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 a strategic journey to enhance Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies through its FutureNAV initiative, the participation of stakeholders, including ESA Technology Broker Czechia, in key events like the FutureNAV Industry Day 2025 becomes paramount.

The Significance of FutureNAV Industry Day 2025

Scheduled for 18 February 2025, the FutureNAV Industry Day serves as a premier networking and knowledge-sharing platform, bringing together key players in the PNT and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) sectors. The event aims to highlight emerging opportunities, discuss innovative concepts and technologies, and establish collaborations among industry representatives, researchers, and ESA officials.

ESA’s Commitment to Innovation

ESA holds a pivotal role in the satellite navigation domain, providing vital systems management, such as the Galileo and EGNOS systems. The agency has launched the FutureNAV program to respond to the evolving market dynamics and challenges presented by new technological advancements. By consolidating initiatives like LEO-PNT, aimed at low Earth orbit navigational satellites, and the Genesis mission, which integrates diverse geodetic techniques into a single satellite, ESA is positioning Europe at the forefront of satellite navigation innovation.

At the FutureNAV Industry Day, ESA will unveil plans regarding these programs, including potential opportunities for European industry stakeholders. Participants will have exclusive access to ESA’s roadmap and R&D priorities, aimed at fostering greater collaboration and technological advancement.

Czech Participation: A Model of Innovation and Collaboration

ESA Technology Broker CZ, acting as a crucial link for Czech enterprises, plays an instrumental role in facilitating the involvement of local companies in ESA initiatives. The recent participation of Czech companies at the FutureNAV Industry Day signifies the strong potential for collaboration in satellite-based technologies, especially for ground receiving stations.

Networking with Industry Leaders

Czech firms, particularly those specializing in ground station technologies, have much to gain from engaging with leading voices in the European satellite navigation sector. The event will provide invaluable networking opportunities with industry heavyweights and ESA experts, which is essential for fostering innovation and practicality in technology design and implementation.

ESA Technology Broker CZ’s proactive involvement ensures that Czech firms can identify technological intersections with ESA’s portfolio, mapping out pathways for collaboration and participation in future projects.

Strategic Focus Areas and Future Engagement

ESA Technology Broker CZ is keen on monitoring upcoming activities from ESA, signaling a dedicated focus on tracking relevant technology trends and R&D priorities. By identifying areas of synergy between its portfolio and ESA initiatives, the Technology Broker is well-positioned to assist Czech companies in engaging with ESA’s FutureNAV program.

Several critical areas warrant attention:

1. LEO-PNT Industrialisation: Insights into European production capabilities for payload building blocks will drive the future of low Earth orbit navigational systems.
2. In-Orbit Demonstrations: ESA’s focus on in-orbit validation of innovative technologies will necessitate collaboration with tech providers in Czechia.
3. Research and Development: Continuous R&D is vital for the evolution of PNT technologies and their applications in various sectors.

Conclusion

The FutureNAV Industry Day 2025 promises to be a pivotal event that will shape the trajectory of satellite navigation in Europe. ESA Technology Broker CZ’s commitment to integrating Czech innovation within European space initiatives highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in advancing PNT technologies. By engaging with ESA and exploring mutual interests, Czech companies stand to leverage opportunities that not only enhance their technological capabilities but also contribute significantly to the broader framework of satellite navigation and communications across Europe.

As we approach the day of the event, anticipation mounts for the collaborative ventures that will arise from these gatherings, signaling a bright future for satellite navigation technologies driven by ingenuity and partnership.

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 5^th.

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 5^th.

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.

Could space technologies contribute to city development? The first Space 4 Cities event was an opportunity to discuss such opportunities. Co-hosted by the TC CAS and the Ministry of Transportation, Czech Republic and ESA, 70 city and region representatives attended a series of space technology presentations.

Apart from ESA representatives, the presentations were held by speakers from the Ministry of Transportation, Czech Republic, CzechInvest agency, TC CAS and Czech Technical University in Prague, as well as by the private sector representatives. The presentations focused on proven space to ground applications, such as satellite data for city monitoring and development (GISAT), analysis of local climate for green and effective buildings (Let’s Earth), satellite tools for sustainable cities (World from Space), applications of drones for smart cities (Aleego).