ESA Technology Broker Czechia participated in the Academia & Industry in Space Projects III workshop in Brno, organised by the Czech Space Alliance and the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences. All presentations are available here.

The programme brought together universities, research institutes and companies working on space missions, scientific instrumentation, advanced materials, optics, plasma technologies and aerospace engineering. For ESA Technology Broker Czechia, the event was especially useful because many of the presented topics had a clear connection to technology transfer: highly specialised research capabilities that can be applied not only in space, but also in industrial and terrestrial applications.

A strong part of the workshop was dedicated to concrete Czech involvement in current and future space missions. One of the most practical examples was the presentation by Jan Souček from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, who introduced work on a Fibre Switching Actuator Unit for the LISA mission.

LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, is ESA’s future space-based gravitational-wave observatory. The Czech contribution is linked to the Fibre Switching Unit, which enables switching to backup laser systems in the mission’s optical architecture. This is a clear example of Czech research contributing to a demanding ESA mission through precision mechanisms and optical technologies.

Another important mission-oriented topic was QUVIK, presented by Norbert Werner from Masaryk University. QUVIK, the Quick Ultra-Violet Kilonovae Surveyor, is planned as the first Czech space telescope. Its scientific goal is to observe short-lived ultraviolet signals, including kilonovae following neutron-star mergers. Masaryk University leads the scientific part of the mission, while the project is led by the Czech Aerospace Research Centre, with partners including TOPTEC and PEKASAT.

The programme also included M-MATISSE, presented by David Píša from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the CAS. M-MATISSE is an ESA Medium-class M7 candidate mission focused on the Martian magnetosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere and space-weather environment. The mission is currently in ESA Phase A study and is designed to improve understanding of how the solar wind interacts with Mars. For Czech research teams, this type of mission creates opportunities in plasma physics, data analysis, instrumentation and planetary exploration.

Several presentations focused on future mission concepts and enabling technologies. Timo Prusti from Masaryk University presented GaiaNIR, a future near-infrared astrometry concept building on the scientific legacy of ESA’s Gaia mission. Benedikt Bergmann from Czech Technical University introduced EXPO, a proposed M-class mission concept, and also presented RADECS 2026, an international conference on radiation effects on components and systems. RADECS is highly relevant for space electronics, radiation monitoring, dosimetry, testing and reliability of components operating in harsh environments.

The workshop did not focus only on missions. It also presented technologies that are directly useful for industry. The programme included high-resolution UV spectroscopy for future space missions by Tereza Šerábková from Masaryk University, hyperspectral cameras for atmospheric plasma observation by Martin Ferus from the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, and high-enthalpy plasma spraying for functional coatings by Tomáš Tesař from the Institute of Plasma Physics of the CAS. These topics are relevant not only for space science, but also for advanced manufacturing, surface treatment, materials testing, environmental monitoring and industrial diagnostics.

The afternoon programme at the Institute of Scientific Instruments showed further practical capabilities: thermal radiative properties of space materials at cryogenic temperatures with Tomáš Králík, thermal conductivity measurements at cryogenic temperatures with Jiří Frolec, electron beam welding and vacuum brazing with Libor Dupák, femtosecond laser micromachining and spectroscopy system development with Lukáš Šilhan, and coherence optics with Jan Hrabina. These are exactly the kinds of capabilities that can support both space hardware development and non-space industrial applications.

The industry part of the programme also showed the breadth of Czech space companies. Short presentations were given by representatives of World from Space, Spacemanic, Frentech, 5M, BD Sensors, OHB Czechspace, esc Aerospace, Stratosyst and CHASM. The presence of these companies made the event useful not only as a research workshop, but also as a meeting point for possible project partners, suppliers and technology users.

As part of the programme, ESA Technology Broker Czechia from Technology Centre Prague presented examples of academic involvement in pilot projects focused on space-terrestrial technology transfer. The presentation introduced the broker role of and highlighted how academic results can be connected with companies looking for new technical solutions, and how terrestrial technologies can also find their way into space applications.

For ESA Technology Broker Czechia, the main value of the workshop was practical: it helped identify technologies, teams and capabilities that could be developed into future cooperation. Precision optics, laser systems, cryogenic measurements, radiation testing, plasma technologies, advanced coatings, UV spectroscopy, optical communication and aerospace engineering all have strong potential for technology transfer.

The workshop confirmed that Czechia has a growing base of academic and industrial expertise relevant to space. More importantly, it showed that many of these capabilities are ready to be discussed in practical terms: as mission contributions, testing services, engineering know-how, industrial applications or pilot projects.

We would like to thank the Czech Space Alliance and the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences for organising the workshop and for creating a useful meeting place for Czech academia, research organisations and industry.

Due to strong interest in our previous workshop, ESA Technology Broker Czechia is preparing another online training session focused on ESA Star registration for new suppliers. This practical session is designed to help Czech companies understand the registration process, avoid common mistakes, and solve basic technical issues connected with ESA Star.

The training is especially useful for companies that are new to ESA procedures, procurement and tendering, as well as for those that have already started the registration process but got stuck at some point. The aim is to make the process easier, clearer and less stressful for first-time applicants.

Participants will learn the easiest path for first-time suppliers. The workshop materials explain that companies should usually begin with Light registration, then use ESA tools to find open opportunities, look for partners, and move to Full registration only when needed. This gives new suppliers a practical and manageable way to enter the ESA ecosystem.

The session will also cover the most common issues that applicants face during registration. These include choosing “Start” instead of “Resume” for a new registration, checking whether the company is already listed in the ESA Entities Directory, completing the nationality questionnaire, and using a supported browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge Chromium. The workshop also explains what to do if ESA sends the questionnaire back for corrections.

Participants will receive practical guidance on what information needs to be prepared in advance and which sections are required for Light registration, including entity details, locations, nationality questionnaire, entity type, and financial and staff basics. A useful tip from the materials is to use a generic company email address, for example info@company.com, during registration.

The training will take place online on 26 May, from 10:00 to 10:45. Participation is free of charge. You can register here: https://geform.tc.cz/ESA

On 9–10 April 2026, ESA Technology Broker Czechia and Technology Centre Prague took part in the XIV Workshop on Passive Components and Sensors in Jičín, hosted by HYDRA Jičín in cooperation with the European Passive Components Institute (EPCI). We gave a presentation, engaged in in-depth technical discussions with participants, and used the workshop to identify both technology needs and technology descriptions from non-space companies that may be relevant for future space applications or for space-enabled technology transfer. The event brought together an exceptionally strong mix of companies, research organisations and technology stakeholders from across the Czech innovation ecosystem, with more than 40 participants listed in the workshop materials and broad representation from industry, academia and R&D institutions.

The workshop created a highly valuable environment for discussing space technology transfer, advanced electronics, sensors, passive components, and emerging industrial applications. For ESA Technology Broker Czechia, the event was especially important because it helped identify terrestrial technologies with strong potential for future space applications. Among the most promising examples discussed was two-photon 3D nano printing, presented by IQS Nano as a technology capable of producing highly precise 3D microstructures with sub-micrometre detail, including directly on chips and components. The workshop materials describe this as a technology with application potential in passive components, sensors and photonic systems, making it highly relevant for future space-related use cases.

At the same time, the discussions also worked in the opposite direction: they helped uncover technology needs from industry that could potentially be solved through space-derived solutions. This included needs identified through exchanges with HYDRA and other participants from the electronics and sensor ecosystem. The workshop therefore served not only as a platform for showcasing innovation, but also as a practical matchmaking space between industrial demand and space-enabled technologies.

Another key outcome of the event was the opportunity to present what ESA Technology Broker Czechia can offer to Czech SMEs and researchers. Participation in Jičín made it possible to introduce the role of the brokerage mechanism in supporting technology transfer, commercialisation, and the connection of Czech innovators with opportunities linked to the European Space Agency. This was particularly relevant in a setting where companies and research teams were actively sharing current challenges, development priorities and future application directions.

The 2026 edition also stood out because of the very strong participation of companies and organisations. Overall, the workshop confirmed that cross-disciplinary meetings of this kind are essential for identifying new pathways where electronics, sensors, passive components, photonics, and advanced manufacturing technologies can intersect with the space sector. For ESA Technology Broker Czechia, it was a valuable opportunity to strengthen links with Czech industrial and research partners, gather concrete technology needs from the field, and explore high-potential innovations — including 3D nano printing — that may one day be applied in space.

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.

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.

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!

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: 8^th 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

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.