Overview
The South African Space Design Competition (ZASDC) is South Africa's first national space settlement design competition for high school learners (Grades 8–12), connecting students to NASA-level engineering education. Students form multidisciplinary teams across engineering, business, communications, and operations to simulate a real aerospace industry challenge and design a futuristic space settlement.
The competition runs in two stages: a Digital Qualifier followed by a National Finals industry simulation event hosted at the University of Cape Town (March 30–31, 2026). South Africa's winning team then represents the nation at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) in Florida, USA in July 2026.
Partnership Invitation
Interested in Partnership? Attend the National Finals and engage directly with emerging STEM talent.
- Meet STEM talent from across South Africa
- Include your outreach booklet and media in student materials packs
- Permanent recognition as an inaugural supporter
- Multi-year partnership opportunity
- Direct access to a pipeline of motivated STEM learners
- Alignment with national STEM and youth development priorities
Brand Visibility & Media Presence
- Co-branding on all competition materials
- Named in all media coverage
- Social media features and announcements
- Press kit inclusion and media engagement
- Booth setup at competitions and visibility in opening presentations
Measurable Impact & CSI Reporting
- Reach 100+ students across multiple provinces
- Detailed outcome reporting (skills developed, participant feedback, teacher and school input)
- Annual impact report provided to all partners
Proof of Concept
- 59 students registered across schools nationwide
- 18+ additional schools in pipeline
- Advisory board includes former NASA engineers
- Led by ISSDC alumnus and aerospace undergraduate
Key Partners (Year 1)
- UCT Astronomy & Space Society
- ViadexONE & Viadex Ltd (Founding Partners – seeking a third)
- Jenny Lyons, CEO, SSEF & UKSDC
- Barbara Kennedy, CEO, Aerospace Education Competitions America
- John Graves, SPM, NASA
International Partnership & ISSDC Pathway
ZASDC forms part of an international network of Space Design Competitions held across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Winning students progress to compete at Internationals in the USA.
Founding Partners
ViadexONE
ViadexONE is a global technology and services company operating at the intersection of infrastructure, efficiency, and sustainability. As a founding partner of ZASDC, ViadexONE supports early-stage STEM education in South Africa, helping young people access real-world systems thinking and engineering experience.
Viadex Ltd
Viadex Ltd is an international technology and infrastructure company with a South African arm. As a founding sponsor of ZASDC, Viadex provides the operational and financial foundation for the competition's inaugural year, backing practical STEM education and creating tangible pathways for South African students into engineering and technology.
Let's Schedule a Conversation
Founding partner opportunities are limited. If ZASDC aligns with your organisation's goals, we welcome a conversation.
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