Date: 25-26 November 2024
Venue: Conference Centre, European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications, Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK
Did you know that the European Space Agency (ESA) has already supported hundreds of SMEs working to transform our society? With a focus on our urban spaces and the natural environment, this conference is your opportunity to join that list of innovators using space to transform life on Earth.
What do our future cities look like? How can we address the greatest environmental challenges of today? How will innovations in space applications change society?
As we move towards a space-powered economy, discussing challenges and collaborating across sectors becomes central to developing innovative solutions.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Towards a Space-Powered Economy is a conference focusing on using space and space technologies to tackle the multiple challenges facing our societies, from climate change and urban growth to the energy transition and protecting the environment.
The event will centre on harnessing the power of space to encourage cross-sector collaboration, sharing innovative financing solutions, and integrating sustainability with economic growth in a space-powered economy.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You’ll meet those companies who have completed transformative projects and the clients whose problems they are solving {and who could be your next customers}. You’ll also meet investors who want to back you to work on this, and rub shoulders with space experts from ESA’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme.
During the conference you can expect:
- Inspiring Discussions: The event will bring together over 200 dynamic start-ups, investors, research institutes, political leaders, and senior managers from diverse sectors to discuss smart cities and the bioeconomy.
- Support for Innovative Solutions: Companies will pitch and exhibit state-of-the art space-enabled solutions, while ESA the European Space Agency will outline the opportunities offered by BASS’ financial, technical and business support. ESA experts will be on hand to offer advice and guidance on funding and project delivery
- Important Collaborations: Participants will take part in critical discussions on sustainable innovation using space. Collaborations and partnerships will be formed through networking on a European scale.
- Networking opportunities: Take time to meet key players from across the smart cities and bioeconomy sectors. Join us at our Gala Dinner at Keble College, Oxford.
AGENDA
A draft agenda can be seen below (a full agenda will be published shortly):
Day 1: 25 November 2024
14:00 – 14:45 Arrival and Registration
14:45 – 15:00 Welcome Address
Nick Appleyard, European Space Agency, Head of Applications and Solutions Department
15:00 – 15:15 Inspirational Speaker
15:15 – 15:30 Pitch Introductions
15:30 – 16:30 Company Pitches
Judging Panel
University College London (UCL) Enterprise
Plug & Play
European Space Agency
16:30 – 17:00 Wrap-up Day 1
19:00 – 22:00 Gala Dinner at Keble College, Oxford
Day 2: 26 November 2024
8:15 – 9:15 Networking Breakfast
9:15 – 9:30 Keynote Speech
Dr Josef Aschbacher, Director General, European Space Agency
9:35 – 10:35 Panel Discussion 1: Space for Positive Social and Environmental Impact
What are the great environmental and social threats of today and how can space-based applications address them?
Panellists
German Energy Agency
Rune Floberghagen, European Space Agency, Head of Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department
Panel Moderator
Rita Rinaldo, European Space Agency, Head of Applications, Projects and Studies
10:35 – 11:00 Networking Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:00 Panel Discussion 2: Partnerships and Collaboration to Enable Space-based Services
How can partnerships support the development and uptake of space-based services?
Panellists
Cheryl Hicks, United Nations CEO Water Mandate, Senior Advisor
Marc McGranaghan, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Panel Moderator
Davide Coppola, European Space Agency
12:00 – 12:15 Keynote Speech: UEFA
12:15 – 12:30 Keynote Speech: International Windship Association (IWSA)
12:30 – 12:45 Keynote Speech: Geraldine Naja, Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, European Space Agency
12:45 – 14:00 Lunch and Exhibitor Show and Tell
14:00 – 15:00 Panel Discussion 3: Space for Competitiveness and Economic Growth
What is the value of space for non-space economic sectors and how can space-based services drive growth in Europe?
Panellists
Laurent Jaffart, Director of Connectivity and Secure
Communications, Head of ECSAT in Harwell
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Panel Moderator
Nick Appleyard, European Space Agency, Head of Applications and
Solutions Department
15:00 – 15:15 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
15:15 – 16:00 Network Drinks
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- innovation and technology leads from businesses of any size who have yet to see how space can help them thrive
- representatives from the public and/or private sectors interested in cooperating with ESA in the development and demonstration of space solutions
- SME and startup owners looking to grow their businesses
- Businesses interested in finding out how space can help transform lives and habitats in our urban and natural environments
- investors, technology developers and academics from across Europe looking to discover new opportunities and form important connections
- scientific communities and environmental organisations interested in exploring opportunities around smart cities and environmental resilience.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
At this event you will be able to:
- Find out how space is supporting the green transition around our urban spaces and natural environment
- Find out how ESA funding works and how to apply for your own project
- Meet the experts who are leading multiple projects in support of smart cities and environmental protection
- Network with key players from the space and non space sector
- Talk with investors
GET INVOLVED
If you would like to pitch your idea, exhibit at the event, or have any questions, please get in touch with us using the form below. The deadline for submission is 15 September. Please make sure to fill in the form before that date.
Complete this form to get in touch or if you would like to pitch or exhibit at the event