SKYTRAC HACK-A-THON
PRESENTED BY
2026 Topic: Reliable Communications for Remote Teams – Craft a Truly Global Walkie-Talkie Communication Application!
Imagine aircrew teams operating in remote regions. Where communication is essential, they lack reliable, low-latency, group-based communication. Satellite networks provide coverage but come with high latency, low bandwidth, and expensive data usage making traditional Push-To-Talk systems ineffective.
SKYTRAC presents a one-of-a-kind hackathon initiative hosted over two event days, Saturday, February 28, 2026, and Saturday, March 7, 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to develop real-world full stack software for an actual hardware platform, where efficiency, reliability, and intelligence matter.
Check out our challenge statement to see what you will be working on. ↓
Registration for SKYTRAC HACK-A-THON is Now Open! Please follow the process as determined by your school.
ABOUT SKYTRAC
SKYTRAC is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) and intelligent connectivity solutions, with over 35 years of experience in delivering innovative technology to some of the world’s largest organizations. Our technologies are utilized in fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and operational control centers across all seven continents. We collaborate with many of the top OEMs in the aviation industry, including Airbus, Leonardo, Pilatus, Gulfstream Aerospace, Embraer, and more!
WHY PARTICIPATE?
SKYTRAC’s work helps aerial firefighters save our forests, allows search and rescue teams navigate dangerous environments, provides coast guards and militaries with mission-critical capabilities, and helps empower humanitarian missions around the world. What you work on here will have tangible impact in the critical missions of our customers. Help us effect change in the aviation industry!
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talents, collaborate with like-minded peers, compete for the winning prize of $15,000 and meet hiring managers!
WHEN
Saturday, February 28 – In-Person Launch Day – 10am-4pm
Saturday, March 7 – In-Person Presentation Day – 10am-4pm
The end times on both days are TBD but will be no later than the times indicated.
All participants must attend in person on the above days. Between the Launch Day and Presentation Day, teams can work remotely or use our office space and resources. Choose whatever works best for your team.
WHERE
In-person attendance will be at our offices located at:
100-14 Concourse Gate
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, K2E 7S6
APPLICATION PROCESS
Follow your school’s application process to express your interest in the SKYTRAC HACK-A-THON. The deadline to apply is February 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
TEAM DETAILS
There will be a maximum of 4 teams, with no more than 5 members per team.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
We anticipate participation from top Ottawa institutions, such as the University of Ottawa and Carleton University with potentially more schools being finalized.
We are excited to host SKYTRAC HACK-A-THON and get an opportunity to meet some of the industry’s top talent!
FAQ
Curious about what it takes to be a part of our hack-a-thon? Want to know what to expect? Or simply curious about what a hack-a-thon is? Check out our FAQ to learn more about this exciting event.
SKYTRAC HACK-A-THON is a multi-day event hosted by SKYTRAC. It is an opportunity for full stack experts and mobile developers to showcase their skills by creating a mobile application that delivers walkie-talkie–style, Push-To-Talk (PTT) communication over a satellite network, enabling field teams to stay connected in remote areas. Participants will have the unique opportunity to work hands-on with one of our real-world Satcom products, gaining valuable experience in cutting-edge technology.
The selected teams will work on real embedded systems that utilize satellite and cellular communication technology. The winning team will also receive a cash prize, be exposed to hiring managers, and gain recognition from industry leaders.
Once the school has finalized the teams, SKYTRAC will contact the participants directly and have them sign NDAs, a code of conduct, and any other documentation required to participate. At that time, SKYTRAC will also provide more information on what to bring on launch day, etc.
Based on the nature of the challenge, we recommend participants have project experience related to Full Stack/Mobile Development.
Your solution must include a working prototype which requires the following: a mobile app, backend or distributed logic, a web portal, Requirements, Designs, Use Cases, Architecture diagram(s) and a short demo showing your solution.
Please view our Challenge Statement for more details on these requirements.
Please review your school’s criteria and submit your application directly to your school. The application deadline is March 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Participating in SKYTRAC’s HACK-A-THON is free. There is no admission cost associated with the event. Lunch and snacks will be provided on the opening and closing days of the event.
SKYTRAC HACK-A-THON will be hosted at our Ottawa office from February 28th to March 7th, 2026. Participation in person on the opening and closing dates is required, with attendance in person on the in-between dates being optional. Participants can work on the challenge in person, remotely, or a combination of the two.
The theme for this year is Reliable Communications for Remote Teams.
Since SKYTRAC HACK-A-THON is an in-person event at our Ottawa Office, only attendees who can travel to the venue may participate. We appreciate all interest in this event but ask that you plan your travel arrangements accordingly. Participants will pay any associated travel costs.
All projects submitted for this event must be started from scratch during the allotted time.
We are offering a maximum prize of $15,000. This would go to the team that delivers the best workable solution to the challenge.