Competition Overview & Schedule

The 2025 World Space Vision & AI Challenge (SVAC 25) is a fully online, international student competition that invites teams of students ages 14–23 to solve real-world challenges related to our future in space using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Participants work in teams to submit AI-powered solutions across three rounds, including written proposals, design prototypes, and live presentations. The challenge offers $10,000 in cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, blockchain-based IP tracking, and global recognition through certificates and endorsements. It connects students with leaders in space science, AI, and education while encouraging innovation and collaboration on a global scale.

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● Registration & Team Formation: Now – September 2, 2025

● Challenge Kickoff: September 2, 2025

● Development Phase (Rounds 1–3): September 2 – October 4, 2025

● Final Presentations & Awards: October 11, 2025

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Team Eligibility and Requirements

1. Teams must have one mentor who is at least 18 years of age. This mentor will serve as a chaperone for the team. For students over 18, no mentor or chaperone is required to attend.

2. Teams will consist of five members. You may bring a team of all five people, or you can be placed on a team by the SVAC organizing committee.

3. Participating students must be between the ages of 14 and 23 and be enrolled in high school, homeschooled, or enrolled in a university undergraduate program at the time of the competition.

4. Each team member and mentor must agree to the SVAC Rules and Regulations as well as the SVAC Code of Conduct.

5. All Team applications must be the original work of the applicant or give proper credit to any parts of the application process not created by the applicant.

6. All international participants must ensure that participation in SVAC does not conflict with any law or rules of their country of residence.

7. Students must submit all required application elements to be eligible for SVAC participation.

Space Innovation: Students solve challenges related to sustainable life and advanced technology for Moon and Mars environments.

Artificial Intelligence: Teams use AI tools to develop real-world solutions in space science, design, and data analysis.

Global Collaboration: The event connects student teams from around the world through a fully online, team-based structure.

Future-Focused Education: SVAC builds STEM knowledge, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving for next-generation careers.

Ethics and Responsibility: The challenge emphasizes ethical AI use, environmental stewardship, and peaceful space exploration.

The 2025 World Space Vision & AI Challenge (SVAC25) will be held online September 2 through October 2, 2025.

SVAC26 will present regional challenges leading up to Global SVAC26 in-person in Houston, Texas USA

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1. Watch our application process overview video on the SVAC website's home page.

2. Read the SVAC Eligibility Guidelines.

3. Gather your team of five participants and mentor (mentor required if the team is under 18).

4. Complete the online application and video introduction.

5. Submit your payment.

6. The SVAC Coordinator will contact you with further instructions about how to prepare for the competition, to issue your SVAC Coins, and to provide guidance on the SVAC Blockchain and how to leverage your SVAC Coin.

Stay tuned, our prize packages are launching soon! This year’s awards include a $10,000 cash prize pool, exclusive mentorship opportunities, and a lineup of exciting extras designed to elevate your ideas beyond Earth. Final details are coming soon, but trust us—you’ll want in!

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There are five members in each team. If you cannot provide all five or only have yourself, we will gladly match you with other registrants to form a team. Just let us know.

Yes, as long as they:

●      Treat all teams fairly

●      Ensure independence

●      Disclose affiliations

●      Avoid giving direct answers

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Plagiarism of any kind (text, visuals, code) will lead to disqualification. All content must be original or properly cited.

Late submissions may be disqualified unless prior approval is granted for valid reasons.

No, all work must be submitted in English.

Eligibility

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● Participants must be ages 14–23 and currently enrolled in ahigh school or undergraduate program.

● Teams must consist of 3–5 students.

● All team members must be finalized prior to submission of Round 1 deliverables. Once submissions begin, team changes are not permitted.

● Each team must have one adult mentor (18+) if any member is under 18.

● Teams may include members from multiple schools, countries, or organizations.

● All entries must be submitted in English.

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Team Conduct and Collaboration

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● All members are expected to contribute meaningfully to their team’s project.

● Teams must appoint one team lead for communication purposes.

● Advisors and external supporters must be acknowledged in all submissions.

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Mentorship and Advising

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‍● Each team may have one adult mentor. If any team member is under 18, a mentor is required.

● Advisors may mentor more than one team, as long as they:

- Support each team fairly- Ensure each team works independently and submits unique work - Disclose all teams they advise to maintain transparency

● Advisors may not provide unauthorized assistance or direct solutions.

● Advisors will not receive prize money, but will receive a Certificate of Recognition for mentorship.
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Original Work and Plagiarism Policy

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● All submissions must be the team’s original work.

● Plagiarism is strictly prohibited, including copying text, code, visuals, or designs without proper credit.

● Open-source tools, pre-trained models, or AI-generated content may be used only if:

- Clearly cited- Supplementary (not replacing the team's own thinking)

● Any team found to have submitted plagiarized or misrepresented work will be disqualified.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

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‍● AI tools are encouraged, but must be used transparently and ethically.

● Teams must:

- Disclose all AI tools used (e.g., ChatGPT, image generators, code assistants)- Ensure the work remains student-driven and original

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‍Submission Guidelines

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● Teams must submit deliverables for each round by the stated deadline.

● Submissions must be uploaded to the official platform by the deadline.

● Late submissions may be disqualified unless prior approval is granted for extenuating circumstances. Further instructions will be provided during the challenge for the approval of late submissions. The determination of extenuating circumstances is solely within the discretion of the SVAC team.

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Prize Terms

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● Prizes will be equally divided among all registered team members.

● Each participant must sign a Prize Distribution Agreement.

● No share of prize money will be given to non-members, substitute contributors, or mentors.

● Each individual is responsible for any taxes or legal obligations in their country of residence.

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First Place Prize Experience

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● The 1st Place team will be offered a NASA tour in Houston(subject to availability).

● Additional visits to private space companies or institutions maybe included.

● Travel and accommodation are not covered unless explicitly stated by SVAC organizers.

● Tour participation is optional for team members, but non-transferable to others.

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Respectful Participation

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● All participants must act respectfully and professionally toward other teams, mentors, and SVAC staff.

● Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will result in disqualification.

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Disqualification Criteria

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‍Teams may be disqualified for:

● Plagiarism or academic dishonesty

● Misuse or undisclosed use of AI tools

● Submitting pre-existing work without disclosure

● Inappropriate behavior or communication

● Missing deadlines without approval

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Intellectual Property (IP)

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● Teams retain full rights to their submitted work.

● SVAC may request permission to feature submissions for educational or promotional purposes.

● Participation in showcases is optional.

Judging

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● Judging will be based on rubrics published for each round. Winners are determined by the highest scores.

● Scores and decisions are final and confidential.

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