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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 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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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.

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Czech Companies – Join the ESA Spark Funding Webinar, 9 Sept!

Czech Companies – Join the ESA Spark Funding Webinar, 9 Sept, 10:00–11:30! Dear Czech Companies, We warmly invite you to a free webinar about ESA Spark Funding, where you will learn how to successfully apply for European Space Agency Spark Funding (75000 EUR). ESA Spark Funding helps companies adapt space technologies

Dear Czech Companies,

We warmly invite you to a free webinar about ESA Spark Funding, where you will learn how to successfully apply for European Space Agency Spark Funding (75000 EUR). ESA Spark Funding helps companies adapt non-space technologies for space applications (and vice versa) by providing targeted financial support to accelerate innovation and technology transfer.

During the webinar, you will find out:

  • Who is eligible for ESA Spark funding
  • What the funding can be used for
  • What the application deadlines are
  • How to write a strong proposal
  • How to present and defend your pitch successfully.

Both the ESA Technology Broker in the Czech Republic and in Austria will be joining forces to guide you through the process.

📅 Date: 9th September (Tuesday)
🕙 Time: 10:00–11:30
📍 Platform: Zoom
🔗 Register here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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ESA Funding Opportunity: Czechs Invited to Apply for up to €300,000 – Join Free Webinar on July 8

The European Space Agency (ESA) Phi-Lab Austria invites Czech companies, and universities to join a free online webinar to learn how to apply for grant funding up to €300,000 per project.

This is a unique opportunity for Czech innovators for development, testing, validation, or scaling of space Czech hardware or software technologies and collaborate with Austrian partners and users.

Webinar Details

Topic: ESA Phi-Lab Austria – “Industrialisation by Design” Funding Call
Date: 8th July 2025 (Tuesday) at 10:00–11:30
Platform: online
Language: English
Participation: Free and open to all eligible Czech companies and organizations

Kindly register here: https://esaphilab.at/events/esa-phi-lab-austria-open-call-webinar-2025.

Why Should Czech Companies Join the Webinar?

  • Learn how to apply for ESA funding
  • Ask your specific questions live to the ESA Phi-Lab Austria team
  • Understand what makes a competitive proposal
  • Explore collaboration opportunities with Austrian partners on the call
  • Get inspired to join Europe’s growing space innovation ecosystem.

Don’t Miss This Chance!

ESA Phi-Lab Austria’s funding is a powerful tool to bring Czech and European innovation closer to the European space market. Whether you’re a small tech startup or an established company, this is a real opportunity to grow your ideas—with the support of ESA and Austrian partners.

Join the webinar on July 8 and learn how to take your innovation to orbit!

More Information

Kindly reach out to the ESA Phi-Lab Austria team directly:
esaphilab@accent.at

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Last Chance Before Summer: Join the PNT Workshop on June 26th, 9:00–10:30 AM

The Ministry of Transport, together with the European Space Agency Technology Broker and Technology Centre Prague, warmly invite you to the final PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) Workshop of the season, taking place online on June 26th from 9:00 to 10:30 AM.

This session is your last opportunity before summer to explore new PNT technologies and discover funding opportunities under the ESA NAVISP program — designed to support innovative PNT solutions.

What’s on the agenda?

Building on the success of previous sessions, including the April 15th kick-off workshop and the recent session welcoming over 30 potential new PNT users, this workshop will feature:

  • 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, products and industrial applications

Practical Details

📅 Date: 26 June 2025
🕘 Time: 09:00–10:30
🌐 Format: Online
🗣️ Language: Czech
👥 Organized by: Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic & ESA Technology Broker & Technology Centre Prague
📌 Registration: http://geform.tc.cz/ESA_PNT_Workshop

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is highly practical and tailored for professionals across key sectors:

  • 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.

Whether you’re developing new PNT products or looking to integrate advanced navigation, timing, or positioning technologies, this workshop will provide actionable insights and connections.

Why PNT Matters

PNT technology is critical to our modern digital society. It underpins everything from mobile networks and financial transactions to autonomous vehicles and space missions. The increasing reliance on PNT means disruptions could cost billions of euros daily across industries such as transport, finance, and emergency services.

Emerging technologies like multi-constellation GNSS, machine learning, and quantum computing open exciting avenues for innovation — increasing the robustness, precision, and availability of PNT solutions and enabling new, value-added services.

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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.

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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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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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Space For Cities

Space For Cities leaflet

The online workshop will present the use of space technologies for solutions making urban life more efficient. Such applications of space technologies in the “non-space” sector can be supported with € 60,000 by ESA Spark Funding, which will be a subject of the workshop as well. We will leave room for questions and discussion over specific applications at the end.

The online workshop will take place on June 13, 2023 from 9am – 11.30am CET.  

Register here (link for the workshop will be sent shortly before the event).

Space For Cities