The objective of the DEEP-TECH SPACE-TECH challenges is to inspire and support groundbreaking innovations in the fields of space and deep tech within the MENA region. Through a series of specialized competitions, participants are given the opportunity to design, prototype, and build visionary projects in areas like rover design, space health and performance, satellite technology, space suits, drones, and entrepreneurial endeavors in space tech. With generous funding and mentorship available, these challenges not only aim to discover and nurture talent but also to catalyze the growth of the space and deep tech sectors in the region.
The registration fee for participating in the DEEP-TECH SPACE-TECH challenges is $299 USD per team. This fee secures a team's entry into the challenge, allowing them to submit their proposals, decks, and design ideas. It also grants teams access to resources during the competition period, including potential mentorship feedback and guidance from subject matter experts relevant to their chosen challenges. This registration fee is non-refundable.
There is no set limitation on the number of team members for each team participating in the DEEP-TECH SPACE-TECH challenges. Teams are free to decide their size based on their project requirements and preferences, ensuring they have the diverse skills and expertise needed to tackle their chosen challenge effectively.
The funding for the top 100 teams will be deployed in late June and July, following the conclusion of judging in mid June. These funds are intended to assist teams in prototyping and building their projects for the challenge.
Entries will be judged based on criteria relevant to each specific challenge. For instance, rover designs will focus on autonomous navigation, scientific tools, and effective communication. Space suits will be evaluated on safety, reliability, mobility, and innovative features. Overall, innovation, feasibility, practicality, and alignment with deep tech principles will be critical judging criteria across challenges.
There is no set limitation on the number of team members for each team participating in the DEEP-TECH SPACE-TECH challenges. Teams are free to decide their size based on their project requirements and preferences, ensuring they have the diverse skills and expertise needed to tackle their chosen challenge effectively.
The evaluation process for each challenge is multifaceted, much like judging a talent show where various subjective and objective elements come into play. Judges will thoroughly assess each team's presentation, delving into its clarity, engagement, and overall delivery. The design aspect will be reviewed for innovation, functionality, and relevance to the challenge's primary goal. The use of funds will be scrutinized to determine how efficiently and effectively teams have allocated their resources in the prototype and build processes. A significant emphasis will be placed on the disruptive concept, gauging how each submission could revolutionize or make a meaningful impact in the space and deep tech sectors. Additionally, while it might sound superficial, the aesthetic look of the project or design isn't discounted; the visual appeal can often reflect the attention to detail and craftsmanship of the team. Ultimately, while there are set criteria, each judge brings a unique perspective, and therefore a certain level of subjectivity is inherent in the final evaluations.
While the provided details don't specify exact formats for submissions, teams should ensure their proposals, decks, and design submissions are comprehensive, clear, and effectively communicate the benefits and feasibility of their projects. This allows for flexibility in submission methods, accommodating a wide range of creativity and presentation styles. Whether teams choose to submit something as simple as a 30-second selfie video outlining their concept or opt for a more detailed approach with a professionally created pitch deck, the emphasis remains on clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness. Ultimately, the goal is to convey the innovation, potential impact, and viability of the proposed project in a manner that resonates with the judging panel and stakeholders.
Yes, all teams whether they are funded by the challenge or self-funded will be allowed to participate in weekly remote mentorship feedback and guidance on their designs and builds by subject matter experts relevant to their respective challenges.
Absolutely. Teams that do not secure funding from the initial judging process still have the opportunity to raise their own funds and continue their participation in the final competition.
The final competition will take place over three days from October 29-31st 2024 at Dubai expo city and other venues in the UAE to be determined
The event will feature a diverse array of individuals from the space industry, including astronauts, NASA engineers, and prominent talent from the MENA region, among others.
This challenge aims to spotlight groundbreaking ideas in space and deep tech. Participants are encouraged to bring forth innovations that can be transformative for the space industry, whether they're technology-based solutions, new business models, or revolutionary products.
There are no specific restrictions on the size or shape for the rover designs. Participants are encouraged to innovate and disrupt or build upon existing designs while focusing on deep tech principles.
Participants can choose to focus on a specific area such as Space Medicine or Space Nutrition, or cover multiple areas. The emphasis is on innovation and how their solutions can contribute to astronaut well-being in space.
The challenges emphasize the role of deep tech. While no specific technological requirements are detailed, participants should look to harness advanced technologies to create transformative designs that can impact space communication and exploration.
While no specific materials or technologies are mentioned, designs will be judged on factors like astronaut safety, life support reliability, mobility, and innovative features.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these rules, BLINC, the sponsors and the organizers claim no intellectual property (IP) rights from the Teams unless agreed upon in writing with the individual teams. All trade secrets, copyrights, patent rights, and software rights will remain with each respective team or with the original source from which the teams licensed it unless agreed upon in writing with the individual teams for purposed of research or financial assistance. Open source and ready off the shelf components are highly encouraged.
After the announcement, the top 100 teams will receive funding in late June and July to kickstart their projects. However, our commitment to supporting all teams extends beyond funding. In addition to financial support, all participating teams, regardless of their ranking, will gain access to comprehensive online incubation training and mentoring sessions. These sessions will provide invaluable guidance and support as teams navigate the design, prototyping, and building phases of their projects. With expert mentorship and tailored training, teams will have the opportunity to refine their ideas, address challenges, and maximize their potential for success in the competition.
Yes, absolutely. While the competition is titled the "MENA Deep Space and Deep Tech Challenge" due to its organization and hosting by MENA-centric countries and companies, it is a global competition open to participants from anywhere in the world. The goal is to harness global innovation and creativity for the benefit of all humankind.
BLINC's scholarships offer a myriad of unparalleled opportunities for recipients. Historically, they have enabled young creators to attend prestigious events like the IAC in Washington DC, Dubai, Paris, and Baku. Furthermore, scholarship awardees have participated in Analog missions and Space camps across the US, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Additionally, many recipients have benefited from attending IIAS for advanced human spaceflight training and education, ensuring they are at the forefront of space innovation and knowledge.
The final competition promises to be a hub of investment opportunities, with over a hundred investors from both the MENA region and globally in attendance. While teams vie for the top prizes, they should also recognize the invaluable chance to attract interest from a diverse group of Angel investors, venture capitalists, and family offices present. These investors will be actively scouting for promising founders, innovative ideas, and emerging talent, making it a golden opportunity for all teams, irrespective of whether they clinch a direct prize.
Each participating team is required to designate a team leader who will serve as the primary point of contact between the competition organizers and the team. This team leader will bear the responsibility of ensuring that all vital communications, updates, and requirements from the organizers are relayed promptly to their team members. Additionally, they will manage any feedback, queries, or clarifications on behalf of their team, streamlining interactions and ensuring efficient coordination throughout the competition.
Yes, as the competition progresses and teams identify the necessity for new skills or expertise to tackle unexpected challenges, they are indeed encouraged to augment their teams. However, any changes, whether additions or removals, must be promptly communicated by the team leader to ensure accurate record-keeping and efficient coordination throughout the competition.
The competition is primarily open to individuals worldwide who are 18 years of age and older, as they are assumed to be responsible in using tools, adhering to safety protocols, and capable of traveling independently as adults. However, for young creators below 18 who are eager to participate as part of a team, exceptions can be considered. To facilitate their involvement, it's essential to contact the organizers and complete the necessary parental consent documentation. All team leaders must be 18+.
The evaluation process for each challenge is multifaceted, much like judging a talent show where various subjective and objective elements come into play. Judges will thoroughly assess each team's presentation, delving into its clarity, engagement, and overall delivery. The design aspect will be reviewed for innovation, functionality, and relevance to the challenge's primary goal. The use of funds will be scrutinized to determine how efficiently and effectively teams have allocated their resources in the prototype and build processes. A significant emphasis will be placed on the disruptive concept, gauging how each submission could revolutionize or make a meaningful impact in the space and deep tech sectors.
Additionally, while it might sound superficial, the aesthetic look of the project or design isn't discounted; the visual appeal can often reflect the attention to detail and craftsmanship of the team. Ultimately, while there are set criteria, each judge brings a unique perspective, and therefore a certain level of subjectivity is inherent in the final evaluations.
No, teams are responsible for arranging and financing their own travel, accommodation, and the transportation of their build to the final event. While the organizers do not directly provide logistical or financial support for these aspects, many teams choose to collaborate or partner with sponsors, universities, or companies. Often, these partnering entities have existing programs or resources that can assist with travel and logistical expenses. Teams are encouraged to explore such partnerships and sponsorships to ease any potential financial or logistical burdens associated with attending the competition.
Safety and ethics are paramount in the MENA Deep Space and Deep Tech Challenge. All participating teams are expected to adhere to the highest standards of safety when designing, prototyping, and building their projects. This includes proper use of tools, equipment, and materials, especially considering the age and expertise of the team members. Ethically, teams must ensure that their designs and ideas are original, and any collaboration or external assistance should be transparently disclosed. When engaging in partnerships or collaborations, especially with universities, companies, or experts, teams should respect intellectual property rights and ensure proper acknowledgment. Additionally, any testing, especially involving living organisms in the case of space medicine or nutrition challenges, should be conducted humanely and ethically. It's essential that all teams familiarize themselves with and strictly adhere to these guidelines to ensure a fair, safe, and ethical competition for all.
Certainly, while the top 100 teams may receive seed funding to help develop their prototypes, other teams that do not fall within this bracket should be encouraged to continue their efforts. Their participation is a testament to their dedication, passion, and belief in their project. Often, groundbreaking innovations come from teams that persist despite initial setbacks. Teams can self fund and are always encouraged to seek their own external funding and sponsorships.
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) are essential U.S. regulations that control the export and re-export of defense-related articles, services, and dual-use commodities. Given the nature of the deep space and deep tech challenge, and considering the fact that it's global in nature, these regulations are crucial. All participants must ensure that their projects, data, technology, and materials are compliant with ITAR and EAR regulations. This especially applies to teams that are planning to use, exchange, or transfer any hardware, software, or information that might be controlled under these regulations. As this competition is primarily a STEM/STEAM educational initiative, it is expected that most projects will be designed for peaceful, research, and educational purposes. However, due diligence must still be applied to ensure no inadvertent breaches of ITAR or EAR.
