When Auckland hosted its first in‑person NASA International Space Apps Challenge on 4th–5th October 2025, I was honoured to serve as one of the judges. Over those two days, I saw ideas emerge, collaboration blossom, and creativity pushed to its limits. In this article I reflect on what unfolded, the deeper value it delivered, lessons learned, and what we can build on for future editions.
Event Overview: What Took Place
On 4 and 5 October 2025, teams of students, designers, coders, storytellers, and domain enthusiasts gathered in Auckland to tackle NASA’s curated challenge themes such as Earth systems, climate resilience, space weather, and exoplanets. Over the weekend, these teams ideated, designed, coded, and pitched working prototypes to a panel of judges. As a judge, I participated in Q&A sessions, assessed technical feasibility and impact, and helped select which projects would move forward into the global judging round.
The energy in the rooms was electric — late nights, fierce collaboration, pivots, breakthroughs, and presentations. By the end, we saw a range of compelling prototypes — some rough, some polished — but all sparked by genuine curiosity and purpose.
The Value of Space Apps — What This Edition Brought
- Making Open Data Tangible & Accessible: Space Apps democratizes access to NASA’s and partner agencies’ open data. In Auckland, teams applied these datasets to local problems — from visualising sea-level rise to exploring environmental change across Aotearoa. The challenge helps participants see that global data can have deeply local impact.
- Rapid Prototyping & Learning Under Pressure: Two days to deliver something tangible pushes teams toward clarity and focus. The most compelling prototypes were those that worked — even if limited — and told a coherent story. That mindset of experimentation and iteration mirrors how innovation thrives in the real world.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration & Networks: Participants came from diverse backgrounds — coders, designers, storytellers, scientists — collaborating to solve problems. As a judge, it was rewarding to engage with teams, challenge assumptions, and see how their collective thinking evolved. The connections and learning that happen here often outlast the event itself.
- Raising Local Capability & Signalling Ambition: New Zealand’s growing space and data sector benefits from events like Space Apps. By hosting this global challenge, Auckland has positioned itself as part of the international conversation on space, data, and innovation. It showcases local capability and nurtures future talent pipelines.
- Inspiration & Talent Discovery: Seeing participants grow in confidence and creativity across just one weekend was truly inspiring. A few teams presented ideas with potential to evolve into startups or research projects. Even small sparks can lead to lasting innovation when supported beyond the event.
Lessons & Recommendations for Future Editions
- Expand mentorship capacity: More technical and domain mentors, both in-person and virtual, can help teams pivot faster and go deeper.
- Pre-event bootcamps: Short sessions introducing NASA data tools, APIs, and pitch development would help level the playing field.
- Post-hack support: Offer incubation or mentorship to help promising ideas mature into pilot projects.
- Storytelling and pitching workshops: Helping teams articulate their ideas clearly will increase overall impact.
- Diversity and accessibility: Broaden participation through outreach, travel support, and flexible access options.
- Amplify success stories: Showcase winning projects publicly and connect them to partners who can help scale their work.
Personal Reflections from the Judging Table
Judging wasn’t just about scoring projects — it was about witnessing creativity and purpose in action. I was struck by how teams combined bold ideas with grounded thinking. The ability to pivot, simplify, and communicate under pressure was impressive. I left the event more optimistic than ever about Aotearoa’s innovation ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
With Auckland’s 2025 Space Apps Challenge now complete, the real work begins — supporting ideas that emerged, connecting innovators, and ensuring the momentum continues. I’ll be following the nominated projects as they enter global judging and hope to see many evolve into meaningful initiatives.
To all participants, mentors, organisers, and fellow judges — thank you for your energy, passion, and creativity. You made this event one to remember and one that will ripple forward into future innovation across New Zealand.