ESA Commercialisation Days are good for business

ESA’s goal is to make Europe a hub for companies with global ambitions in the space sector to tackle challenges and make Europe more competitive globally. Advances in space technologies are improving lives, increasing efficiency, and driving a stronger European economy.

Transportation was the focus of ESA’s second Commercialisation Days event at ESTEC, its technical centre in the Netherlands. This hybrid event focused on the automotive, rail and maritime sectors.

It brought together ESA experts, European space-based entrepreneurs, start-ups, small companies as well as established large system integrators, investors and transportation industry representatives. Together they shared knowledge through presentations and roundtable discussions on the latest trends and challenges. Pitches showcased relevant commercial space-based solutions, and participants discussed collaboration.

Presenting results from a Space-Enabled Automotive Sector study commissioned by ESA, was Ulrich Hermann, General Partner at Einstein Industries Ventures. He described a global automotive industry valued at €2.77 trillion and on the cusp of a new era of software-based services and set to grow to €5 trillion by 2030. This industry supports 13 million jobs in the EU and plays a central role in the EU economy, representing nearly 7% of EU employment.

The rise in electric vehicles and growth of software-based services will rely on core space capabilities which are: connectivity; precise and reliable positioning, navigation, and timing information (PNT); and Earth observation. In-car space-based services such as autopilot and platooning where automated cars ride in convoy, could lead to a conservative 6–12% reduction in emissions, saving at least 40–80 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually in Europe. 

However, “Despite the extensive technological developments in the space sector, many decision makers in the car industry remain unaware of the opportunities,” he added.

ESA is taking steps to bridge this gap. These Commercialisation Days show those working in industry how the space sector can help advance their industry efforts. Space and non-space stakeholders can both benefit from collaboration.

Companies who pitch new applications based on space-based capabilities at these events can hold useful exchanges with potential customers, and investors gain early investment opportunities.

All participants can learn how the future of the industry sector is being shaped and network with those paving the way. Benefits include financing, technology, knowledge, exposure and resourcing.

Highlights of previous Commercialisation Days events can be found on ESA’s Commercialisation Gateway website: Health and Biotech and Transportation.

Upcoming Commercialisation Days

Registration is now open for the third ESA Commercialisation Days: Space Forum for Green Energy which will be held at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France on 15–16 April 2024. This event will be an opportunity for industrials, startup companies, institutions and investors to discuss end-user needs and commercial space-based solutions, especially in the areas of energy sustainability and energy security.