Online Technology Transfer Application and Innovation Workshop 2022 upskills the entrepreneurs of tomorrow

ESA Education are keen to cultivate the skills necessary to capitalise on this, so devised the Online Technology Transfer Application and Innovation Workshop 2022. Developed in collaboration with ESA Space Solutions, who also provided experts to act as course trainers, supported by industry specialists in Technology Transfer, Applications, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the workshop ran from 9 to 18 March 2022. Participating were 30 university students with a background in engineering, sciences and business administration, representing 11 different ESA Member and Associate States.

The workshop’s overarching goal was to give students a crash course in the various disciplines within the field of Technology Transfer & Innovation, including patenting, entrepreneurship, and business incubation; exposing participants to the near-infinite possibilities of technology transfer, while highlighting the essential role of innovation.

"The Online Technology Transfer Application and Innovation Workshop was a rewarding process,” said a student from University College London, “as I was able to meet highly-driven and talented students from all over Europe, while also being exposed to cutting-edge ESA technology that will have exciting implications in the near future!"

Students hit the ground running, with an initial lecture about intellectual property. They were then guided through the invention process with the story of an ESA engineer facing a technical challenge requiring novel solutions. Along the way, students learned about the fundamentals of patenting inventions, as well as being introduced to ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme and Incubation Office, which is responsible for implementing ESA’s Technology Transfer activities.

Students then met an ESA inventor, and were shown an actual ESA patent relating to Global Navigation Satellite Systems. The challenge was set: in groups, the students must brainstorm potential applications for this patent. The task was made less daunting thanks to a useful presentation on tips and tricks for generating ideas about products and services that make use of a specific technology. Three real-life examples were also given, helping to reflect on the main steps and common challenges when implementing a technology transfer process.

Once the bulk of that work was complete, the students participated in an engaging lecture on ESA’s processes to support the commercialisation of space technology on Earth. A series of case studies were given, highlighting the benefits and difficulties of transferring a particular technology from one field to another.

Armed with this new knowledge, the students reformed their sub-groups, selected their best idea, and began to develop it into a robust and hopefully profitable business model!

“The workshop was very professional, and it helped me better understand how to merge technology and entrepreneurship to build a successful business,” explained a participating student. “I also enjoyed working with people from all over Europe.”

Meanwhile, lessons continued about patents and applications, which helped participants to better understand the market, main players, and potential barriers; all invaluable information for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Start-ups and business incubation were discussed, and a lecture was given by an entrepreneur who created a start-up and received help from one of ESA’s Business Incubation Centres.

The workshop concluded with the students finalising their business concepts and pitching them to a jury of experts. It was fascinating to see how each team had devised very different, yet realistic applications, all from the same patent. The jury was suitably impressed with every business idea presented, and noted how they aptly demonstrated the power of technology transfer.

To find more information about upcoming and future ESA Academy training opportunities, please check our Current opportunities page.

Contact: esa.academy@esa.int