In collaboration with Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and Multi-GNSS Asia (MGA), Japan’s Cabinet Office hosted the final review of the Rapid Prototype Development Challenge. This international hackathon brought together around 100 students and engineers to develop disaster-related applications using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). Prior to the hackathon, participants engaged over several months in expert-led online lectures and team-based development focused on the theme: “Solutions for Disaster Management: Tsunami/Flooding.” The challenge culminated in the presentation of innovative applications and systems, with four standout projects receiving awards for their potential impact.

Prerequisites:

• Identify topics and attendees relevant to your priorities

• Ensure availability of relevant stakeholders

• Lead agency & budget

• Procurement pathway

• Partner support as needed

Cost:

Attendance

• Ballpark: Free - USD 10K for 1 person per conference (varies widely)

• Includes: Travel & participation fee (some conferences can be free or allow virtual participation)

Organisation

• Ballpark: USD150-600K (program setup; varies widely)

• Includes: scoping & design, venue, AV and logistics, speaker travel and accommodation, communications and outreach, post-event reporting

Timeframe:

• Overall: 6–12 mo

• Phase: scoping (1–2 mo), consultation (2–4 mo), drafting (2–4 mo), validation (1–2 mo)

Pros:

• Innovation in Disaster Solutions - Encourages innovation in GNSS-based disaster solutions • • • • • Regional Collaboration - Builds regional collaboration and technical capacity

• Expert Mentorship - Provides access to expert mentorship and real-world satellite data

• Visibility - Offers visibility and recognition through MGA and partner networks

• Impact Opportunities - Creates opportunities for real-world impact and potential follow-up funding.

Considerations:

• Engagement Level - Maintain sustained engagement over several weeks or months to ensure continuity and impact.

• Time Zone Coordination - Manage scheduling carefully to address challenges of working across multiple time zones in international teams.

• Technical Complexity Support - Provide adequate support to help participants navigate the technical complexity of GNSS systems.

• Data Access Limitations - Address licensing or agreement requirements that may restrict access to certain datasets or tools.

• Post-Event Scalability Risk - Ensure post-hackathon support is in place to scale promising solutions beyond the event.