This is what will happen next:

• One of our six challenges is still open: the Mercedes-Benz car2space Challenge, which has an extended submission deadline of 14 April 2026. The other five challenges have already closed.
• Evaluation: Our judges will select the finalists for each challenge by 22 May
• Challenge Finals: The winners will be chosen from the finalists via online pitches between 25 May and 19 June. The exact dates for each challenge are as follows:
  • ESA BIC Challenge: 1 June
  • ESA BA Challenge: 2 June
  • German Space Agency at DLR Challenge: 3 June
  • OHB Challenge: 16 June
  • Airbus Challenge: 18 June
  • Mercedes-Benz car2space Challenge: Date to be announced shortly
• Winner’s Pitch Bonn: The final decision will be made live in Bonn on 30 June and 1 July. Who will beat the competition and be crowned the Overall Winner?

Please note that the finalists and winners must pitch their ideas several times within different time limits, as shown on the second slide.

The ESA BIC Challenge has a slightly different evaluation phase, with a shortened initial evaluation and an additional coaching phase:

• Online evaluation to select the finalists: 1 to 15 April
• Individual business coaching: 16 April to 31 May
• Online pitches to select the winners: 1 June

All winners will be announced and honored at our Final Event in Berlin on 12 November. Save the date!