The Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation is set to host the annual NASA Space Apps Challenge 2023 on October 7-8. For two days, participants from across the globe will team up, both in-person and virtually, to tackle challenges with the aid of NASA's open-source data.

In the span of 11 years, CSEO has witnessed Cypriot teams clinching six global victories in various international competitions they've orchestrated and mentored. A shining example from last year is the Cypriot team, Brute Force. They emerged as champions in the 'Local Impact' category at the global finals with their innovative 'Moonquake Map for Planetary Scientists' project. As a part of their accolade, NASA extended an invitation to the team to visit their headquarters in Washington DC.

This year brings an additional layer of excitement. The NASA Space Apps Challenge coincides with the Cyprus Comic Con. This merger provides participants a unique environment surrounded by enthusiasts and creators from the realms of fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi. Colm Larkin, CSEO’s Head of Innovation and Education, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "After Brute Force's international win last year, we're thrilled to collaborate with Cyprus Comic Con to offer a vibrant atmosphere that will surely inspire the NASA Space Apps Challenge participants."

Teams composed of a diverse mix of technologists, scientists, designers, entrepreneurs, and more will embark on a 48-hour journey to address some of the most urgent challenges in space and those confronting our planet. Post the event, these participants will have an opportunity to tap into CSEO’s Space Innovation programme. "If the winning team enhances their solution after our mentorship and demonstrates potential, CSEO is prepared to nurture them into a space start-up. We'll support their career progression and might even offer research roles within our space projects," revealed CSEO President George Danos.

CSEO is also making strides to guide individuals lacking formal space-related education or experience. Emphasizing the inclusivity of the NASA Space Apps Challenge, Larkin noted, "This year’s challenges span a broad spectrum. While artists can leverage platforms like video to demystify space exploration for the public, there are also intricate challenges that beckon engineers and scientists to devise solutions for real-world issues."

The competition kicks off at 11 am on Saturday, October 7, and culminates at 4 pm on Sunday, October 8. Teams will then present their projects online for evaluation. The champions will be unveiled on Wednesday, October 11, paving their way to the global round of the NASA Space Apps Challenge.