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Access ESA’s Top-Class Atomic Oxygen Testing at Only 1/5 of the Standard Price

ESA Technology Broker Spain is pleased to announce a unique Ride Share opportunity for Atomic Oxygen (AtOx) testing at the European Space Agency’s (ESA) top-class LEOX facility — available to all entities from ESA Member States at a significantly reduced cost.

How to Participate

ESA Technology Broker Spain manages the registration and coordination of this campaign.

🌍 Why It Matters

Atomic oxygen erosion is one of the main degradation mechanisms affecting materials and coatings used in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO).
Access to reliable AtOx testing is essential for space material qualification — yet such tests are usually expensive and limited to a few specialized facilities.

Through this campaign, ESA Technology Broker Spain, in collaboration with ESA ESTEC, is coordinating access to the LEOX (Low Earth Orbit Exposure) Facility.
This facility reproduces the atomic oxygen environment of LEO/VLEO, allowing materials to be tested under realistic orbital conditions.
Participants will also receive a complete scientific analysis of the results, performed by ESA experts.

💡 Key Benefits

  • Affordable access — testing offered at only 1/5 to 1/8 of the standard price
  • Expert analysis — ESA scientists will conduct the full post-test evaluation
  • Accelerated material qualification — realistic LEO/VLEO exposure shortens time to TRL
  • Top-class ESA infrastructure — testing performed at the ESA ESTEC LEOX facility (Noordwijk, the Netherlands)
  • Available to all ESA Member States — ideal for companies, start-ups, RTOs, and universities

⚙️ Test Parameters

  • Sample size: up to 2 × 2 cm (1–3 samples per material)
  • Exposure duration:
    • 1 run = 10 working days (LEO test)
    • 2 runs = 20 working days (VLEO test)
  • Campaign period: Q1 2026.
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Apply for Spark Funding!

Do you want to take your innovative projects to the next level?

We invite Czech companies to participate in the ESA Spark Funding technology transfer support program.

Main benefits of the program:

  • Leverage space technologies: Incorporate advanced space technologies such as materials, communication systems, sensors, and more into innovative products in your industry.
  • Secure co-funding of €75,000 for your project.
  • Speed up your project: The funding can cover costs for prototyping or expenses for market entry.
  • Support for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups: The ESA Spark Funding program is tailored for technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises and startups.
  • Quick completion: The program is focused on projects lasting 6 to 12 months.

Important information:

  • Application deadline: December 19, 2025, at 23:59 CEST.
  • How to apply: Submit your filled application form via email to SparkFunding@tc.cz.
  • Frequently Asked Questions and more information are here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to leverage space technologies and innovate your business!

Questions? Concerns? Contact us on SparkFunding@tc.cz.

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Inside CASSINI Entrepreneurship Days 2025, Prague

Key takeaways from CASSINI Entrepreneurship Days 2025 in Prague: EU space startups, EUSPA technical insights, and investor-ready roadmaps

CASSINI Entrepreneurship Days 2025 in Prague brought together startups using space-enabled tech. Five were from Czechia; the rest represented Germany, Finland, Denmark, and other EU countries. Solutions focused on real operational needs: plant-growth monitoring, terrain and infrastructure surveillance (including rail tracks), strong laser network for space debris, and a notable water-borne drone with a self-recharging wind generator for extended deployments. ESA Technology Broker Czechia at Technology Centre Prague appreciates the personal invitation from Jana Kominek Večerková (EUSPA) and the constructive engagements throughout the day. The CASSINI and European space ecosystems came together as EUSPA, in partnership with EUDIS, hosted a standout event featuring 400+ participants, multiple panels and pitching sessions, and keynotes from space leaders.

Why it Mattered

The event combined three tracks that actually reinforce each other:

  • Showcasing working prototypes and pilots on stands.
  • Matchmaking founders with investors
  • Founders refined short pitches of their companies and solutions.

Technical Depth (the best part)

Conversations with EUSPA experts turned demos into design reviews. A highlight was a discussion with Kati Tahvonen (EUSPA), who—like ESA Technology Broker—has petrochemical and marine industry experience. We focused on:

  • Corrosion and probe design for wind-powered energy modules: corrosion resistance, maintainance, coatings, and failure modes.
  • UAV stability and mission assurance: redundancy, vibration isolation for sensitive payloads, and instrumentation so systems reveal issues early.

The tone was vivid and constructive.

Where conversations got interesting

CASSINI Entrepreneurship Days 2025 in Prague (8–9 October) proved its value as EUSPA’s flagship meetup by combining a curated startup expo, structured investor matchmaking, and expert reviews under one roof. The event’s design—free access, exhibition space, 1:1 meetings, and pitching blocks—kept the focus on practical adoption rather than showmanship. Content emphasized Europe’s strategic priorities in space and defence, with sessions on capital, certification pathways, and the CASSINI Challenges awards anchoring the agenda. For participants, the immediate outcomes were clear: sharper roadmaps, stronger investor–founder fit, and concrete next steps for deployment across Earth-observation and downstream services. In short, it delivered what Europe’s space ecosystem needs most right now: qualified connections, rigorous feedback, and momentum toward field-ready solutions.

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ESA Technology Broker Czechia to Participate in Dronedge 2025

In recent years, the landscape of satellite navigation and communication has transformed, fostering new possibilities and challenges for industries worldwide. As the European Space Agency (ESA) embarks on

The ESA Technology Broker Czechia, based at the Technology Centre Prague, was actively participating in Dronedge 2025 and supporting the ESA Ambassador and ESA BIC. On 2 October 2025, ESA Technology Broker Czechia, together with ESA BIC Czech Republic and ESA Ambassador were informing about ESA support for innovative companies.

Visitors were warmly invited to stop by the ESA Ambassador stand, where they could learn more about how ESA supports startups, innovators, and companies in bringing space technologies into non-space sectors, as well as how drone-related solutions can benefit from ESA’s network, funding, and expertise.

This collaboration underlines ESA’s commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening the Czech aerospace and drone ecosystem, and creating bridges between space technology and practical applications on Earth.

Dronedge 2025 – Program

Location: Fantova budova, Prague Main Railway Station
Theme: Drone Applications in Practice & Security/Defence, Testing Grounds in the Czech Republic, and Technology & Innovation

Morning Session – Applications & Security

  • 09:40 – UAVA
  • 09:45 – E.ON – BVLOS automated line inspections
  • 10:00 – 3L Robotics – drone delivery & helipads
  • 10:10 – SITMP – medical drone delivery
  • 10:25 – Retia – drone detection
  • 10:35 – AMOS – drones in Ukraine: trends & support
  • 10:55 – Czech Army – drones in armed forces
  • 11:15 – LIAZ – unmanned helicopter for diverse use cases
  • 11:25 – Excalibur International – FPV drones & loitering munitions
  • 11:35 – Rescue Trailer – mobile platform for drone operations

Drone Testing Grounds in the Czech Republic

  • 11:45 – Fly in Diamonds (Moravské Budějovice)
  • 12:00 – Sokolovská uhelná / SUAS
  • 12:15 – Veletrhy Brno / BVV – Living Lab
  • 12:30–13:30 – Lunch

Afternoon Session – Technology & Innovation

  • 13:30 – Telink – protection of critical infrastructure
  • 13:45 – Pramacom – Skydio, Parrot & Lockheed Martin drones
  • 14:00 – Quantum Systems/Skymaps – advanced eVTOL drones
  • 14:15 – Geotronics Praha – WingtraRAY & C3, C6 compliance
  • 14:30 – Airvolute/Skymaps – autopilots & accessories
  • 14:45 – Texxar – UAV geophysics & dual use
  • 15:05 – HP/3Dees – 3D printing for UAV components
  • 15:20 – Flapper Drones – bioinspired flying drone
  • 15:30 – DroneVision – mapping & digitalization from drones

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Invitation: Workshop on From Space to the Earth

From Space2Business: Everything You Need to Know About Successful Projects in ESA and Horizon Europe

Are you developing an innovative technology or idea that could benefit from space data, technology, or funding?
Join this hands-on seminar to learn what makes ESA and Horizon Europe projects stand out

Hybrid format – choose how to join:
🔗 On-site: Event link
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams: Join here

🌍 About the Workshop

From Space to the Earth will showcase how space materials and technologies are being transferred into everyday applications here on Earth. From bold proposals to successful pitches, you’ll see how to turn ideas into impactful business opportunities.

🛠️ Why Attend?

  • Learn by Example: Get inspired by new real-life success stories of companies that transformed space innovations into commercial products.
  • Practical Guidance: Discover what works (and what doesn’t) when applying for support and how to avoid common pitfalls.
  • Funding Insights: Understand step-by-step how to prepare a winning proposal and pitch.
  • Networking Opportunity: Meet entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry experts who are already navigating the funding landscape.

📅 Event Details

  • Date: 20 October 2025 (Monday)
  • Time: 13:30-15:30
  • Venue: Werichova vila, Prague or online
  • Language: Czech

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Tech Needs Matchmaking – Space & Dual-Use Technologies

Join us for a hands-on workshop that connects real industry dual-use needs with space-enabled solutions and opens doors for new cooperation opportunities.

📅 Date: Tuesday, 11 November 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 15:00 (lunch included)
📍 Venue: Technology Centre Prague

💡 Registration is here.

👥 Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for:

  • Engineers (System Integrators, Mechanical, Electronics, Robotics/AI)
  • CTOs
  • Product Delvelopers and R&D Managers
  • SMEs working on security, defense, or civil innovation
  • Space technology providers with ready-to-transfer solutions

Agenda Highlights

  • 10:00 – Registration & Welcome Coffee
  • 10:30 – Introduction to ESA Technology Broker & dual-use opportunities
  • 11:00 – Industry speakers: concrete dual-use technology needs
  • 12:00 – Lunch & Networking
  • 13:00 – Interactive Workshop and Business2Business meetings
  • 14:30 – Wrap-up & Coffee
  • 14:45– 14:50 – Closure and the next steps

Why Join?

  • ✅ Get inspired by real-world dual-use cases
  • ✅ Find new partners from both civil, space and defense sectors
  • ✅ See the bigger picture – Dual-use is one of the fastest growing areas of innovation. Space technologies are increasingly in demand across civil and defense markets.
  • 💼 Direct business opportunities – Hear real challenges from industry & public sector and pitch how your solution can help.
  • 🛠 Expand your market – Learn how your innovation can be applied outside your current sector.
  • 🤝 Meet decision makers – Connect with industry leaders, public institutions, and investors in one place.
  • ✅ Turn space technologies into practical solutions for today’s challenges

Join Us at Technology Centre Prague

📅 Tuesday, 11 November 2025
🕙 10:00 – 15:00
📍 Technology Centre Prague

This is the 6th Technology Needs event in Europe, 2nd in Czech Republic organized by ESA Technology Brokers.

Don’t miss this chance to explore dual-use opportunities!
Stay ahead of the curve and unlock the potential of space technologies.

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Tech Needs Matchmaking in Prague: Space Technologies Address Challenges of Autonomous Drones and Speed Verification

On 25 September 2025, the Technology Centre Prague hosted the in-person workshop Tech Needs Matchmaking – Space vs. Autonomous Control Systems. The event brought together 26 company representatives – mainly engineers, CTOs and programmers – to address specific technological needs presented by Prolab Engineering and ŠKODA AUTO. These included challenges in the development of autonomous ground and flying drones and the creation of an independent software speed verifier for ŠKODA AUTO’s autonomous vehicles.

Keynote Speakers

  • Petr Hnízdil (Prolab Engineering) – innovations in robotics, engineering, and transport systems.
  • Jaroslav Machan (ŠKODA AUTO / Czech Technical University in Prague) – expert in autonomous driving and AI in transport.
  • Jana Komínek Večeřková (EUSPA) – who presented industry trends and the Cassini initiative for SMEs.

Outcomes of the Workshop

During the sessions, space sector companies responded to pre-defined challenges, such as improving the accuracy of autonomous drone localization in unknown environments and designing a software-based speed verification system.

The program included 9 (nine) one-to-one business meetings, enabling direct discussions between space companies, drone and automotive manufacturers, and representatives from EUSPA, which also highlighted current market trends.

Professor Jaroslav Machan (CTU/ŠKODA AUTO) concluded:
“The meeting was surprisingly very fruitful. We thank the organizers – specific solutions to the challenges of speed verification in autonomous systems were identified.”

Broader Impact

Overall, the workshop confirmed that space technologies have strong potential to provide innovative solutions for autonomous control systems in both the automotive and drone industries.

The event was organized by ESA Technology Broker Czechia in cooperation with the Technology Centre Prague, with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA). This is the third event in Europe, with the first two organized by ESA Technology Broker Netherlands.

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Info Day 26th September

The European Space Agency offers several programmes to help companies develop new space technologies or exploit existing ones. Both startups and established companies can receive support – but there is a different programme for each.

To help you navigate through the ESA programmes and choose the best one for you, ESA BIC Czech Republic, ESA Technology Broker and ESA Commercialisation Ambassador are organising a joint Info Day to explain the details and conditions of the ESA BIC, ESA Spark Funding, ESA BASS and ESA InCubed programmes. There will also be time to discuss your specific projects.

The Info Day will take place on 26 September at 11:00 am at the Technology Centre Prague and online.

To attend the Info Day, please register by filling in this form. 

ESA BIC (European Space Agency´s Business Incubation Centre) is an incubation program that offers support to startups up (either to up to five years old or to applicants without a company registration) to help them get their business off the ground. The incubation lasts between one and two years. Through ESA BIC, startups can receive up to €50,000 in financial support, mentoring and training, office facilities and access to valuable contacts in the space industry and beyond. The upcoming application deadline is October 31st.

ESA Technology Broker plays a key role in identifying innovative technologies, connecting companies and research organizations, and facilitating partnerships that bring space know-how into terrestrial industries. It provides tailor-made support to help Czech companies integrate space technologies into their products and services, fosters collaboration between the space and non-space sectors, and turns innovative ideas into successful business cases. Through the ESA Spark Funding program, pilot technology transfers can be supported with grants of €75,000, enabling SMEs, start-ups, and research organizations to adapt space solutions for their portfolios. The current application deadline is November 30.

ESA Commercialisation Programmes — Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) and Investing in Industrial Innovation (InCubed) — offer co-funding (up to 80%/€2M) and expert support to companies from any sector that use space (satellite navigation, Earth observation, satellite telecommunication, space weather, and space technologies) to develop and scale commercial products and services. BASS targets downstream innovation across all space assets, while InCubed—run by ESA’s Φ-lab—focuses on accelerating the commercialisation of EO solutions across the value chain.

Applications are open year-round.

For BASS: apply any time via the Call for Proposals for Downstream Applications and

For InCubed: follow the steps on InCubed — How to apply.

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Webinar Reminder

ESA Technology Broker Czechia and Austria are co‑hosting an online webinar on 9 September 2025 (10:00–11:15) for entities that already have a clear idea for technology transfer—either space → non‑space (spin‑off) or non‑space → space (spin‑in).

Who should join
SMEs, startups, corporates, and R&D teams in CZ/AT with a concrete concept and the motivation to validate it commercially.

What you’ll get

  • What qualifies as a transfer use‑case (space ↔ non‑space)
  • How ESA Spark Funding works in practice (CZ & AT)
  • How Technology Brokers support you (scouting, partners, next steps)
  • How to Write a Proposal
  • How to Prepare for Proposal Defense
  • Short case snapshots + live Q&A

Registration for Czech institutions is here.
Platform: ZOOM
Language: English
Cost: Free
Contacts: ruscak@tc.cz | ar@brimatech.at

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Tech Needs Matchmaking – Space vs Autonomous Control Systems

The workshop will focus on technological challenges in the field of autonomous control systems, finding suitable solutions in space applications, and identifying shared opportunities.

Participants will have the chance to link current technical challenges in a segment of autonomous systems with innovative space technologies and start working on joint applications.

🚀 Tech Needs Matchmaking at Technology Centre Prague
📅 Date: 25 September 2025 (Thursday)
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 15:00 (lunch included)
📍 Venue: Technology Centre Prague, Room Vltava

Register

Keynote Speakers

  • Petr Hnízdil – Prolab Engineering – a leading Czech company innovating in robotics, engineering, and transport systems.
  • Jaroslav Machan – ŠKODA AUTO / CTU (Czech Technical University in Prague) – autonomous driving and AI in transport, active in both industry and academia.
    • Jana Kominek Vecerkova – EUSPA – technology challenges and trends as well Cassini initiative for SMEs

They will introduce specific technological problems seeking solutions – many of which may be addressed with space-enabled technologies.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

  • Space companies in the field of space technology with a focus on navigation, communication, EO and control systems
  • Automotive companies looking for new solutions in autonomous driving, sensors, materials, data processing, etc.
  • Autonomous solutions—systems capable of performing tasks or making decisions independently, often using AI, sensors, and real-time data processing

What to Expect on the Day

🟦 10:00 – Registration and Welcome Coffee
🟦 10:30 – Introduction to ESA Tech Broker, autonomous control systems and space solutions overview
🟦 11:00 – Presentation of technology needs by Prolab Engineering, ŠKODA AUTO/CTU and EUSPA
🟦 12:00 – Lunch / Networking
🟦 13:00 – Workshop exploring solutions via space technologies
🟦 14:30 – Wrap-up and Next Steps toowards further cooperation
🟦 15:00 – Coffee and Networking

You will meet companies from the autonomous control system domain as well as experts who have access to space sector ready-to-transfer technologies and know how.

Why Participate?

✅ Gain access to new innovation channels through proven space technologies.
✅ Explore solutions for transport and security challenges via dual-use space innovations.
✅ Build valuable connections with industry, academia, and ESA Technology Broker – who will support participants technology cooperation and project development.

Join Us at Technology Centre Prague

📅 Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 15:00
📍 Venue: Room Vltava, Technology Centre Prague

This initiative is powered by ESA Technology Broker Czechia, supported by ESA (European Space Agency), and hosted by Technology Centre Prague.