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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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Join us at the Positioning Navigation Timing Workshop

Are you curious about new opportunities in space technologies and advanced navigation?

ESA Technology Broker and Ministry of Transportation invite you for the Positioning Navigation Timing Workshop.

📅 Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025
🕘 Time: 09:00–11:00
🌐 Format: Online
🗣️ Language: Czech
👥 Organized by: Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic & Technology Centre Prague
📌 Registration: here.

This session is specifically intended for organizations in the Czech Republic who currently use or could benefit from Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies, including:

  • Transport and logistics companies (fleet tracking, routing, traffic management)
  • Telecommunications providers (network synchronization)
  • Energy and utility operators (grid timing, monitoring systems)
  • Security and public safety agencies (navigation and coordination)
  • Financial sector stakeholders (secure time stamping and transactions)
  • Infrastructure planners
  • Tech research teams, and innovative SMEs exploring new business opportunities in navigation and space technologies.

Why attend?

PNT systems are foundational to modern infrastructure. Their reliability impacts everything from emergency services to automated transport and financial markets. Europe is now investing in the next generation of PNT technologies — combining multi-constellation GNSS, AI, and quantum tech — to build more resilient and precise systems.

What’s on the agenda?

  • Introduction to NAVISP (Navigation Innovation and Support Programme) — ESA’s flagship program to foster innovation and industrial competitiveness in PNT
  • Czech PNT ecosystem highlights — strengths, priorities, and collaborative potential
  • Real-world NAVISP success stories and industrial applications

This is your chance to learn, connect, and get inspired. Whether you’re in R&D, or industry, if your work touches the PNT landscape, this workshop is for you. Secure your spot and take your first step into the future of navigation.

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Two ESA Spark Funding Projects Set to Fly to the International Space Station with Astronaut Aleš Svoboda!

We are thrilled to announce some incredible news. Two projects, ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen, which originated from ESA Spark Funding, have been selected to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) with Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda! Big congratulations to all fantastic people involved for their incredible hard work and dedication to making these projects a reality! Your unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and turning bold ideas into groundbreaking innovations is truly inspiring. The ISS T-shirt and ICARUS ARMOR projects are not just technological advancements; they are a testament to your curiosity and perseverance.

The Selected Projects: ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen

Both ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen are now preparing for their exciting mission into space. These projects are more than just experiments—they are innovations that could revolutionize our understanding of space conditions and human performance.

ISS T-shirt
This project, a modification of the original Icarus Armor, will monitor astronaut stress levels using a novel thermodynamic metric. The ISS T-shirt is designed to provide real-time data on the astronaut’s physical and emotional state, which is crucial for ensuring optimal performance during long-duration space missions. By tracking these stress levels, the project aims to enhance astronaut well-being and mission success.

Icarus Armour Next Gen
The Icarus Armor Next Gen project takes the idea of stress monitoring a step further. This new iteration will create a personalized digital twin model to predict the cognitive performance of astronauts under cumulative stress. This technology is designed to improve astronaut safety by monitoring their mental and physical states in extreme environments, allowing for real-time adjustments and interventions to prevent fatigue and enhance decision-making.

ESA Spark Funding: A Launchpad for Innovation

The ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor projects were supported by ESA Spark Funding, which encourages collaboration between space agencies and local innovators to develop technologies that can benefit both space missions and terrestrial applications. The initiative is instrumental in enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in high-tech space exploration while creating solutions with a broader societal impact.

The Role of Aleš Svoboda in Testing and Innovation

Aleš Svoboda, a Czech astronaut reserve member, has played a pivotal role in testing these innovations. His participation in the testing campaign at the Brno University of Technology’s climate chamber provided invaluable real-world data on human performance under extreme conditions. This collaboration highlights the unique synergy between astronauts and ground-breaking research, ensuring that these projects are ready for the rigorous conditions of space.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Innovation

The selection of these projects is a significant achievement for the Czech space program and a proud moment for all those involved. With the mission expected to take place before the end of 2027, the ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen will be part of a larger suite of experiments conducted by astronaut Aleš Svoboda, paving the way for new technological advancements and enhancing our understanding of how humans can perform in space.

This is not just a victory for the Czech space industry but for global space exploration as well. The projects will contribute to critical research that may have applications both in space and on Earth, particularly in fields such as astronaut health, extreme environment monitoring, and worker safety.

A Proud Moment for ESA Technology Brokers

As ESA Technology Brokers, we are immensely proud to be a part of this remarkable achievement. We believe in the power of innovation and collaboration, and the success of these projects underscores the impact of our role in helping bring bold visions to life. We look forward to seeing these technologies reach new heights and contribute to future space missions.

Once again, congratulations to all the teams involved in ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen—you are making a real difference in the world of space exploration!

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ESA and Czech Technologies Shine at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland – April 2025

The world’s largest annual event devoted exclusively to invention is celebrating a historic milestone: the 50th edition of the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, held from April 9–13, 2025 at Palexpo. This jubilee edition is bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever, drawing inventors, researchers, and innovators from over 35 countries and regions, presenting more than 1,000 groundbreaking inventions under one roof.

This year’s exhibition has an extraordinary guest of honour — the European Space Agency (ESA) — inviting visitors to journey into the cosmos and discover how space technologies are transforming life on Earth.

Among the standout presentations is a Czech ESA Technology Broker project that has captured international attention. Awarded by ESA, this project is proudly featured at the exhibition and will be pitched live during the event. Special congratulations go to Mr. Svarovsky, Zdeněk Dvořák, and the team behind this pioneering work.

Spotlight on Innovation: The iCane

One of the most anticipated moments at the ESA stand is the live pitch of the iCane on Friday, April 11 at 10:00 AM (Stand C39) by Anna Ruščák, ESA TB and proud engineer of Czech space innovation.

Nicknamed “Eyes for Blind People,” the iCane leverages Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) technology — a photon detector capable of picosecond precision — to identify obstacles and measure distances with unprecedented accuracy. This system synchronizes with an atomic clock, bridging Earth and space time coordination to offer real-time support for the visually impaired. Accurate, affordable and life saving solution supported by ESA Spark Funding.

The iCane isn’t just a technical marvel — it’s a life-changing tool, making a tangible socioeconomic impact by empowering blind and visually impaired individuals with greater independence and confidence.

A Galaxy of Ideas and Encounters

The 50th edition of the exhibition is also a playground for minds young and old, offering interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and insightful presentations. Visitors had the chance to meet astronaut and Air Zero-G founder Jean-François Clervoy, who was promoting Omega, and attend visionary talks by ESA leaders like Luca del Monte, Matthew Edwards, Manuel Martin Neira, Florian Kreutz and Michele Andolfo, Giovanni Toso — with more to come throughout the event.

The German inventors of inflatable storage place and Croatian 3 D- Printed Elastic Lattice Structures further enrich the programme, featuring contributions from local universities, startups, SMEs, and national institutions, highlighting European’s legacy and future in innovation.

Join the Future – Today

The International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva is not just an event — it’s an experience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, investor, student, or industry expert, this event offers a front-row seat to the inventions that will shape tomorrow.

📍 Where: Palexpo, 73 Avenue de l’Etang, 1219 Genève, Switzerland
📅 When: April 9–13, 2025
🎤 Don’t Miss: iCane pitch by Anna at ESA Stand C39, Friday, April 11 at 10:00 AM

Visit us and join us on this interstellar journey and witness how space technology is creating ripple effects right here on Earth.

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AMPER 2025: A Look Back at Gold Amper and New Innovations in Electronics and Mobility

The AMPER 2025 exhibition, held from 18th March to 20th March at the Brno Exhibition Centre, was an exhilarating hub of innovation, showcasing advancements in electrical engineering, electronics, and renewable energy technologies in the region. As the ESA Technology Broker, we were on a quest for technologies with space heritage or innovative inventions applicable to space. One of the standout moments of AMPER 2025 was the highly competitive Gold Amper contest, where 22 exhibitors showcased their inventions across various fields, including automotive technology, drones, and more. Among the participants were talented inventors from the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany, reflecting a vibrant exchange of ideas and expertise. This year’s event was smaller, making it a greater challenge to discover inventions that could be useful for space applications. Nevertheless, the exhibition was bustling with new prototypes, many of which received the prestigious Golden Amper.

Moravian Cameras has a track record of delivering quality space cameras.

Celebrating the Gold Amper Winners 🏆

The Gold Amper Awards serve as a prestigious recognition of innovation in the fields of electronics and technology, celebrating both corporate entities and aspiring student inventors. The recent AMPER 2025 competition showcased a multitude of groundbreaking products and ideas, underlining the event’s commitment to excellence and creativity.

Golden AMPER has been rewarded to:

🏆BD SENSORS s.r.o. – awarded for their contributions to sensor technology, enhancing measurement accuracy in various applications.

🏆CEITEC – Central European Institute of Technology, VUT Brno -Recognized for significant research advancements in the field of electronics and technology at one of the leading tech institutes.

🏆Compleo – Honored for innovative solutions in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, promoting sustainable transport solutions.

🏆Fakulta elektrotechnická ZČU | RICE– Acknowledged for their compact electric drive technology designed for extreme conditions, showcasing advancements in electric mobility.

🏆ENIKA.CZ– Awarded for their smart home solutions, integrating modern technology into everyday life for improved energy management.

Big congratulations to all winners for their unique solutions.

Introducing the Student Category: The Student Golden Amper

This year’s competition saw the introduction of a new category specifically for student inventions—the Student Golden Amper. This addition highlights the importance of nurturing young talent within the technology sector, providing students with a platform to present their innovative ideas alongside established companies. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists.

Recognizing Innovation

The winning products in the Gold Amper competition were noteworthy for their potential to redefine industry standards. These inventions promise improvements in energy efficiency, safety, and technological integration across various sectors. The top students awardees included:

  • 1st Place: for the Mobile Robotic Platform with Independent Wheel Control, showcasing significant advancements in robotics designed for detecting the source of water or gas leakage at depths of up to 100 meters (see picture above).
  • 2nd Place: Kryštof Doležal for the Deltabot, which highlights innovative applications of automation (under).

In addition to the winners, numerous other noteworthy competitors presented remarkable solutions. Notable entries included:

  • LCT 307i RS 485 by BD SENSORS s.r.o., a combined sensor for enhanced monitoring.
  • Eberle s.r.o.: PQI-Dasmart, a new power quality analyzer capable of diagnosing electrical faults.
  • Compleo Charging Solutions GmbH: eTower 200, an intelligent charging station designed to maximize efficiency.
  • Dräger Safety s.r.o.: Dräger X-node, a wireless gas detection system enhancing industrial safety.
  • Omron Electronic Components Europe BV: OMRON G9KC, a high-power relay designed for demanding applications.
  • Rajapack s.r.o.: GrasiKraft paper, an innovative sustainable material made from grass, emphasizing environmental responsibility.

IQRF suprised with their well-though wireless Mesh solutions

A Diverse Array of Innovations

Other valuable entries included:

  • Multicar M25 EL, an electric drive vehicle by Aerovka, s.r.o., promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
  • Automatic PCB Board Inspection by Vision Systems, s.r.o., which improves manufacturing efficiency.

Diverse Innovations and Exhibition Highlights

Reflecting on my experiences at AMPER, I noticed a significant focus on electronic components and automotive technologies this year. The exhibition halls were packed with innovative displays from local and international companies, particularly in Hall F, which was dedicated to electronic components and modules. Key categories featured in the exhibition included:

  1. Electromobility: With growing concerns about the environment, the sector saw innovations from companies like Daimler Truck Czech Republic, showcasing models like the eEconic, and Tesla Czech Republic, presenting their groundbreaking vehicles such as the Cybertruck.
  2. Safety Equipment: Engaging demonstrations of innovative safety technologies were abundant, showcasing systems capable of detecting and adapting to emergency conditions.
  3. Smart City Solutions: The appeal of smart city innovations was evident throughout the exhibition, with companies unveiling system designs that promise to enhance urban life through improved connectivity and energy management.
  4. Drones and Robotics: The increasing relevance of drones and automation technologies was highlighted at stands such as DronPro, which presented autonomous solutions for industrial applications.

Exhibitors from Central Europe

A substantial portion of the exhibitors hailed from the Czech Republic, complemented by notable participants from Poland, Germany, and Italy, making it a truly international affair. Czech innovations were particularly impressive, reflecting the region’s commitment to technology and sustainability.

For instance, leading companies such as Dräger Safety presented their robotic systems, which enhance operational safety in hazardous environments. Moreover, projects from local universities and start-ups showcased cutting-edge research and innovations targeted at shaping future industries.

Future Prospects

Overall, while AMPER 2025 was indeed smaller than past iterations, it was abundant in innovation and collaboration. The gathering of diverse talents and forward-thinking companies provided a promising outlook on how technology, particularly in the realm of electronics, will continue to shape our lives, addressing both current challenges and future needs. The Gold Amper awards epitomized this spirit of innovation and fostered a community dedicated to excellence in the fields of electronics and electrical engineering.

Importantly, the contributions of present companies to organizations like ESA, NASA, and SpaceX underscore the critical role that electronics play in the space sector. As we look to the future, the insights and experiences gained from AMPER 2025 will undoubtedly inspire further advancements at the intersection of electronics, sustainability, smart technologies, and space exploration.

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Insights from Space for Microelectronics Meeting

Horizontal picture of young professional electronic engineer fixing laptop, making gesture, looking aside, using equipment and electronic elements on working table. Copyspace for advertisement.

Today we hosted an exclusive meeting focused on microelectronics, specifically aimed at microelectronic companies that have limited or no collaboration with space agencies. The meeting served as a platform for these companies to explore possible partnerships and funding opportunities with ESA. Curious? Kindly fill our this form and we will come back to you soon.

Collaborative Opportunities

Using our analytics tool, Astrolab, our analytics identified potential microelectronics candidates for collaboration with ESA. We invited a diverse group of companies to learn about the various ESA and American offer available, which include:

  • ESA Spark Funding
  • ESA BIC
  • ESA BASS and InCubed
  • Direct project collaboration through ESA Star
  • the U.S. market opportunities in microelectronics:
    • how to get to NASA and
    • how to get to private American space market.

Guest Speakers and Key Insights

The meeting featured three informative speakers who shared their insights on working with ESA and the microelectronics sector.

  1. Marek Šimčák from BD Sensors s.r.o. emphasized the importance of transparency and communication with ESA. He noted that while projects usually span from one to six years, patience and diligent communication are crucial for success. Marek also pointed out that despite potential delays, the rewards for hard work can be significant.
  2. Ivan Hruška from egsespace s.r.o. discussed pathways for electronics companies to engage with ESA, sharing his experiences from various programs such as GSTP and others. He highlighted both the advantages and challenges of collaboration with ESA, providing a balanced view for attendees.
  3. Antonio Riviera from STMicroelectronics, one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies, strategically addressing Space for several decades, among the targeted market fields, discussed the long-standing benefits of collaboration with ESA.

Participant Engagement

Throughout the event, we had around 20+ companies in attendance, most of whom have little to no experience working with ESA but are focused on the microelectronics sector. We aimed to equip them with knowledge about available grants and provide an overview of the U.S. market opportunities in microelectronics.

Next Steps

The meeting concluded with plans for follow-up sessions, where participants can dive deeper into technology needs in Europe and discover more about potential collaborations. Kindly fill our this form and we will come back to you soon.

In summary, today’s meeting highlighted both the challenges and the exciting opportunities available for microelectronics companies willing to engage with ESA. We hope to foster a dynamic relationship between these companies and ESA, paving the way for innovation and growth in the microelectronics sector.

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Czechia’s Medical Sector: Unlocking Space Collaboration

Czechia’s healthcare market has shown impressive growth, with an estimated annual increase of 7% in recent years, reflecting rising domestic and international demand for high-quality medical products. The country is home to numerous leading medical technology companies and boasts a strong network of universities and research institutions that drive innovation.

Czechia’s healthcare market has shown impressive growth, with an estimated annual increase of 7% in recent years, reflecting rising domestic and international demand for high-quality medical products. The country is home to numerous leading medical technology companies and boasts a strong network of universities and research institutions that drive innovation. Over the past few decades, advancements in medical technology and the increasing demand for high-quality healthcare solutions have paved the way for significant opportunities. Yet, there remains a vast expanse of untapped potential waiting to be explored as we look to the future.

For Czech medical device and pharmaceutical companies, harnessing the power of space technology could be key. By actively engaging with international space initiatives and organizations like ESA, NASA, and JAXA, these companies can leverage space-based innovations to enhance their offerings and tackle pressing health challenges on Earth.

We invite you to join us for an enlightening online meeting, Space for Medicine, on March 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This event is designed to spotlight the intersection of the medical sector and space exploration, unveiling strategies for unlocking transformative opportunities.

🗓 Date: March 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 – 10:45 AM
🌐 Registration: Sign Up Here!

Why Attend?
This distinctive event will feature insights from ESA Technology Brokers, Anna and Ondřej, who will guide participants through the dynamic relationship between the medical sector and space applications. Engaging in this event will provide invaluable perspectives for organizations aiming to expand their reach. By attending, you will gain access to:

✅ Concrete Opportunities: Discover specific applications of medical technologies in space missions and how these innovations can be utilized back on Earth.

✅ Real-Life Experiences: Learn from medical companies that have successfully partnered with ESA. External speakers will share their stories, challenges, and achievements, offering insights for those interested in pursuing similar paths.

✅ Understand ESA Support and Grants: Receive a detailed overview of financial support opportunities offered by the European Space Agency tailored for the medical sector.

✅ Introduction to ESA Spark Funding: Explore the ESA Spark Funding program, aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing the necessary financial backing for innovative health-related projects in space and beyond.

To ensure a smooth and engaging experience, please log in a few minutes early. The meeting will primarily be conducted in Czech; however, some external speakers may present in English.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, broaden your knowledge, and explore collaborative endeavors that can elevate your company to new heights.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Space for Medicine meeting, where innovation meets opportunity!

Sign up today and be part of the future of the medical sector in space.

Join us on March 12th and pave the way for new possibilities in healthcare!

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Space for Nano

Join us for Space for Nano – an online event organized by ESA Technology Broker, on January 15th at 10:00 am on MS Teams.

Registration is here.

The Czech Republic is a global leader in nanotechnology. Particularly in the production of nanofibers, nano membranes, air and water purifiers. Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from electronics, medicine and research to energy.

We invite you to join our online meeting with ESA Technology Brokers, who will present opportunities for cooperation between space sector and nanotechnology sector.

This webinar will focus on:

✅ The possibilities of utilizing nanotechnology in the space sector and vice versa

✅ Insights from nano companies, sharing their experiences with ESA grants and programs (external speakers)

✅ Overview of the European Space Agency’s support for innovation and technological cooperation

✅ Introduction to the ESA Spark Funding programme

Questions? Concerns? Contact us on ruscak@tc.cz or simek@tc.cz.

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AI Powered software enabling engineering simulations to be more realistic while decreasing the product development time

The software tool implements realistic conditions into a simulation software, and thus provides a unique insight into the design process, makes the design more reliable and reduces development time. This start-up company provides consultancy in probabilistic modeling, AI, optimization and statistical insight.