News & Events

MagQuest

Posted on: March 28th, 2019 in: NASA Space Grant

Submissions are now open for MagQuest, a $1.2 million global challenge from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). MagQuest calls upon innovators to submit novel approaches to geomagnetic data collection for the World Magnetic Model (WMM). The WMM is embedded in thousands of systems. More than a billion smartphone users depend on the WMM to point them in the right direction when they use mobile navigation apps.

This open innovation challenge is designed to attract new ideas to increase the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of geomagnetic data collection. NGA is seeking spaceborne, aerial, terrestrial, and other potential solutions. MagQuest is open to U.S. and international solvers and is structured in two phases:

  • Phase 1 seeks written concepts. Submissions are now open, and are due by 4:59 p.m. EDT on May 16, 2019. Up to 10 winners will be selected to share a prize pool of $200,000.
  • Phase 2 seeks detailed designs. Phase 2 will be open to solvers from Phase 1, as well as new solvers who did not participate in Phase 1. Submissions are expected to open June 2019 and close August 2019. Up to 5 winners will be selected to share a prize pool of $1 million.

There will be an informational webinar on Thursday, April 4 at 1:00 p.m. EDT for any teams interested in learning more about entering MagQuest.