The space rocket for innovation
Advanced space technologies not only take us to Mars, they also improve our lives here on Earth. Next week in London the focus will be on how solutions from space can make a real difference to us all.
The European Space Solutions event during 3â5 December in the UK will bring together the business and public sectors with users and developers of systems using space technology and satellite services.
They will discuss spin-offs from space programmes that could bring advantages to citizens as well as strengthen European industry.
Keynote speakers include Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, and Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group.
Space down to Earth
Visitors can meet representatives from ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme Office, ESA Business Incubation Centres (BICs), ESA Technology Transfer Broker Network and the Open Sky Technology Fund to discuss how start-ups, small- and medium-sized businesses, and industry are supported to develop novel solutions reusing space technologies, services and expertise.
Transfers from space have already improved industrial production, medical instrumentation, pollution control, transportation, surveillance and much more.
Four ESA BIC start-ups will showcase their projects made possible by space technology and services.
PPS proposes their BlackFIR system to pinpoint and track pallets and container movements in storage, helping to prevent incorrect deliveries and increasing transparency in handling goods.
Instantview offers to help insurers reduce the costs of administering car accident claims and combat fraud
CarbonDiem has a new smartphone app to raise awareness and quantify the effect of travel choices on global greenhouse gas emissions.
Blue Thread presents their Space Compass using satnav to provide improved positioning for better yacht navigation, manoeuvring in restricted waters and during mooring.
Your opportunity from space
“We make technology, applications and knowhow from our European space programmes easily available through our Technology Transfer Network of brokers throughout Europe to help transfer to non-space applications,” explains Frank M. Salzgeber, head of ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme Office.
This activity has already led to more than 260 spin-offs by bringing together space technology producers with non-space companies in search of innovative solutions.
“And at our seven ESA Business Incubation Centres we have supported over 180 entrepreneurs and start-up companies to get their businesses off the ground, resulting in more industry and new jobs in Europe.”
To push this transfer process even further, ESA has created the Space Solutions trademark to give special recognition to companies, products and services that make use of space technology and space-provided services.
Further information
The ESA TTPO / ESA BIC Harwell booth will be in Corner 2 on floor level 1 in the Business Support Applications Development area.
You can register for business matching using the meethub tool, which was developed by an ESA BIC start-up. It is available for computers and smartphones.
ESA Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO)
The main mission of ESA's Technology Transfer Programme is to facilitate the use of space technology and systems for non-space applications, and thereby also further demonstrating the benefit of the European space programmes to the citizens.
TTPO is responsible for defining the overall approach and strategy for the transfer of space technologies and systems, including the incubation of start-up companies at ESA’s seven Business Incubation Centres in the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, the UK and Belgium.
TTPO has initiated as a limited partner the Open Sky Technology Fund, a €100 million venture fund that invests in start-ups using space technology.
For more information on TTPO, please contact:
ESA Technology Transfer Programme Office
European Space Agency
Keplerlaan 1
2200 AG, Noordwijk
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 71 565 6208
Email: ttp@esa.int
Web: www.esa.int/ttp and www.esa.int/bic
