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NATO DIANA Launches 2nd Annual Technology Challenges

The second annual technology challenges of the NATO DIANA defense accelerator have been launched, targeting support for technology companies and start-ups focused on breakthrough and emerging dual-use technologies with defense applications.

The call also highlights the technological domain of space, a vast and largely unexplored frontier with enormous potential for scientific discovery and technological innovation. Space-based technologies span climate change, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, involving challenges in space exploration, satellite technology, and space-based communication systems and sensing. If your aim include any of those areas, do not hesitate to join.

Applicants can submit their projects worth up to EUR 300k until August 9, 2024, on the official DIANA website: https://www.diana.nato.int/challenges.html.

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Rapid prototyping helps space startups achieve a working prototype

Czech startup Dartsat, which develops ground stations for satellite communications, is preparing a technology collaboration with the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Brain 4 Industry (B4I).

Ilustration photo

The B4I hub focuses on providing support for digital innovation and transformation of manufacturing in key industries. Startup Dartsat consulted ESA Technology Broker on the possibility of rapid prototyping of feedhorn holder of its terrestrial antenna and the B4I hub, with its cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, was selected as the best option. As part of the EDIH services, this component will be created using a 3D metal printing method. The startup will thus be significantly closer to the first functional product of its ground station.

The availability of rapid prototyping methods is an important factor for the success of all technology companies, but for startups it can play a key role. In this sense, EDIH’s services are essential and space companies can become important clients alongside traditionally targeted sectors such as automotive, energy, aerospace and others.

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    Info-Day of ESA support for innovation and business development

    Along with the announcement of the next Spark Funding call, ESA Technology Broker is jointly organizing another Info-Day with ESA BIC Czech Republic and ESA Business Applications Ambassador (ESA BASS).

    Together we will go through several of European Space Agency (ESA) programmes offered to help companies develop new space technologies or exploit existing ones. Start-ups, established companies, universities or lone innovators can receive support – but there is a different programme for each.

    To help you navigate through these ESA programmes and choose the best one for you, ESA Technology Broker, ESA BIC Czech Republic and ESA Business Applications Ambassador will explain the details and conditions of the ESA Spark Funding, ESA BIC and ESA BASS programmes. This main part of the agenda will be held in Czech language. There will also be time to discuss your specific plans.

    The Info Day will take place on 12 June at 9:00 am at the CzechInvest Agency in Prague. You can also participate online via the MS Teams platform. In that case, you will receive the teleconference link before the event.

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

    ESA Spark Funding supports technology transfer from the space sector to the non-space sector. It offers €75,000 to SMEs, start-ups and research organisations for the adaptation of space technologies. The upcoming application deadline is September 5th.

    ESA BIC offers support to start-ups up to five years old to help them get their business off the ground. Through ESA BIC, start-ups can receive up to €200,000 in financial support, mentoring and training, office facilities and access to valuable contacts in the space industry and beyond. The upcoming application deadline is September 5th.

    ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions Programme (BASS) offers funding and support to businesses from any sector who intend to use space (satellite navigation, earth observation, satellite telecommunication, space weather, space technologies) to develop new commercial services. Applications are open all year. Businesses can submit a proposal at any time through the Call for Proposals for Downstream Applications or can apply to a Competitive Tender or a non-competitive Thematic Call for Proposals.

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    ESA TB launches new call for ESA Spark Funding

    The European Space Agency (ESA) Technology Broker has initiated a fresh call for Spark Funding in the Czech Republic. Designed to accelerate technology transfer from space to non-space sectors but also vice versa, Spark Funding offers €75,000 to SMEs, startups, and research institutions for an adaptation of space technologies. With a focus on fostering innovation and market entry, the funding able to support various projects, spanning diverse industries such as agriculture, energy, and healthcare. This time the deadline closes on the 5th September 2024.

    Applicants are encouraged to engage with the Technology Broker before submission to ensure alignment with program objectives. Selected projects undergo evaluation by a specialized Tender Evaluation Board (TEB), with funding disbursed in two installments upon successful completion. ESA’s Spark Funding initiative underscores its commitment to driving technological innovation and fostering collaboration between space and terrestrial industries, propelling forward a future where space technologies address real-world challenges. Don’t hesitate to apply!

    ESA Spark Funding dedicated page here.

    For contacting us, use the SparkFunding@tc.cz email address or the Contact page.

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    Travel to ILA Berlin 2024 with Technology Centre Prague

    The Prague Technology Centre announces a call for applications for travel grants to support the participation of Czech entities in Horizon Europe partnering meetings. The call is open for applications for travelling and accommodation costs for participation in the B2B ILA Connect & Meet, which will take place during the ILA Berlin trade fair 5-7 June 2024.

    More information and downloadable application documents can be found on the Prague Technology Centre website here.

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    Hackathon – using sattelite data to monitor world’s phenomena

    Charles University is organizing a hackathon within the Copernicus Academy project focused on the use of Earth Observation (EO) and Geographic Information System (GIS) for the development of applications for the assessment of significant events related to security or environmental risks. Using GIS and EO data, participants will think together and find solutions to challenges related to the risk of some of the world’s phenomena – armed conflicts, climatic events, droughts, fires, etc.

    The ESA Technology Broker will take part in the evaluation of the results of the competition and will offer participants the opportunity to develop their technological cooperation with ESA and private companies in the field of EO. Collaboration on the development of cutting-edge EO technologies will enable objective information to be gathered and analysed in the future. Quality information and its effective use are then a prerequisite for eliminating the risks arising from these global threats.

    For more information about the hackathon (in Czech), see here.

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    Czech company will use space technology to capture CO2 in buildings

    One of the key challenges in space exploration is sustaining life on long-term manned space missions. An initiative of the European Space Agency, the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA), is exploring the technologies needed for long-term human survival in space.

    ESA Technology Broker presented the possibility of using these technologies in terrestrial applications during the Space for Cities seminar. The seminar initiated a discussion between technology companies and local government representatives about technological potential of these technologies for sustainable cities and architecture.

    Following this discussion, AG Data City, which is a company dealing with air, weather and microclimate monitoring, prepared a collaborative project with Airbus. This involves the terrestrial use of technology capturing atmospheric CO2 from the space station environment. CO2 can be reused for plant growing.

    AG Data City will offer this technology adapted for buildings to architects and building and facility managers. The benefits will be a healthier indoor environment, improved sense of well-being and improved cognitive function for residents. In addition, pilot projects can receive funding through cooperation with the City of Prague.

    Is the project interesting for you or want to observe its development? You can leave your feedback to AG Data City using the questionnaire here (Czech only).

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    Info-Day of ESA support for innovation and business development

    ESA Business Incubation Centre, ESA Technology Broker and ESA Business Applications Ambassador are organising a joint information day to present programmes to support technology transfer between space applications and the terrestrial sector. The ESA BIC, ESA Spark Funding and ESA BASS programmes will be presented. The aim of the seminar is to raise awareness of the potential of space innovation and to encourage new applicants to apply with their innovation projects.

    During the morning, the three programmes will be introduced and their differences will be described. During a short afternoon session, potential applicants can consult their intentions in specific programmes and share their experiences in space innovation with other participants. Finally, individual consultations will take place where possible.

    The information day is suitable for entities with ideas for any-directional technology transfer between space and terrestrial applications – this can include individual innovators, start-ups, SMEs as well as large companies or universities. Registration is possible using this form. The whole event will be held online, in Czech language, with the possibility of individual consultations in English.

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    A database of space-tech with potential for terrestrial applications

    AI's vision of cooperation between the Earth and Space sector

    The European Space Agency is preparing a database of space technologies with potential applications in the terrestrial technology sectors.

    The purpose is:

    • to highlight the possibility of solving technological issues in terrestrial applications by using space know-how,
    • to offer a portfolio of specific space technology solutions,
    • and to accelerate cooperation between the space sector and the non-space industry.

    ESA Technology Broker CZ invites companies that offer technological solutions for the space sector and are interested in offering them through the upcoming database to participate in an

    online information meeting on 25.01.2024 10:00 – 11:00.

    The meeting will present the benefits that the database will bring to space companies and the requirements for proposing their technology for entry in the database. Participating companies will be given the opportunity to arrange individual consultations aimed at entering specific technologies into the database.

    For more information and to register for the information session, please contact Albert Bouchal via email bouchal@tc.cz.

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    Get Space Inspired Winners Announcement

    The second edition of the competition for the best technology transfer of space technologies to terrestrial applications, Get Space Inspired 2023, was closed with a ceremony at the Czech Space Week space innovation fair.

    The competition, announced by the Technology Centre Prague in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), brought a number of new ideas for the use of technologies developed for space applications. A large part of the transferred space technologies came from the database of patents offered by ESA for further use and commercialisation. The areas of proposed terrestrial applications ranged from aeronautics, energy and environmental protection to medical technology and data processing.

    The main prize of the competition carried with it a financial support of EUR 20.000 for further development of the project and went to Zuzana Snížková with her project YUKI Filter. The project describes a new way of using a patented fluid filter used in fuel systems in space missions. The idea of producing the filter using metal 3D printing and its application in the chemical industry also impressed the evaluators with its sophisticated business plan.

    Second place and the award of EUR 10.000 went to Petr Kouřil with his project FLY IS FUN. The project again uses the ESA patent. The patented know-how is an algorithm for machine learning and position refinement calculated using GNSS network signals. The proposed use is in the field of navigation for sport pilots. The more accurate calculation of the vertical position of the aircraft will allow the use of a digital application as an alternative to instrument landing system (ILS) using radio beacons.

    The project SATPLANNER by Daniel Paluba, a researcher at the Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Cartography, Faculty of Science, Charles University, was supported with EUR 5.000 for his project. The SATPLANNER project integrates a patented system for analysing Earth observation data using time series into a mobile application. The app will offer the results of the analysed data to travel agencies, event organisers and other companies which will use the current and predicted data to plan their activities in different geographical areas. In this way, they will avoid potential risks and create optimised business plans when designing their activities.

    The Get Space Inspired competition is becoming a regular autumn event in the field of promoting technological innovation, technology transfer and space activities. We can only hope that space technology will inspire us again in 2024.