EU supports national space technology hackathons in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for 200 young STEM entrepreneurs

The European Union supported the holding of national space technology hackathons in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as part of the "Digital Connectivity of Central Asia" program. The C4CA initiative organized qualifying rounds in both countries for the first time in the ActInSpace format, bringing together more than 200 young STEM entrepreneurs - 100 participants from each side.

The hackathons took place on January 30–31, 2026, with the participation of specialized government agencies and scientific organizations. In Kazakhstan, the project was supported by aerospace and educational structures, in Uzbekistan - the Agency for Space Research and the Tashkent University of Information Technologies. The teams intensively developed prototypes and business models, receiving expert support from the European Space Agency and the National Center for Space Research of France.

The winners were the SUniverse team from Kazakhstan with a machine learning system for analyzing satellite data and extending the service life of devices, as well as the Uzbek team NazarX, which proposed a modular platform for assembling and modernizing satellites according to the principle of a constructor. The best projects will present their developments at the grand final in France, and the winners will receive access to international internship and incubation programs.