Hackathons typically result in innovative ideas and early prototypes, but real-world deployable solutions are uncommon given the limited time frame. However, in a rapidly changing world, the need to respond with quick solutions is greater than ever. That’s where Hackathons for Development (Hack4dev), an international initiative, is pushing the boundaries of what hackathons can achieve.
Between February and April 2025, Hack4dev ran the first cycle of its newly designed Data Science Hackathon Programme. Through training and support of local organising teams, the programme coordinated 13 hackathons across 12 regions, all tackling the same challenge: Designing a fast, accurate machine learning pipeline for CubeSats- small satellites with limited computing power. Over 150 participants built data science skills while tackling a real-world space problem. In total, 48 models were submitted, 20 of which outperformed a published scientific baseline. The winning model achieved similar accuracy to the original but ran over 100 times faster. The novel hackathon structure not only produced deployable models but also generated innovative solutions exceeding those reported in the academic literature.
Hack4dev invites the public to a special online event on 04 September at 1pm UTC to celebrate the achievements of its 2025 Data Science Hackathon Programme. The event will highlight the impact of the programme and unveil two key awards: Best Hackathon Solution and Best Organised Hackathon.
Hack4dev is also calling on potential partners, funders, and providers of computational resources to join its growing initiatives. With an even more ambitious programme on the horizon, there are exciting opportunities to strengthen infrastructure, contribute expertise, and empower local organising teams worldwide. Researchers and institutions interested in collaborating on future hackathons are also invited to connect with Hack4dev, particularly in areas that advance Human and Planetary Wellbeing. Interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to attend the September event to learn more and meet the team behind this global initiative.
Contact
Eslam Hussein
Hack4dev Lead, University of Leeds
✉️ [email protected]
The 2024-2025 Data Science Hackathon Programme ran in collaboration with multiple partners, including:
Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA): A joint UK-South African development project, which aims to develop high-tech skills using radio astronomy in several African partner countries – Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique and Mauritius. DARA grew out of the understanding that radio astronomy encompasses all of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills that underpin the emergence of a strong, developed economy. The project aims to train a new and diverse generation of young people to engage with these skills and play a leading role in developing self-sustaining space-sector hubs in their home countries. DARA has been developing collaborations and training programs since 2015, and has started a new round of training opportunities for 2024-2027, funded by the UK’s International Science Partnership Fund via STFC. In parallel, the DARA Big Data initiatives provide training in advanced data science and computational methods, equipping participants with the skills to apply big data techniques across astronomy, space and development sectors. These initiatives are building a critical pipeline of African expertise in data-intensive research and innovation. For more info, please visit (link)
The Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA): A partnership of three South African universities: the Universities of Cape Town, the Western Cape and Pretoria, with industry partner SAP. Its goal is to build capacity and expertise in data intensive research within the South African university research community to enable global leadership on MeerKAT large survey science projects and other SKA pathfinder telescope projects. One of the first steps was to set up a data-intensive research cloud facility to service its scientific community. IDIA is currently the primary platform for five of the eight MeerKAT large survey projects. A key aim was to create a technology platform enabling South African researchers to work with astronomical big data. Cloud technology allows real-time global collaboration as analysis tools reside in the cloud and can be accessed anywhere via the web. Big scientific data changes the way science is done. Platforms like IDIA’s research cloud let scientists visualise, re-process, and test hypotheses without waiting weeks for results, even with massive data sets. For more info, please visit (link)
The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD): The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is an organisation that brings together about 13 000 astronomers from around the world. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world’s largest professional body of astronomers. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. The IAU established the OAD in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. The OAD was officially opened on 16 April 2011 at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, South Africa. As of 2025, the OAD has administered more than €1,400,000 in grant funds, awarded to 236 projects across the world. Since its establishment the OAD has negotiated the establishment of eleven regional offices around the world (based in Armenia, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Jordan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Thailand, USA and Zambia) with two of these offices serving as a joint language centre (Chinese and Arabic), and one serving as a dedicated language centre (Portuguese). For more info, please visit (link)
The BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network (BITDN): A collaborative scientific enterprise of the BRICS Astronomy Working Group, drawing on the strengths of all BRICS partners, while at the same time seeking to address in-country socioeconomic development challenges. The flagship scientific programme will develop a network of astronomical telescopes, some already existing, and an associated intelligent data network, which is the enabler for the science programme. This will leverage existing and planned new telescope and cyber facilities within the BRICS countries and will also draw on the opportunities presented by other multi-wavelength space- and ground-based facilities within, or accessed by, the BRICS countries. For more info, please visit (link)
The African Astronomical Society (AfAS): A Pan-African professional body for astronomers, working to strengthen astronomy across Africa. It coordinates a network of professionals, fosters research collaborations, promotes astronomy education and applications, supports amateur astronomers, and advises governments and stakeholders on astronomy-related policy. Acting independently, AfAS represents the African astronomical community on continental issues and works to ensure a sustainable, knowledge-driven astronomical environment. AfAS has over 500 members from Africa and the diaspora, active in research, education, and outreach. Membership categories include full, associate, student, honorary, and institutional. The Society operates through committees and projects to advance research, education, and public engagement. A major annual highlight is its meeting on scientific research, education, development, and outreach (EDO). Every three years, AfAS holds a General Assembly to elect its Executive Committee. Long-term policy is set by the General Assembly and implemented by the Executive Committee, while daily operations are managed by the Secretariat. Hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Secretariat is based at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). AfAS is registered in South Africa as a non-profit, voluntary, and professional astronomy society. For more info, please visit (link)