For a second year in a row, the ESA Technology Broker NL is organising a technology transfer competition to generate new ideas for successfully applying space technology on Earth. Last year’s competition was won by HDES with a proposal to turn cool gas generators designed for space applications into life-saving medical equipment. The theme for 2023 is Space for Energy and there is an enhanced prize pool that you have a chance of winning! Submit your entry by 31 October.
Space for Energy
The focus of the new competition is energy. Today space helps us to better manage energy resources which can have significant implications for the global economy, environment, and society as a whole. Space plays a key role in supporting the green transition with applications in Earth observation and telecommunication, as well as timing and positioning services. In addition to satellite derived data, space can also boost energy efficiency through technology transfers.
Envisioned energy solutions from space for terrestrial markets include advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to develop high-performance energy equipment, developments in energy storage technologies, advancements to solar power, energy generation techniques originally developed for deep space missions, etc. Need some more inspiration? Register for the Space for Energy Workshop.
We welcome ideas for space technologies with a strong focus on hard- and software, such as materials, methodologies, energy supply, propulsion, coatings, sensors, etc. Positioning and navigation, Earth observation and satellite communication applications are not the focus of this competition. Ideas should be applicable in the energy sector or at least have a link with energy efficiency. Do you have an idea for technology transfer, but not related to energy? Contact us here.
Who can participate?
The competition is open to companies or individuals with links to the Netherlands (either the business must have been established here or you are a current resident). Participants must be 18 years or older.
Energy experts, space enthusiasts, serial entrepreneurs, or even a mixture of the aforementioned are all welcome to compete for the prizes. Cross-sector collaboration is highly encouraged. Linking potential space solutions to energy challenges on Earth requires knowledge of both worlds. This is why it can be beneficial to team up with complementary space or non-space partners. If you do not have a space background and have no idea where to begin, the ESA patent portfolio and the European Space Software Repository (ESSR) can be a source of inspiration.
How to enter?
Ideas need to be submitted here until 31 October 2023 . Shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch in front of the jury on 23 November at SBIC Noordwijk. Winners will be announced during the NL Space Campus Network & Drinks on 30 November 2023.
DEADLINE FOR YOUR SUBMISSION: 31 October 2023 (23:59 CET)
There is an (optional) ideation workshop on 4 October. If you wish to join, register here.
PRIZES
1st place: €20,000 + Trophy
2nd place: €10,000
3rd place: €5,000
Winners will be announced & prizes awarded on 30 November 2023.
Evaluation Criteria: Novelty and innovation of the application (35%); technological feasibility (25%); value proposition & market (20%); and economic sustainability (20%). Find an overview of the questions (PDF). For the full list of terms & conditions, see here (PDF).
To participate in the competition, please submit the application form or click on the link below. All entries must be submitted in English as this is the language of the competition.
Competition partners:
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