The Copernicus Masters competition 2016 is now open for submissions - with new challenges, renowned partners and an immense prize pool.

Since 2011, the Copernicus Masters competition has evolved into the leading innovation platform for promoting user uptake of Earth observation data in a commercial and societal context. It showcases new ideas and trends each year in serving as an integral part of an international innovation network. Over the past five years, Copernicus Masters has already selected a total of 39 winners from among more than 1,200 entrants from 60 different countries, who have submitted over 700 cutting-edge business ideas.

With support from its international network, the Copernicus Masters also aids participants in realising their applications and business models. This year's edition will once again feature challenges and corresponding prizes to be awarded by a series of prominent partners, including the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), T-Systems International GmbH, Satellite Applications Catapult Ltd., the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, and Stevenson Astrosat Ltd. The University Challenge, meanwhile, will be geared specifically towards students and research employees. The prize pool includes cash awards, satellite data access and quota as well as support-packages and is worth EUR 300,000.

SMEs, start-ups, entrepreneurs, students and everyone with a brilliant idea is welcome to join and submit their entries from 15 April to 18 July 2016 at www.copernicus-masters.eu