Space Coast Initiative Hackathon 2026 by Groundswell Startups Showcases Innovation and Collaboration
By Space Coast Daily // April 23, 2026
hackathon featured 24 real-world problem statements and data challenges, resulting in 18 teams
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Groundswell Startups, a nonprofit incubator and prototype lab, hosted the SCI Hackathon 2026, bringing together students, technologists, and industry professionals for a high-energy weekend focused on solving real-world challenges across health, space, and defense sectors.
Co-powered by Databricks and BoxMica, the event is part of the broader Space Coast Initiative (SCI), a collaborative effort to bridge academia, industry, and grassroots innovation through hands-on problem-solving.
“Hackathons like this are about more than building over a weekend; they’re about creating momentum,” said Ruchir Gupta, Industrial Designer at Groundswell Startups.
“We’re bringing together different parts of the ecosystem, students, industry, and community, and giving them a space to collaborate, build, and move ideas forward.”
Managing Director Marifer Sagatume added, “The caliber of participants and the energy they brought to their projects was impressive. With the support of mentors and judges, I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Participants from institutions including Florida Tech, Eastern Florida State College, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida came together in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where teams formed organically, and ideas rapidly evolved into working prototypes.
The hackathon featured 24 real-world problem statements and data challenges, resulting in 18 teams.
By the conclusion of the event, 13 teams had developed functional prototypes. More than 25 subject matter experts supported participants throughout the weekend, offering technical guidance and mentorship.
Hackers Track, Team Data Analyzers Win
In the Hackers Track, focused on software solutions, Team Data Analyzers earned first place for addressing the challenge of managing a newly mandated volume of 308,000 ECGs without an existing processing pipeline.
Team Drift Zero was named runner-up for its work on improving satellite situational awareness by identifying potential threats from nearby spacecraft.
In the Tinkerers Track, which combined software and hardware solutions, Team AEGIS took first place for developing technology to mitigate radiation-induced errors in spacecraft systems caused by cosmic rays and solar activity.
Team Orion received runner-up recognition for its approach to improving the collection of high-resolution, long-term plankton data for ocean ecosystem monitoring.
Participants also engaged in a cybersecurity-themed Capture the Flag challenge, designed to test investigative and problem-solving skills in a competitive setting.
Organizers noted that many teams are expected to continue developing their projects beyond the event, exploring opportunities to evolve their prototypes into long-term initiatives or ventures.
The SCI Hackathon is a cornerstone of Groundswell’s mission to foster a give-first innovation ecosystem on the Space Coast, one that connects talent, resources, and opportunity through community-driven programming.
