Philly Tech Week kicks off this Saturday, April 20. A showcase for local technology and innovation, this annual event is organized by local news site Technically Philly. Here are our picks for the week's most intriguing occasions.

International Space Apps Challenge
Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ExCITe Center of Drexel University, 3401 Market St., Suite 100
Free

Cities from around the world will participate in this 48-hour, space-age hackathon organized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Philly challenges include designing a mini satellite for travel on Mars, building an app that explores renewable energy potential across the Earth and recreating the sounds of space. The hosts invite anyone interested in space and social issues -- including artists, designers, entrepreneurs, teachers and students -- to sign up and contribute.

Fighting Robot Night 
Tuesday, April 23
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Hive76, 915 Spring Garden St.
Free

In anticipation of their upcoming robot building classes, Hive 76 presents a battlebot death match. Participants will duke it out through mini, remote-controlled machines on a tabletop arena. Look out for daily Hive 76 events throughout Tech Week.

Getting Technical with Online Media 
Wednesday, April 24
8:30 - 10 a.m.
1101 Market St., 11th Floor Conference Center 
$35 general admission; $20 students

The Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) will host a panel discussion on the impact and future of digital media in Greater Philadelphia. Panelists include Christopher Wink of Technically Philly, Brian X. McCrone of Philly.com, Rachel Canelli from PhillyBurbs.com, Greg O'Loughlin of our sister publication Keystone Edge and Flying Kite publisher Michelle Freeman.

Product Prototyping in 60 minutes
Wednesday, April 24
10 a.m. - noon
NextFab Studio, 2025 Washington Ave.
Free

NextFab Studio, innovative maker hub, will show off rapid digital fabrication with a live product-building demo. The event hosts will guide participants through the use of SolidWorks software 3-D printers, laser cutters, CNC plasma machines and Arduino microcontrollers. 

Philly as Social Entrepreneurship Hub
Wednesday, April 24
Noon - 1 p.m.
Quorum at University City Science Center, 3711 Market St., 8th floor
Free

Learn what's in the works for the Philadelphia Social Enterprise Partnership, recent winner of the $1 million Bloomberg Mayor's Challenge. Presenters include representatives from the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics, the Wharton Social Impact Initiative, Good Company Group and other leaders of the social venture economy. 

Philly Give & Get Charity Auction Kickoff
Thursday, April 25
7  - 10 p.m.
National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd St.
Free; Bring cash for auction

Showcasing the pool of talent from the greater Indy Hall community and North 3rd Street, this auction series provides unique one-on-one networking opportunities. Participants bid on a "date" with local leaders of various specialties. Packages include trapeze lessons from Philly School of Circus Arts with video game developer BJ Stallwoood of Cipher Prime; an 1812 Productions play with software entrepreneur and Girl Develop It Philly founder Yasmine Mustafa; and ice cream and mini golf with video production experts from Skout Media. All proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Technology (PCAT).

Make & Toss: Light Graffiti and Cocktails at 3rd Ward
Saturday, April 27 
8 p.m.
Free co-working days, April 30 - May 3; 2 - 8 p.m.
3rd Ward, 1227 N. 4th St.

Brooklyn's 3rd Ward will celebrate their long-awaited Philly launch during Tech Weeek. Participants will make LED magnets and spread them along Germantown Avenue as "light graffiti." Music, food and booze included. In addition, be sure to drop by the space during free co-working days (April 30 - May 3 *corrected).

For a complete list of Philly Tech Week events, click here.