Earth Observation Competition

Observe. Create. Compete.

Apply

5

Years

68

Participants

30

Winners

About the competition

Held since 2016, the competition aims to accelerate the development of projects carried out with the help of satellite images in Azerbaijan, facilitate scientific activities in our country, contribute to the socio-economic development, and promote Earth observation services and solutions and their application potential in a variety of fields. This science competition is of particular importance in the implementation of "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development", as well as the UN's "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" documents.

Who Can Participate?

Everyone over the age of 18 can participate in the competition. There are no requirements for the field of work and experience of the participants. The competition is open to university faculty and students, research institute employees, independent researchers or public / private sector representatives and others.

How To Join The Competition?

First, make sure to fill out and submit the participation form below. You should indicate your personal and contact information, a brief description of the project, as well as information about your ability to work with satellite images. If your application is seen fit for the competition, we will send you an imagery brief and a project submission form. After submitting these documents to us, you will be sent processed satellite imagery and will have time to submit your project for evaluation.

What My Project Should Be About?

In order to qualify for the competition, submitted projects should be designed as a scientific research that clearly identifies an issue and its solution. Here, you should also demonstrate how satellite images provided to you will be used to find a relevant solution for the issue posed in your research. The field of your project can be selected independently provided that it covers the area within the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan. These can be environment, agriculture and tourism, maritime, urban development and infrastructure, and others where the use of satellite imagery is applicable to improve the field in question.

When To Apply for the Competition?

Application period is already open and will end on November 30. Applications received after November 30 will be evaluated within next year's competition.

What are the prizes awaiting the winners?

  1. 5000 AZN will be awarded to the 1st place, 3000 AZN to the 2nd place, and 1500 AZN to the 3rd place winner.
  2. The winner will receive support in applying for the Copernicus Masters competition, including aligning the project with the format of Copernicus Masters, selecting the relevant Challenge and Regional Prize, etc.
  3. Depending on the topic and the idea of the winning projects, support will be provided in their publication in various international scientific journals and patent acquisition.

Stages of the Competition

1
September 1, 2022

Application period opens

2
November 30, 2022

Application deadline for this edition of contest

3
February 28, 2023

Project submission deadline

4
March 31, 2023

Evaluation of submitted projects

5
April, 2023

Announcement of the winners

Apply

Fill out the application form below and participate in the competition to implement your innovative ideas and get a chance to win cool prizes!

Application form

FAQ

What is the essence of the Earth observation competition?

The main goals of the competition are to facilitate scientific activities in Azerbaijan, support the socio-economic development, and promote the Earth observation services and solutions through research in various fields with the help of satellite imagery.

Are there any age restrictions for participation?

Everyone over the age of 18 can participate in the competition.

Are there any restrictions regarding my occupation and/or experience?

There are no requirements for the field of work and experience of the participants. The competition is open to university faculty and students, research institute employees, independent researchers or public / private sector representatives and others.

How do I apply?

Make sure to fill out and submit the participation form during the application period. You should indicate your personal and contact information, a brief description of the project, as well as information about your ability to work with satellite images.

When do I apply?

The application period opened on September 1 and will end on November 30. Applications received after November 30 will be evaluated within next year's competition.

What should I do after submitting my application?

If your application is seen fit for the competition, we will send you an imagery brief and a project submission form. After submitting these documents to us, you will be sent processed satellite imagery and will have time to submit your project for evaluation.

What is the deadline for presenting my final project?

You should present your project for evaluation before February 28, 2023. The projects received after February 28 will be evaluated within next year’s competition.

I did not receive a confirmation letter. What should I do?

You will receive a confirmation letter if your application is approved. You will also be informed in case of rejection. If you encounter any technical difficulties, please contact us at eoscience@azercosmos.az.

Can I send several applications?

Yes, one participant can submit several projects, but the content of each project should be different.

Should I represent any organization to participate in the competition?

There is no such requirement, you can participate in the competition independently.

Can I apply if my project does not cover the territory of Azerbaijan?

Preference will be given to projects covering the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and having the potential to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Can I apply if I have no previous experience of working with satellite imagery?

Ability to work with satellite imagery is desirable, but not required.

When will the evaluation process be held?

The evaluation will be held after the submission deadline until March 31, 2023.

Which criteria will the evaluation process be based on?

Evaluation will be based on various criteria, including project delivery within the predetermined timeframe, achieving realistic and measurable results, proposing innovative solutions, effective use of satellite imagery, and others.

Who will be responsible for the evaluation?

The evaluation will be conducted by a jury consisting of 5 experts specializing in various fields.

How many winners will be selected?

3 projects will be announced as winners.

Which prizes will be awarded to the winners?

5000 AZN will be awarded to the 1st place, 3000 AZN to the 2nd place, and 1500 AZN to the 3rd place winner. In addition, depending on the topic of the winning projects, their publication in various international publications, patent acquisition, and other award mechanisms are also envisaged.