Line-up delivering space challenges for Tech Needs Discovery #2: Register to take part in matchmaking

Author: Carmel McNamara

The Tech Needs Discovery #2 event on 5 June will see key space players connected with innovators from other industries to address technical challenges together. We are now pleased to introduce the full line-up of presenters. At the event, you’ll hear deep-dive talks from representatives of the European Space Agency (ESA), 4 Earth 2 Mars, LioniX International and Spherical Systems. The ESA Technology Broker NL will be on hand to guide the process of matching the perfect connection between certain non-space and space delegates. To be in with a chance of establishing new collaborations that could lead to long-term projects in space, register now to take part!

Opportunities for existing innovations to find applications in space

The Tech Needs Discovery event series once again partners with Holland High Tech and Hi Delta with a goal to create valuable cross-industry connections between space and non-space companies. Get ready to explore technology needs and solutions through direct interaction and matchmaking guided by the broker contacts, Jacobo Domingo and Raoul Voeten, who will be moderating the proceedings. Jacobo is enthusiastic about the event: “This time around we are shining the spotlight upon space, on stage, so that speakers can showcase their needs. The overall goal is to establish collaborations cross-industry and establishing long-term projects.”

Line-up of space companies ready to share challenges

The presentations at the event will be given by these space companies:

• European Space Agency – Swarnajyoti Mukherjee, commercialisation officer
• 4 Earth 2 Mars – Omid Hajishirmohammadi, founder and CEO
• LioniX International – Robert Grootjans, key account manager
• Spherical Systems – Cenan Al-Ekabi, operations manager

We caught up with some of the speakers in advance of them taking to the stage on Thursday.

ESA

“Joining this broker event aligns perfectly with my ESA commercialisation officer role, driven by my enthusiasm for bridging space and terrestrial innovations. What particularly interest me is the opportunity to directly interact with diverse innovators, uncovering technologies and creative solutions that can significantly impact future space missions and applications,” Swarnajyoti explains. “I am particularly excited about seeing new ideas and approaches from businesses that haven’t previously considered the space sector. These fresh insights often lead to innovative breakthroughs, benefiting both the space industry and the broader European economy.”

He goes on to emphasise his interest to put European markets in focus. “Involving non-space businesses expands the market, attracting new stakeholders, investments and partnerships. From a strategic viewpoint, leveraging non-space expertise helps European companies maintain a competitive edge globally by accelerating innovation cycles and enhancing product performance. It ensures that Europe can compete effectively in rapidly evolving international markets and meet increasing global demand for high-quality, cost-efficient space technologies and services. Ultimately, integrating non-space companies into the space sector is key to driving sustainable growth, competitiveness, and resilience in Europe’s evolving technology landscape.”

4 Earth 2 Mars

“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 comments. “We see this as the right platform to bring disruptive initiatives, such as: our Circular Architecture Techniques (CATs&DOG) – for modular and adaptive construction, reducing waste and increasing efficiency; and the Analogue BlueMoon Circular Village initiative – dedicated to creating scalable, affordable and sustainable housing solutions.”

He continues: “We’ve validated key needs and now seek to solve challenges – we hope to hear from innovators in tourism, accommodation, construction, space and local government who are ready to co-create next steps.”

LioniX International

About his involvement in the event, Robert says: “Becoming more connected to the space industry, for both supplying photonics-based payloads and potential outsourcing space-related expertise, is of great interest to us.” Sharing the technical challenges of LioniX will create awareness of potential photonics solutions. “We are particularly seeking new connections relating to innovative non-space technologies that can be used for space-grade packaging and electronics,” he continues.

What is the space industry looking for?

Of the contacts ESA is seeking to make, Swarnajyoti says: “From a broader market perspective, I’m particularly interested in connecting with innovators from sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, materials science, robotics, biotech, artificial intelligence and any industry that can bring value to the space industry. These industries offer substantial opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and have the potential to strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness.”

Omid explains the specific areas that 4 Earth 2 Mars is seeking new connections: “Critical sectors include advanced manufacturing, materials science, structural engineering and energy systems. I’m also interested in seeking out visionary players in housing, infrastructure and systems-thinking for off-grid habitats on the Earth and the Moon.”

If you wish to be in the audience to be matched with space companies, don’t hesitate to register for TND #2 >>

Schedule for the event:

13:00  Walk-in & network lunch
14:00  Welcome
14:15  Deep-dive talks
15:20  Break
15:45  Matchmaking
16:45  Networking
18:00  End

Successful matches for cutting-edge solutions

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 starts with on-stage talks where space companies will share deep dives into their tech needs and challenges, guided by the experts from the broker and partners. This will be followed by non-space innovators participating in live brokering, with an on-the-spot matchmaking session allowing them and the tech need owners to engage. Join us on 5 June at SBIC Noordwijk. A networking lunch, deep-dive talks and focused matchmaking are all part of the programme. Here are just some reasons why you should attend:

Discover innovation challenges from space
Grab the opportunity to bring your tech to a new domain
Expand your network and explore exciting opportunities
Welcome new connections that could lead to fruitful partnerships.

Be sure to register your place without delay as spots are limited

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