Space Commercialisation Engine Formally Launched at Space Park Leicester Event
Getting New Earth Observation Ideas to Market
13th October, Leicester, UK – The Satellite Applications Catapult is celebrating their presence in the East Midlands today by hosting a prestigious launch event at the new Space Park Leicester. This hybrid event is promoting the new Catapult commercial service at the park. The occasion brings together leaders in academia and industry, giving them the opportunity to collaborate and discuss innovation in the sector.
The primary focus of proceedings will be on the newly launched Space Commercialisation Engine. Administered by the Catapult and with University of Leicester support, this unique national programme is now headquartered in Leicester and aims to accelerate the commercialisation of Earth observation ideas. The Space Commercialisation Engine is staffed by leaders in Earth Observation technology, with a dedicated blend of expertise in design, technical and business capability. Over the coming years, the offering is set to grow as it supports the expansion of the early-stage Earth observation industry.
The event consists of presentations, panel discussions and tours, and will also highlight other regional service offerings and programmes offered by the Catapult. This Space Commercialisation Engine launch, along with other Catapult regional programmes, continues to facilitate cooperation and partnerships, supporting the overall national objectives and ambitions of the UK space industry.
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Stuart Martin, CEO, Satellite Applications Catapult said: “We are delighted to be here today to celebrate the opening of our offices at Space Park Leicester. The Catapult’s presence here will support the regional ambition to become a major UK space hub, and give all businesses more opportunities to interact with and benefit from this growing sector.
Along with our other programmes, the Space Commercialisation Engine presents a fantastic opportunity for all UK business to fast-track Earth observation ideas and bring them to market. Through collaboration with the University of Leicester, the Space Commercialisation Engine will accelerate the growth of a vibrant and commercially-driven space sector. I’d like to thank all our partners for working tirelessly to make this service offering a reality.
Professor Richard Ambrosi, University of Leicester added: “The official launch of the Space Commercialisation Engine today signifies an innovation in matching business with funded academic time and expertise. This intervention will accelerate the development of new products and services that not only benefit the growth of the UK business space sector, but also potentially that can impact the world at large. In bridging the divide between available commercial technology solutions, our partnership with the Space Commercialisation Engine addresses company research and development innovation challenges and brings expert skills and knowledge to enhance ideas and concepts being developed. The University of Leicester looks forward to fostering all the new resulting ideas and to playing a major part overall in furthering regional growth in our sector”.
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About the Satellite Applications Catapult
The Satellite Applications Catapult is an independent innovation and technology company, created by Innovate UK to drive economic growth through the exploitation of space. We work with businesses and organisations of all sizes to realise their potential from space infrastructure and its applications. Based in Harwell, Oxfordshire, the Catapult was established in May 2013 as one of a network of centres to accelerate the take-up of emerging technologies and drive economic impact for the UK. They are a not-for-profit research organisation which is registered as a private company limited by guarantee and controlled by its Board. See www.sa.catapult.org.uk for more information or contact the Space Commercialisation Engine on sce@sa.catapult.org.uk to launch your Earth observation idea.