Author: Carmel McNamara
The ESA Technology Broker NL’s event series stepped up a gear at the second event of Tech Needs Discovery (TND) on 5 June. The challenges set out in the deep-dive talks on stage by the space companies made for a stimulating session and engaging discussions ensued. The presenters from the European Space Agency (ESA), 4 Earth 2 Mars, LioniX International and Spherical Systems connected with innovators from other industries to address the technical challenges. Multiple perspectives provided unique responses and resulted in the best matchmaking session yet!
The success of the event was also thanks to the excellent brokering skills of Jacobo Domingo and Raoul Voeten, who are the Dutch broker contacts. While they will guide further connections post-event and follow-up success stories, they are already busy planning TND #3! Register now for the next event on 25 September.
Facilitating the transfer of terrestrial innovations into space
The unique TND event series, initiated by the Dutch broker earlier this year and in collaboration with NSO, Holland High Tech and Hi Delta, is an in-person manifestation of the wider role of the ESA Technology Broker network. The series’ launch – which coincides with ESA celebrating 35 years of Technology Transfer in 2025 – allows for regular events that support the broker’s crucial role in bridging the gap between space technology and various industries. It is hoped that the outcome of TND #2 will help solve industrial challenges of space ventures and facilitate the transfer of terrestrial innovations into space.
Each year, ESA’s cutting-edge technologies developed for space missions find new applications on Earth, benefitting daily life. The Dutch broker’s website is a platform for showcasing the available technologies portfolio, highlighting innovations across the Netherlands that are ready-and-waiting for new applications.
The success of TND #2 highlights that Earth innovations can take steps to breaking the final frontier and we hope, one day, will find their way into space.
Dialogue initiated: new space and non-space collaborations incoming
On 5 June at SBIC Noordwijk, it was space companies presenting their technical challenges on stage. The audience of innovators from non-space businesses were on hand to offer fresh solutions. The event certainly sparked discussions and the beginnings of practical collaborations – all exploring how technologies from outside the space domain can support innovation within it.
EXTRACT OF NL SPACE CAMPUS’ TND #2 REPORT
To get a feel for the atmosphere of the event, see the photos on the NL Space Campus website. The report states: “Each of the speakers shared specific needs that reflect wider trends in the sector, from advanced engineering to cross-sector technology transfer. Key topics included high-performance applications, additive manufacturing, thermal management, embedded systems, modular robotics, digital platforms and space qualification of hardware.” The audience heard from:
- ESA’s Swarnajyoti Mukherjee (commercialisation officer) highlighted the need for high-performance technologies, ways to bridge terrestrial innovation with orbital applications, and new approaches for cross-sector collaboration.
- 4 Earth 2 Mars’ Omid Hajishirmohammadi (founder and CEO) shared challenges related to off-grid construction using additive manufacturing, modular robotics for on-site assembly and structural engineering concepts for geodesic shell systems designed for space environments.
- LioniX International’s Robert Grootjans (key account manager) is developing sensor modules intended for in-orbit operation and is seeking partners for space-grade packaging and electronics, as well as and space qualification processes.
- Spherical Systems’ Cenan Al-Ekabi (operations manager) presented challenges in thermal management, simulation tools for accelerating engineering design and the evolution of embedded software systems to meet the complex demands of space missions.
You do not need to be active in the space sector to have something valuable to offer. Companies working in smart systems, additive manufacturing, precision engineering, agriculture, energy suppliers, software, materials science and mobility are especially relevant.
Click photo above to view gallery
Cross-sector technology transfer
This second edition of TND reflected on the possibilities of advancing technological collaborations. As the event series has progressed, so has the sense of excitement with more opportunities for fruitful discussions during the matchmaking session. The eagerness of the delegates to wait patiently for 1-on-1 meetings with the space speakers allowed for multiple exchanges between the non-space representatives.
Jacobo commented: “I was extremely pleased with the number of attendees and the growing interest in the format. What stood out to me was how participants from such different backgrounds were all excited about contributing to one shared goal – space. This enabled us to look at challenges from multiple angles. The setup became more efficient, and I believe it will lead to better-quality matches.”
This event proved to be the springboard for new ideas and approaches from businesses that haven’t previously considered the space sector. Specific challenges from the European market and ESA were discussed in the first presentation for exploring innovative solutions from non-space sectors. “Fresh insights often lead to innovative breakthroughs, benefitting both the space industry and the broader European economy,” Swarnajyoti (ESA) explained. “If your venture is in robotics, software, advanced manufacturing, or any other relevant area that could add value to the space industry, this event series provides an excellent opportunity to identify spin-in opportunities and foster new collaborations.”
The other presenters were equally enthusiastic. “Our mission aligns closely with the goals of ESA Technology Broker NL and the foundation being built through the Tech Needs Discovery series – to enable cross-sector, cross-border collaboration,” Omid (4 Earth 2 Mars) commented. “We see this as the right platform to bring disruptive initiatives, such as: our Circular Architecture Techniques for modular and adaptive construction, reducing waste and increasing efficiency; and our project to create scalable, affordable and sustainable housing solutions.”
Space ventures manage challenges with non-space expertise
Space companies may already be looking outside the space sector, for instance, to optimise processes. Cenan (Spherical) shared some insights: “Even though we’re building for space, we’re developing like any other tech company, so tools and solutions from other domains can make a big difference – such as finding ways to manage challenges like thermal control or data-heavy simulations.”
For LioniX, the company produces customised modules based on silicon nitrite, for all kinds of application areas – with space being one of them and along with other non-space areas. “We do already have some cross-sector expertise, which means we know how beneficial it is to look somewhere else for an answer rather than just in your own sector,” Robert noted. “For us, the goal is to become more connected to the space industry, for both supplying photonics-based payloads and potential outsourcing space-related expertise.” Now, having created awareness of potential photonics solutions it will be interesting to see whether non-space technologies that can be used for space-grade packaging and electronics will come from the connections made at the event.
With the momentum of this month’s event, along with the matches made during TND #1 in March, the broker contacts are on hand for further connections and introductions, which is an important part of this event series. Concrete success stories can take a while to come to fruition – the important thing is that dialogue has been initiated. The post-event TND #2 recap of the ESA speaker (previously shared here) includes the following key takeaways:
1️⃣ Spin-in for the win: Why reinvent the wheel in orbit when Europe’s #DeepTech labs have already built a smoother one?
2️⃣ Cross-pollination magic: Photonics, materials, manufacturing, biotech, clean-energy, artificial intelligence – mix them up and voilà, faster time-to-orbit.
3️⃣ Investor alert: More spin-ins = fewer development hiccups = happier bank accounts!
“Participants from such different backgrounds were all excited about contributing to one shared goal – space”
Jacobo Domingo, main broker contact
Join the next event focusing on industry-wide challenges
The technology broker of the European Space Agency (ESA) for the Netherlands is a programme that is jointly managed by Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk and NL Space Campus, working closely with the Netherlands Space Office. The free event series includes on-stage talks for sharing technical needs and challenges, guided by the experts from the broker and partners.
The theme of the next event on 25 September is Industry Challenges. It will focus on curating cross-industry connections to enable key technology transfers, showcasing the value of interacting with the space sector. Through engaging discussions, the different technology needs will be presented to an audience of innovators and solution providers, followed by matchmaking sessions.
“For the third edition, we are raising the stakes to their highest level yet! We want to look not just at company challenges but at industry-level ones.” Jacobo explains. “There will be panel discussions on-stage with stakeholders from different industries, including AgriFood, Energy, High Tech and Logistics, facilitated by the ESA Technology Broker. An audience of space innovators will have the opportunity to be inspired by these challenges and explore how can we, as a sector, create cross-industry impact and value.”
Join us SBIC Noordwijk for a networking lunch, industry-level challenges and focused matchmaking. Here are just some reasons why you should attend:
Discover innovation challenges
Investigate bringing your tech to a new domain
Expand your network and explore exciting opportunities
Welcome new connections that could lead to fruitful partnerships.
About the broker: The ESA Technology Broker for the Netherlands – jointly operated by the Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk and NL Space Campus – facilitates technology transfer solutions across key focus sectors: Agri-Food, Energy, Logistics and High Tech. The broker drives innovation by identifying partnership opportunities and leveraging tech roadmaps. The goal is to address high socio-economic challenges through Dutch advancements and beyond. It works closely with European Space Agency and the Netherlands Space Office. esa-technology-broker.nl