Tech Needs Discovery #2: Opportunities for advanced materials, robotics and more to solve space challenges (event: 5 Jun)

The Tech Needs Discovery event returns next month when the ESA Technology Broker NL brings innovators from different industries together to spark connections and address technical challenges. On 5 June at SBIC, the second edition (TND #2) will bring a new focus and a clear message: space needs you! The European Space Agency (ESA) and other space companies will present real challenges. We’re looking for non-space innovators who can help solve them – maybe your innovation could be solution? If there’s a match with the opportunities presented, then your tech could soon be headed to space. Read on to discover from Jacobo Domingo about the prospects of tech owners in the audience getting new space connections. If you have technology in the hot-topic areas – from additive manufacturing systems and advanced materials to modular robotics, smart mobility and software platforms – don’t miss out. Register now to take part!

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Line-up of space companies ready to share challenges

During the event on 5 June, it will be space companies presenting their own technical challenges and the audience of innovators from non-space businesses will be ready to offer fresh solutions. The event will include guided matchmaking and informal networking, aiming to ignite ideas and practical collaborations and explore how technologies from outside the space domain can support innovation within it. The broker contacts, Jacobo Domingo and Raoul Voeten will be curating and moderating the proceedings.

“The focus of the event is to, once again, create valuable cross-industry connections between space and non-space companies. This time around we are shining the spotlight upon space, on stage, so that speakers can showcase their needs,” comments Jacobo. “It is exciting that in this edition we can count on the input of ESA. This will allow us to raise the bar for potential connections and explore the needs of one of the major players of the industry.”

If you wish to be on-stage or in the audience, don’t hesitate to register for TND #2 >>

Opportunities for existing innovations to find applications in space

ESA’s commercialisation officer Swarnajyoti Mukherjee will be one of the space experts on stage and the topics presented in the deep-dive talk will be key to opening up access to the vast range of opportunities that space affords.

“We already showcased [at the first edition] that space tech does not have to be too unreachable, and that it in fact can help tackle challenges here on Earth. Now, the goal is to showcase that Earth innovations can break the final frontier and find their way into space – with all the requirements and values connected to it that come with this exchange,” Jacobo explains. “The overall goal is to establish collaborations cross-industry and establishing long-term projects.”

“It is exciting that in this edition we can count on the input of ESA. This will allow us to raise the bar for potential connections and explore the needs of one of the major players of the industry”

Jacobo Domingo

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What is the space industry looking for?

Which non-space businesses will benefit?

We cannot yet say for sure which type of non-space business will benefit from being at this event. After all, a tech need for one company can be a challenge that is ripe for solving for those innovators with already developed non-space technologies seeking a new application. We would ask: Is this an opportunity you can afford to miss? Do you know people in your network that would jump at the opportunity to work with ESA or any of the other burgeoning space businesses that will be on stage? Then, please share this invitation with non-space companies and entrepreneurs that are working on the highlighted topics. Whether it is about improving efficiency, precision, safety or control, the audience members’ technologies might be exactly what the space companies need.

Successful matches for cutting-edge solutions

The technology broker of the European Space Agency (ESA) for the Netherlands is a programme that is jointly managed by SBIC Noordwijk and NL Space Campus. It is one of three ESA programmes that are available under the same roof in the heart of the Dutch space ecosystem – ESA BIC Noordwijk, ESA Phi-Lab NL and ESA Technology Broker NL. The free event starts with on-stage talks where space companies will share deep dives into their tech needs and challenges, guided by the experts from the broker and partners. This will be followed by non-space innovators participating in live brokering, with an on-the-spot matchmaking session allowing them and the tech need owners to engage. Join us on 5 June at SBIC Noordwijk. A networking lunch, deep-dive talks and focused matchmaking are all part of the programme. Here are just some reasons why you should attend:

• Discover innovation challenges from space
• Grab the opportunity to bring your tech to a new domain
• Expand your network and explore new opportunities
• Be open new connections and unexpected partnerships

This is a version of the news item that appears on the broker website.

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About the broker: The ESA Technology Broker for the Netherlands – jointly operated by the Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk and NL Space Campus – facilitates technology transfer solutions across key focus sectors: Agri-Food, Energy, Logistics and High Tech. The broker drives innovation by identifying partnership opportunities and leveraging tech roadmaps. The goal is to address high socio-economic challenges through Dutch advancements and beyond. It works closely with European Space Agency and the Netherlands Space Office. esa-technology-broker.nl

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