International Hackathon on Emerging Aerospace Startups & SpaceTech Entrepreneurship

International Hackathon on Emerging Aerospace Startups & SpaceTech Entrepreneurship

Date: December 19–21, 2026
Mode: Online
Organized by: Wings of Aero
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Emerging Aerospace Startups & SpaceTech Entrepreneurship is a global innovation challenge designed to nurture new-age aerospace founders, early-stage space innovators, and future SpaceTech entrepreneurs.
This hackathon empowers participants to develop high-impact startup ideas, prototype breakthrough aerospace technologies, design business models, evaluate market viability, and create solutions that drive the next generation of the global space economy.

The event brings together innovators, engineering students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and business strategists to shape the future of areas such as launch systems, satellite services, AI-driven space technologies, sustainable aviation, space manufacturing, and deep-space commercial ventures.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Low-Cost Launch Solutions for Startups

Problem: High launch costs prevent small businesses and universities from accessing space.
Expected Solution: Conceptualize low-cost launch systems, reusable micro-launch vehicles, rideshare optimization platforms, or propulsion innovations targeting cost reduction.

Track 2: Satellite-as-a-Service Business Models

Problem: Small institutions lack access to satellite data, space-based communication, and remote sensing tools.
Expected Solution: Propose service-based satellite models, subscription platforms, or shared satellite infrastructures tailored for scalable startup ecosystems.

Track 3: Space Debris Mitigation & Commercial Cleanup Ventures

Problem: Space debris threatens spacecraft safety and creates new market gaps for removal technologies.
Expected Solution: Create startup-oriented technological or operational models for debris detection, active removal, or collision-avoidance service offerings.

Track 4: AI, Automation & Robotics for Space Startups

Problem: Startups lack access to advanced AI/robotic tools for mission planning, manufacturing, and surface operations.
Expected Solution: Develop AI systems, robotic frameworks, or automation platforms that small companies can adopt at low cost.

Track 5: Sustainable Aviation & Electric Aircraft Startups

Problem: Aviation companies need green alternatives that balance performance, cost, and safety.
Expected Solution: Provide electric propulsion concepts, hybrid aircraft models, hydrogen-based solutions, or aviation sustainability startup plans.

Track 6: Space Manufacturing & In-Orbit Assembly Ventures

Problem: Manufacturing in space requires automated, scalable, and economical systems.
Expected Solution: Propose startup concepts for microgravity manufacturing, 3D printing in orbit, in-space construction methods, or supply-chain models.

Track 7: Space Tourism & Commercial Human Spaceflight Concepts

Problem: Space tourism remains expensive and limited to a few companies.
Expected Solution: Suggest market-ready tourism models, safety frameworks, training modules, or cost-friendly human spaceflight ideas.

Track 8: Aerospace Supply Chain & Startup Ecosystem Optimization

Problem: Supply chains for aerospace components are complex, costly, and slow for new startups.
Expected Solution: Develop digital marketplaces, logistics optimization tools, vendor certification systems, or startup-friendly supply-chain frameworks.

Track 9: Financing & Investment Platforms for SpaceTech Startups

Problem: Early-stage space startups struggle to find funding and investor networks.
Expected Solution: Create platforms for crowdfunding, micro-investments, community funding models, or investor-access tools tailored for aerospace.

Track 10: Individual Student Innovation Challenge

Theme: Any Original SpaceTech Startup Idea or Aerospace Entrepreneurship Concept
Expected Solution: An independent innovation—business model, technology, prototype, or venture idea—aligned with emerging SpaceTech opportunities.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

📅 Day 1 – December 19, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Inauguration & Briefing

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Problem Statements Overview

• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Startup Ideation & Strategy Building

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Mentor Interaction Round 1

📅 Day 2 – December 20, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Prototype/Business Model Development

• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Mentor Interaction Round 2

• 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Mid-Review Submission

• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Jury Feedback Session

📅 Day 3 – December 21, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Final Pitch Deck & Prototype Preparation

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Final Presentations (Pitch + Demo)

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Winners Announcement & Closing Ceremony

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Team Size:

• Minimum: 2 members

• Maximum: 4 members

Eligibility:

• Open to global students, researchers, startup founders, innovators, and professionals.

Code of Conduct:

• All ideas must be original and ethically developed.

• Plagiarism, unethical behavior, or misuse of confidential data leads to disqualification.

• Teams must follow the event timeline and maintain professionalism.

• Jury decisions are final.

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity

2. Practical Application / Market Impact

3. Technical Implementation

4. Scalability & Feasibility

5. Pitching & Presentation Quality

6] Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Top 10 Winning Teams

Receive USD 1000 Worth Voucher under
“Idea to Startup Scheme” – SUKISH GROUP

🏅 Top 3 Ideas – Seed Funding Access

Ideas will be shared with leading organizations for potential support:

1. SpaceX

2. Blue Origin

3. ISRO – IN-SPACe Startup Support Program

4. NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

5. Airbus Ventures

📜 Certificates

All participants will receive Certificates of Participation.

🌟 Special Category

Innovation Awards under WOA International Awards 2026 Series

🎤 Showcase Opportunity

Selected innovations will be featured in relevant
WOA International Conferences

📘 Publication

Shortlisted ideas will be published in
WOA International Journal

7] Registration Section

Indian Team (Up to 4 Members):

Fee: ₹499
Registration Link: https://rzp.io/rzp/OIdx3sUB

International Team (Up to 4 Members):

Fee: USD 50
Registration Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQX8AYUCPJ7GL

Registration Deadline:

December 12, 2026 (One week before the event)

8] Contact Information

📩 Email: contact@wingsofaero.in
🌐 Website: www.wingsofaero.in/events