Viasat Expands Global STEM Innovation with Next Iteration of Viasat: Space for Good Challenge

Viasat: Space for Good Challenge 2026 and 2027

CARLSBAD, Calif., April 2, 2026 - Viasat Inc. a global communications company, today announced the global expansion of the Viasat: Space for Good Challenge, its premier global STEM initiative designed to inspire university students to develop sustainable space solutions to improve life on Earth. Building on the success of the 2025 program, the next iteration will span the United States, United Kingdom & Ireland, India, and for the first time, Australia throughout 2026 and 2027. 

The Viasat: Space for Good challenge empowers the next generation of innovators to think critically about space sustainability-from orbital debris mitigation to leveraging satellite connectivity for social and environmental impact. Participants move through a rigorous three-stage process: concept articulation, digital refinement, and a final pitch to a panel of industry experts who evaluate technical feasibility, design, and policy implications. 

As Viasat continues to build on and strengthen its commitments globally, the 2026 program places a spotlight on the Asia-Pacific region, fostering local talent to solve both regional and global challenges. 

India: Returning to a global tech hub

Following a successful debut, the Viasat: Space for Good Challenge returns to India to tap into the country's world-class engineering talent. 

• Applications open: June 8, 2026 

• Grand finals: October 27, 2026 - New Delhi, India 

"Bringing 'Viasat: Space for Good' back to India for a second year reflects our deep commitment to this dynamic technology landscape," said Gautam Sharma, Managing Director, Viasat India. "The innovation we witnessed from students last year was truly exceptional, and we look forward to seeing how this year's participants build on our mission of digital inclusion to develop meaningful, sustainable space-solutions for India and the world." 

Australia: A landmark debut

In a program first, Viasat is launching the challenge in Australia, inviting students to contribute to the nation's rapidly accelerating space sector. 

• Applications open: July 13, 2026 

• Grand finals: December 8, 2026 - Sydney, Australia 

"We are proud to introduce the Space for Good Challenge to Australia for the first time," said Carlin Charteris, Regional Vice President, Viasat Australia. "Given Australia's unique geography and the vital role satellite technology plays in areas such as, telecommunications, critical infrastructure, remote community connectivity and natural disaster resilience and defence, this initiative offers an important platform for university students to showcase their ingenuity. We look forward to seeing how they contribute to shaping a more sustainable and forward-looking space economy for Australia."

Empowering the next generation

While the program's immediate focus is on upcoming events in India and Australia, it is slated to include the United States and the United Kingdom & Ireland in 2027. Across all regions, winning students will receive monetary prizes and mentorship from Viasat's global experts, furthering their education and potential contributions to the field of space technology. 

"Space technology touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives-from how we travel, communicate, and ensure safety," said Rebecca Grattan, Chief People and Culture Officer, Viasat. "By expanding the challenge to Australia and returning to India, we are reinforcing our commitment to developing talent and advancing solutions that deliver meaningful, space-based impact on a global scale, across land, in the air, or at sea." 

How to participate

Visit viasat.com/VSFG to learn more about the program and get involved.