Get ready to tackle real-world challenges at the intersection of space, satellite technology, and Earth-observation data—with guidance from some of the people working in the sector today.
Now in its 2nd year, Mission Accepted brings students together with industry experts, mentors, and leaders from organizations including MDA Space and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Their involvement gives participants a rare opportunity to go beyond the classroom, learn directly from professionals in Canada’s space sector, and build connections that can open doors to future opportunities.
Throughout the hackathon, teams will work on challenging problems using satellite and other space-related data. You’ll have the opportunity to test ideas, develop solutions, receive feedback from industry mentors, and pitch your work to a panel of judges with real-world experience in the sector.
Why participate?
- Connect with the space sector: Meet professionals from MDA, CSA, and other organizations working across Canada’s growing space and technology ecosystem.
- Work with real-world data and challenges: Explore how satellite and Earth-observation data can be used to address problems here on Earth.
- Learn from industry experts: Get direct mentorship and feedback from people working in the field.
- Build something meaningful: Put your technical, creative, and problem-solving skills into practice in an intensive, collaborative environment.
- Win cash prizes!
You don’t need to be a space expert to participate. Mission Accepted is designed for students from a range of backgrounds and disciplines. Whether you bring skills in programming, data, design, business, research, or simply a passion for solving problems, there’s a place for you on the mission.
October 2-4, 2026 | Goldberg Computer Science Building
Accept the mission, register now!
This event is proudly co-hosted by ShiftKey Labs, MDA Space, and the Canadian Space Agency.
Detailed Agenda To Be Shared with Participants
Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 — 5:00 pm Registration and Team Formation
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 –9:00 am Doors Open, Work Shops, Lunch, Work Time and Dinner
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 — 9:00 am Doors Open, Work Time, Lunch, Submission, Judging and Awards Ceremony
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Should you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please contact info@shiftkeylabs.ca.
The Mission Accepted Space Hackathon is part of Dal Innovation Week, a celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation at Dalhousie University October 2-9. For more events visit dalinnovationweek.ca.
ShiftKey Labs is an innovation-focused “hub” located in Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Computer Science that introduces post-secondary students to applied innovation at the earliest stages.
ShiftKey Lab participants have access to workshops, networking events, material resources, and supports that help build practical, transferrable skills in high demand by current and future employers. Entrepreneurially minded students gain additional access to mentorship and financial supports specifically aimed at advancing potential startup ideas.