ESA Technology Brokers Engage with Czech Innovators in Brno
On June 10, 2025, the ESA Technology Broker for Czechia participated in two key events in Brno, both focused on expanding awareness and engagement with space technologies, Earth observation, and collaboration opportunities with the European Space Agency (ESA).
URBIS The Smart Cities Meetup 2025
Held at the Brno Exhibition Centre (BVV), URBIS showcased new technologies for smart cities. As ESA Technology Broker, we explored innovative sensor technologies and applications of satellite data that have strong potential for space and terrestrial synergy.
Among the exhibitors, several companies presented advanced sensor systems highly relevant for urban planning and environmental monitoring. For instance:
- Sensority s.r.o. demonstrated environmental sensor platforms for air quality and noise monitoring.
- Flowbox showcased energy and water monitoring systems powered by AI and real-time data analysis.
- TopGis and GEOVAP presented solutions leveraging satellite imagery and remote sensing data for high-resolution terrain mapping, infrastructure planning, and city development.
These applications align closely with ESA’s Earth Observation programmes and open pathways for dual-use innovations between space and smart city solutions.
ESA Technology Broker, ESA Ambassador and Regional Coordinator for Technology Incubator
ESA Academia Info Day at Brno University of Technology (VUT)
On the same day, from 13:00 to 15:30, ESA Technology Broker Czechia and ESA BIC Brno held a seminar at the Rectorate of VUT, aimed at researchers and academic institutions. The session, titled "Opportunities in the ESA Programme", introduced ways Czech universities and R&D teams can engage with ESA initiatives.
Key Highlights:
- Co-funding through ESA BIC Brno for space-tech startups and spin-offs (up to €50,000).
- Co-funding through ESA Technology Broker support for tech transfer and commercialization (up to €75,000).
- Overview of ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) for submitting breakthrough ideas.
Special Focus Areas:
- Spectrum Sharing Makerspace: Grants of €15,000–€20,000 for spectrum-related projects.
- ESA ARTES Programme: Funding schemes supporting telecom innovations (TRL 1–9), including:
Other Support Programs:
- ESA GSTP: Prototype and demonstration support (TRL 3–6), coordinated by the Czech Ministry of Transport.
- Lift-Off Challenge: National contest (CZK 60,000 prize) for early-stage teams to develop and pitch space-based ideas.
The seminar equipped participants with practical tools for turning research into real-world space and commercial applications. If you’re developing a sensor, data platform, or novel technology with space relevance, contact us—ESA is here to help accelerate your innovation.
The ESA Technology Broker's role is to connect Czech companies, researchers, and institutions with ESA technologies, expertise, and funding mechanisms. Our presence at both URBIS and the VUT seminar reflects our commitment to strengthening ties between academia, industry, and the European space ecosystem.
If your organization is developing a novel sensor, data application, or technology with space potential—or if you're looking for ways to adapt space technologies to Earth applications—contact us. Let’s explore how ESA can help accelerate your innovation.