signed waiver from a parent or legal guardian. Younger children can participate with a parent's authorization and supervision.
Interested in Volunteering or Sponsoring?
The Folsom event is organized by local volunteers with support from community organizations and businesses, including Intel, Los Rios College Foundation, FLC MESA Program, MoSAC, and the Aerospace Museum of California. Businesses and community members interested in supporting the event through volunteering or sponsorship can contact the organizers at folsomspaceapps@yahoo.com.
Don't miss this opportunity to participate in a free global hackathon. Register for the NASA Space Apps Challenge and join the Folsom event November 14 and 15!