about this event
The Next Frontier 2026 — Where Science, Technology, and Creativity Collide.
The Next Frontier is a community-driven space innovation hackathon hosted by AI Collective Hampton Roads in collaboration with ECPI University. We're bringing together students, scientists, developers, designers, and curious minds of all experience levels to explore real-world challenges on Earth and beyond.
Your Mission: Explore. Innovate. Create. Use scientific data, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and your imagination to develop creative solutions to scientific and technological challenges. Explore topics including Earth Science & Environmental Innovation, Human Space Exploration, the Moon, Mars & Beyond, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Science & Visualization, and Creative Technology & Scientific Storytelling. Build an app, dashboard, game, simulation, research prototype, or something entirely unexpected. No previous hackathon experience is necessary. Beginners are welcome, and finished products are not required.
Event Schedule:
Friday, November 13, 6–8 PM EST — The Launchpad: Pitch Before You Build. At ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA. An interactive workshop covering idea development, scientific resources, problem-solving, and effective pitching. Registration for The Launchpad is available via luma.com/xe05zhe1.
Saturday, November 14, 11 AM–2 PM EST — Mission Control: Pitch, Explore & Collaborate. At ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA. Our official hackathon kickoff! Share early-stage ideas, receive feedback, meet potential teammates, and refine your project direction. No polished pitch required. Registration for Mission Control is available via luma.com/rcgp5z5x.
November 14–15 — Build & Collaborate. Research your challenge, experiment with tools, develop prototypes, and bring your ideas to life.
Sunday, November 15, 5 PM EST — The Final Stretch. Online via Discord. Reconnect with participants, share progress, ask questions, and prepare for the final stage of the hackathon.
Ready to Explore? Register for The Next Frontier on Devpost to join the hackathon. For event updates, preparation materials, and additional information, visit the official website at aichr-nextfrontier.lovable.app.
The Next Frontier is an independently organized event and is not an official NASA Space Apps Challenge. Participation does not constitute entry into NASA's competition.
Be curious. Think creatively. Build boldly. AI Collective Hampton Roads × ECPI University.
when
The Launchpad: Pitch Before You Build
An interactive workshop covering idea development, scientific resources, problem-solving, and effective pitching.
◍ ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VAMission Control: Pitch, Explore & Collaborate
Official hackathon kickoff: share early-stage ideas, receive feedback, meet potential teammates, and refine your project direction. No polished pitch required.
◍ ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VABuild & Collaborate
Research your challenge, experiment with tools, develop prototypes, and bring your ideas to life.
◍ TBAThe Final Stretch
Reconnect with participants, share progress, ask questions, and prepare for the final stage of the hackathon. Online via Discord.
◍ Online via Discordtickets
| tickets | price | Fee | Status | description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hackathon Registration | Free | TBA | Available | Register for The Next Frontier on Devpost to join the hackathon. Separate registration is requested for The Launchpad and Mission Control sessions. |