NAIROBI, Kenya — Team TerraSat has emerged as the overall winner of the inaugural ActInSpace 2026 Kenya Chapter, following a 24-hour innovation sprint that challenged participants to develop solutions using space-based technologies to address real-world problems.
The hackathon concluded on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with three teams recognised for outstanding performance. Team Pedece was named first runners-up, while Team Geo-Spear took second runners-up honours, according to the Kenya Space Agency (KSA).
As winners, Team TerraSat will represent Kenya at the global ActInSpace finale scheduled to take place in Bordeaux, France, later this year.
KSA said the team will compete with innovators from other countries in showcasing space-driven solutions with commercial and social impact.
The agency noted that teams that did not make the final podium will continue to receive structured support, including mentorship, startup coaching, and technical guidance, to help them refine their concepts into minimum viable products.
“The hackathon demonstrated the powerful potential of space-derived data and technologies in solving practical challenges facing society,” KSA said in a statement, describing the event as a milestone in Kenya’s growing space innovation ecosystem.
The event was supported by the Data Governance in Africa Initiative, which is funded by the European Union and five EU member states — Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, and Germany — and implemented in collaboration with the African Union.
Looking ahead, KSA announced plans to host the ActInSpace hackathon annually, positioning it as a key pillar of its strategy to strengthen Kenya’s space economy. The agency said the initiative aims to build national capacity, advance space research and innovation, and promote the use of space-based services for inclusive socio-economic development.
KSA said the partnership reflects growing alignment between Kenya’s national development ambitions and international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
The successful conclusion of ActInSpace 2026 Kenya Chapter marks another step in positioning Kenya as an emerging hub for space innovation on the continent.
