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Engage 2 Hackathon: deadline extended and prizes announced

The registration deadline for the Engage 2 Hackathon has been extended to 26 January 2025, giving more time to secure spots at this two-day event in Madrid on 24-25 March 2025.

Visit the Engage 2 Wiki to register now and be part of shaping the future of aviation!

Participants will also compete for incredible prizes:

The first-place team will receive the exclusive “Airspace World 2025 Pack” which includes an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal (up to €750 per person, with a maximum of €3,000 per team, sponsored by SESAR 3 JU), plus €100 vouchers for each team member and the invitation to a unique breakfast with industry CEOs, with the opportunity to present their solution at the “Future Skies: Tomorrow’s Voices” event, sponsored by CANSO.

The second-place team will be awarded €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources, allowing them to continue developing their skills and expertise in aviation and air traffic management sponsored by SESAR 3 JU.

Co-sponsored by key ATM players

To ensure the success of the competition, the event is supported by two key sponsors in addition to the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking:

CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) as a global advocate for air navigation service providers, ensures that participants gain exposure to leading industry figures. Thanks to its participation, the first awardees will be able to participate, all sponsored, to the upcoming edition of Airspace World, which will be held in Lisbon from the 13 to the 15 of May 2025. 

DataBeacon specializes in advanced data science and artificial intelligence solutions for the aviation industry. It focuses on innovative applications, including air traffic management, airline operations and airport management, all designed to optimize efficiency and enhance decision-making. To support the hackathon, DataBeacon will provide the curated datasets – prepared for competition use – and will set up the platform to ensure seamless data access for participants, as well as mentoring them during the competition.

Mentored by experienced professionals

In addition to the expertise offered to the participants by CANSO and DataBeacon, the hackathon will also count with the support of two additional entities:

Airport Regions Council (ARC), is a European network of regional and local authorities dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving innovation in airport-related development. With a focus on sustainable growth, regional integration, and community engagement, ARC representatives will mentor participants by sharing their knowledge and practical experience of the airport environment and operations.

ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) is a globally recognized leader in aviation education and research, renowned for its expertise in air traffic management, airport operations, and aviation technologies. With a mission to advance innovation and excellence in the aviation industry, ENAC brings knowledge and insight to our hackathon, guiding participants, offering them valuable advice, and ensuring teams develop meaningful solutions to the challenge proposed.

Engage 2 shines at the European Researchers’ Night 2024 in Trieste

Engage 2 recently took part in the European Researchers’ Night 2024, held in Trieste, representing an important step in science communication and public engagement. The event, hosted in the heart of the city, in Piazza Unità, allowed participants to immerse themselves in the world of air traffic management (ATM) through an interactive game developed by the University of Trieste. This game enabled attendees to explore data from a typical day at one of several European airports, dynamically selected by an algorithm.

The aim of the game was to showcase, through data, the immense volume of work, air traffic, and energy consumption that revolve around air travel. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the extensive efforts required by professionals in the ATM sector to ensure smooth and efficient operations. By putting themselves in the shoes of these professionals, the public left with a renewed appreciation for the role of ATM in keeping global travel safe and sustainable.

This success story from Engage 2 unfolded within the larger context of the European Researchers’ Night, an annual celebration of science that spans over 300 cities across Europe. The initiative, funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, seeks to bridge the gap between researchers and the public, creating opportunities for people of all ages to engage with cutting-edge science. Through hands-on activities, talks and exhibitions, it serves as an important platform for bringing research out of the lab and into everyday life.

Engage 2’s involvement in the event also coincided with Trieste Next, the renowned festival of scientific research. In its thirteenth year, the festival brought together scientists, humanists and esteemed figures from both Italy and abroad, underscoring Trieste’s role as a hub for science and innovation. This year’s edition focused on the future of technology and research, fostering discussions and collaborations across disciplines.

With its interactive and educational approach, Engage 2’s presence at these high-profile events further strengthened its mission to connect science with society, sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of innovators.