The Space Business Innovation Centre (SBIC) Noordwijk is pleased to be joining EIT Manufacturing and NL Space Campus as the organisers of an exciting startup competition. Space Meets Manufacturing will tap into the potential for synergies from the space industry and the manufacturing sector. The competition is open to startups from across Europe, calling for them to submit solutions for industry challenges from key players in the space and manufacturing sectors. Join the startup competition launch event on 9 October during NL Space Week to discover more about each of the challenges and, then, submit your solution by 16 October. Curious to know more? Further details below, with full information on the EIT Manufacturing website.
Two industries joining forces to foster innovation
This new Europe-wide startup competition is seeking to unlock the synergy potential of innovation activities in the space and manufacturing sectors. Based on cross-sectoral industry challenges from both space and manufacturing, the competition will shed light on multi-market solutions and accelerate their application in cross-sectoral environments. The organisers EIT Manufacturing, NL Space Campus and SBIC Noordwijk bring their own expertise to this venture. The collaboration of the space and manufacturing ecosystems will increase knowledge and encourage technology transfer based on real industrial needs and to foster business growth for the European industry.
Key steps – from launch to the live final in the Netherlands
A number of real-life industry challenges are set from key players in the space and manufacturing sectors: the European Space Agency; and ArcelorMittal. Space startups and manufacturing startups are invited to take up a challenge in this competition:
- Manufacturing challenges → space solutions
- Space challenges → manufacturing solutions
Startups can present their solutions to companies and companies get to know new technologies that can solve their challenges. If it’s a match, it can result in a pilot project. You must select which challenge you are interested in when you register to take part in the competition – and don’t forget to clearly outline your solution. You’ll need to submit a pitch deck that:
- Describes the technology behind your solution listing its novelty for the challenge
- Outlines any previous use case(s) for technology/solution relevant to the challenge
- Introduces your team and company organisation
- Discloses existing business traction in the space sector and/or manufacturing industry.
Competition organisers:
Select a challenge – discover more on 9 October
The competition challenges have been pre-launched on the event website. You can find out more about all of these by attending the official challenge launch showcase of the competition. This event takes place on 9 October at SBIC Noordwijk during NL Space Week 2025. It is here that you can meet the owners of the industry challenges from the space and manufacturing sectors who are waiting for your solutions. You also can be in with a chance to pitch your startup and boost your visibility. The day concludes with the largest space networking event during NL Space Week.
Join to connect with leading figures from the space and manufacturing ecosystems. If your startup’s solution gets the top prize, it can result in a pilot project! Don’t miss this opportunity to get exclusive access to international networks and grow your business. Take your pick:
- Challenge #1: Predictive tool for weldability
- Challenge #2: Multi-purpose structural optimisational tool
- Challenge #3: Non-destructive inspection methods
- Challenge #4: Serial production technologies
▶️ Get more details of all challenges on the EIT webiste
▶️ Meet the challenge owners at the 9 Oct launch event
KEY DATES
Are you a startup based in the EU? Take action:
→ Register for the challenge launch event 9 Oct
→ Submit your solution* by the deadline of 16 Oct
→ Pitch your idea at the live final on 27 Nov
*Startups submitting challenge solutions for the competition will be informed during October whether they are a finalist
🏆 Pitch at the grand final & award ceremony on 27 November
DETAILS OF EVENTS
Challenge launch
Where & when
Date: Thu 9 Oct 2025
Time: 14:00 to 17:00
Location: SBIC Noordwijk
Post-event: Network & Drinks at Space Expo; register separately (see here)
Competition final & award ceremony
Where & when
Date: Thu 27 Nov 2025
Time: 14:00 to 17:00
Location: SBIC Noordwijk
Post-event: Network & Drinks at SBIC; register separately (see here)
