Student applications now open for the Technology Transfer & Innovation Workshop 2018
Are you a highly motivated 3rd or 4th yearBachelor, Master, or PhD student in engineering or science, with a keen interest in technology and innovation? ESA Education Office is searching for 30 such students to participate in the pilot edition of the new Technology Transfer & Innovation Workshop.
Developed in close collaboration with the Technology Transfer & Business Incubation Office, it will be held from 13 to 16 November 2018 at ESA Academy’s Training & Learning Facility in ESEC-Galaxia, Transinne, Belgium.
Technologies and satellite systems developed by the space industry are here to help in our everyday lives down here on Earth! Satellite systems are part of the way we communicate, navigate and benefit from location-based services. Space technologies are being used to improve health care, water recovery, waste management and more, and also in highly specialised fields such as motor racing, skiing, and sailing. Technology transfer needs people with creative flair and vision; skills that this workshop aims to develop.
Delivered by ESA specialists, and external experts from start-ups and industry, participants will be exposed to the near-infinite possibilities of technology transfer, and the essential role of innovation. There are many opportunities for entrepreneurs wanting the challenge of developing new products!
During the workshop, participating students will learn through various lectures about different disciplines within the field of Technology Transfer & Innovation, including patenting, entrepreneurship, and business incubation. This is not a strictly academic course though, as focus will be given to hands-on experiences. Group assignments will see students taking a real ESA patent and brainstorming potential application ideas, and developing a business model around it. At the end of the week, the students will follow in the footsteps of real entrepreneurs by pitching their ideas!
Draft schedule
| Day 1 |
Introduction to Technology Transfer and Innovation Introduction to Patenting Presentation of an ESA Patent Group Assignment: Technology Transfer - From Fiction to Reality |
| Day 2 |
Technology Transfer Programmes Practical Case Examples Group Assignment: From Patent to Application ESEC-Redu Visit |
| Day 3 |
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation Business Canvas Model Start-up, from Idea to Business Group Assignment: From Application to Business |
| Day 4 |
Group Assignment: Synthesis and Finalisation of the Assignment Team Presentations Conclusions |
Who can apply?
In order to participate, students must fulfil the following criteria at the time of application:
- be aged between 18 and 32;
- be a citizen of an ESA Member or Associate State;
- be enrolled as a full-time 3rdor 4thyear Bachelor, Master or PhD student in a university (not graduating before the training course);
- be studying for an engineering or science degree.
Students enrolled in a scientific degree should have a clear focus on applied sciences.
The selected students will be sponsored by ESA. The sponsorship will cover accommodation and meals, as well as up to 200 Euros for travelling to Belgium.
How to apply
- Fill in the application form;
- Upload a motivation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, no images);
- Upload a CV (Europass format, PDF, maximum 2 pages);
- Upload a formal recommendation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, including signature, no images) from a university professor or academic supervisor of current university;
- Upload a copy of academic records (PDF, in English, with the university stamp).
All answers and documents should be in English (except academic records if not available).
The deadline for applications is 14 October 2018.
For more information, please contact esa.academy @ esa.int