For the first time in Africa, Senegal is taking part in the prestigious DefInSpace International Hackathon, organized under the auspices of the French Space Command on October 10 and 11, 2025. This major technological event, in its 4th edition, brings together students for 24 hours around a major challenge: imagining the space defense solutions of tomorrow.

Alongside France, Italy, Cyprus, Singapore, and Mexico, Senegal is making a remarkable entry into the international arena of space innovation. This participation is led by the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES) in collaboration with seven Senegalese engineering schools, selected on the basis of their programs related to space science and technological innovation, mobilized to represent the excellence and creativity of the nation's scientific youth.

Among these selected schools, one will qualify for the international final phase scheduled for November 28 in France. The winner will receive support to join the Kourou Space School. ASES Director Maram Kairé emphasizes: "This is a highly strategic competition that confronts participants with crucial challenges to secure our daily lives through space technologies." This diversity of selected schools reflects the desire to combine civilian and military skills around the challenges of space.

As Captain Diop, director of the Air Force Academy's research center, explains: "Innovation is at the heart of our training, and the participation of our young officers in this type of competition reflects our commitment to meeting the challenges of the future." The participants carry this ambition with pride. For Fatou Fall, an engineering student at IPSL: "It's a team challenge but also a source of national pride." Mamadou Diouf of BEMTech shares the same motivation: "We, young Senegalese trained here, have the skills and expertise to compete on a global scale."