Schedule
November 2026
The exact calendar dates are still being coordinated. Expect the full run-of-show window—including check-in and showcase timing—as soon as the schedule is confirmed.
Dates to be announcedIdeathon 2026
Volunteer applications closed · delegates later
Space Technology Applications for Resilient Solutions for the Philippines
"Because 'thoughts and prayers' aren't space-grade solutions for our real-world problems."
Not rocket science. Just smart applications of space science and technology, astronomy, and research to tackle real-world challenges across the Philippines—from the sectors you'd expect to the ones nobody has tried space-grade thinking on yet.
Beyond prizes: ecosystem & long-term continuity
There will be cash prizes—but winning them isn't the main point. STARSPH is about plugging you into the Philippines' broader space ecosystem and backing you with an explicit long-term continuity plan: mentorship, introductions, and follow-on pathways so this weekend is a launch pad, not a one-off.
48hrs
Of Ideation
2
Tiers
∞
Continuity
The Mission
Space Solutions for Non-Space Problems
STARSPH is a collaborative ideathon that brings LGUs, NGOs, and private partners together—grounding ideas in space science, technology, and astronomy to spark innovation and advance broader development goals.
Beyond the obvious
This isn't about rehearsing familiar applications in already-mapped domains. The invitation is to look past the well-trodden, connect unlikely ideas, and prototype forward-thinking directions—using space science, technology, and astronomy where the use case still feels open, speculative, and worth inventing. Think future of tourism, indigenous land documentation, coastal fisheries, cultural heritage, creatives, park development, urban food systems, inclusive finance—anywhere in the Philippines where a bold idea meets orbital data and something new becomes possible.
Local Government
LGUs on the ground
Civil Society
NGOs & communities
Private Sector
Industry & enterprise
Click each asteroid to explore how the experience unfolds.
Mission 1
Mission 2
Mission 3
Mission 4
Participation Tiers
Two missions. Pick your trajectory.
Senior High School
Eligibility Tier
Senior High School
For senior high school teams joining the same ideathon journey, challenge tracks, and support experience.
- Team size: 3–5 members
- Same challenge tracks and judging criteria
- Mentorship, workshops, and team support
- Pitching opportunity and participation certificate
Uni and Young Prof
Eligibility Tier
Uni and Young Prof
For university students and young professionals joining the same ideathon journey, challenge tracks, and support experience.
- Team size: 3–5 members
- Same challenge tracks and judging criteria
- Mentorship, workshops, and team support
- Pitching opportunity and participation certificate
Problem Areas
Sample Challenges
These four are representative examples only—not the full scope of what STARSPH is open to. If your idea doesn't fit neatly here, that's a feature, not a problem. Final challenges will be revealed at the event.
Sample Challenge
Sustainable Tourism
How can local tourism sites implement sustainable practices that balance visitor engagement with environmental conservation? Teams can explore ways to support destination planning, visitor management, and ecosystem protection through better data, design, and operations.
Destination PlanningVisitor ManagementEnvironmental Stewardship
Sample Challenge
Financial Inclusion
Design a framework that helps underserved areas access digital financial services.
Sample Challenge
Eco-Art & Climate
Create eco-friendly art experiences inspired by environmental and satellite data.
Sample Challenge
Urban Heat Islands
Identify heat-vulnerable areas and propose evidence-based cooling interventions.
1 / 4
After the Event
The Journey Continues
STARSPH isn't just a 48-hour event. It's your entry point into an ecosystem of support designed to help you turn ideas into impact.
Government Agencies
Academic Partners
Industry Partners
Funding Bodies
Mentorship from industry experts
Access to satellite data and tools
Introductions to potential funders
Co-working space and resources
Showcase opportunities at tech events
Save the date
When we Gather
Pin these anchors while we finalize logistics—November in the capital region, with exact dates and venue to follow for registered participants.
Venue
Metro Manila
Philippines
We're locking in a Metro Manila location that works for schools, teams, and partners across the region. The precise building and room details will go out with participant communications once confirmed.
City confirmed · venue TBAWatch this space and your inbox after registration—we'll cascade logistics updates so teams can plan travel and accommodation early.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Launch Window
Ready to launch?
Register by October 2026. Teams confirmed on a rolling basis.
Volunteer applications closed — deadline was April 20, 2026 (Philippines time).
Questions? Email ideathon@pssar.ph
Organized by PSSAR
Philippine Society of Space and Astronomy Research, Inc.
November 2026
Philippines
ideathon@pssar.ph
With support from academic partners, government agencies, and innovation hubs.