Recently, ESA Space Solutions Centre (SSC) Portugal celebrated its 4th anniversary, within a two-day event in Coimbra. Inaugurated in November 2014, the SSC Portugal was implemented as a pilot for other European member states as the first, and still the only, centre that aggregates and enhances the results of ESA's three technology transfer programs: the ESA Business Incubator Centre (ESA BIC), the Technology Transfer Network (ESA Brokers) and the ESA Business Application (ESA BA) Ambassador Platform. The aim of the SSC Portugal is to seek entrepreneurs/companies with innovative ideas in using space technologies or developing applications to create new products and services in a non-space environment, from Portugal to the World. As stated in the event by Piero Messina, from ESA Relations with Member State Office, “(…) you would be surprised by the number of national initiatives implemented by small-sized countries, compared to the more established space European countries. Portugal reminds us that space is about moving forward, being bold and launching new initiatives. Portugal is one of the counties that has launched almost an unbelievable number of good and bold initiatives. The good thing about Portugal is that the whole country is involved. It’s a very good signal that all can contribute to the success of a country in a specific domain, like the space activity”. From health to transports and sports, the goal is always to fasten the market entry and support innovative business ideas, enhancing Portuguese competitiveness by creating new start-up companies, fostering technology transfer into terrestrial applications, and nurturing space data uptake, leading to new jobs and growth within the national space-related ecosystem. “Space can deliver information, communication, new science, technology, education, and inspiration. Space today is an infrastructure, and even more! And what to do with infrastructure? Of course you have to use it” said Johann-Dietrich Wörner, ESA Director General, at the event. The first day of the event was focused on celebrating the 2018 milestones and achievements. New start-ups enrolled within ESA BIC Portugal were presented to the network and had their minutes of fame – sticking their logos on the wall and presenting their projects: PavNext, iTrack Solutions, GreenFika, Delox, Kinetikos, mOceanSense and Fire Fly. These new 7 start-ups are now part of a national set of 23 supported companies. Also the most recently launched alumni, Connect Robotics, Matereo, Blucover, Waterdog Mobile and inanoEnergy, had the time to share experiences and learned lessons. So far, the overall ESA BIC Portugal start-ups have achieved a total turnover of 1.3M€ (2015-2017), with more than 80 new jobs created. A Small ARTES Apps 2017 project, GOSAFE, from Space Layer Technologies was presented. This was one of the current supported projects. This national tool has supported other projects, e.g. SWAIR, from Present Technologies, currently running a demonstrator project to increase the precision of GNSS signal monitorization at air navigation through space weather data. With respect to the overall ESA BA network, in 2018 the number of applications to feasibility studies submitted to ESA increased more than 2 times. Last but not least, the great example of the first technology transfer involving 2 brokers from the ESA TT network was presented – from the Portuguese DEIMOS Engenharia to the Austrian start-up Accurision. Nuno Avila, DEIMOS Engenharia Director, was clear with respect to ESA technology transfer broker role on this case: “We moved from a potential market of space units which was about 400 units to a market of millions of units. I have to thank ESA Technology Transfer broker because it wouldn’t have been possible to reach the attention of this particular company, without their efforts. So now we have a branch, we have a hardware for space, and we are miniaturizing it for automobile industry”. In parallel with the session, there was a 50 m2 successful showroom assembled to showcase examples of technology transfer in Portugal. More than 150 participants in the event visited the demo corners where they were able to see, among others, automated guided vehicles that have an ExoMars heritage moving freely on the room; a 3D printer with knowledge and technology from the one developed for the International Space Station; a light sport aircraft mock-up with an operation software based on a licensed ESA patent on fault detection; and a maritime satellite integrating EO data. “Space 4.0 is more than just new space, it’s about participation: citizens and industry" stated the ESA Director General at the event, and beyond the SSC Portugal network, space and non-space industry and media got together to participate in the discussion of the Portuguese future space participation. The 4 panels of the second day focused on the Atlantic Launch Services; Developing capabilities for space within International partnerships; Space rider and the opportunities for pharma; and Future markets powered by space, with special focus on Earth Observation data. National and international companies were highly represented, with the presence of Avio, CeiiA, Critical Software, Edisoft, Hovione, LSE-Space – EUMETSAT, OHB, Omnidea, Orbex, PLD Space, Sogrape, Spin.works, Thales Alenia Space Italy, and the national partnerships MIT-Portugal Program and UT-Austin Program, by Ciência Viva invitation. It was thus natural that the announcement of the Portuguese Space Agency was made public at the event by Manuel Heitor, Portuguese Minister of Science and Technology: “Together with the Regional Government from Azores and several other departments from governmental entities we are establishing the Portuguese Space Agency”. Ultimately, for the future of SSC in Portugal, IPN, its partners and SSC Portugal stakeholders are preparing the new framework (2020-2025). It will have an increased participation from other regions, such as Azores, Alentejo, Algarve, and Madeira in the ESA BIC Portugal initiative, and also will increase the number of start-ups supported: “This is just the beginning, and the next 5 years will bring more entrepreneurs, global startups and a lot of success stories”, stated Carlos Cerqueira, head of SSC Portugal. Additionally, the current return on investment in terms of ESA BA is favourable to a future increase on ESA BA investment, and on the Technology Transfer Brokerage investment: “the experience of IPN within the ESA network has clearly shown us that, first knowledge creates markets, and second, space accelerates good jobs creation. And that is why we are here discussing the future”, these were the words of the Minister of Science at the event. “We have to enable visionaries, and this we can do by space. Space can deliver fascination, space can deliver business and also societal values for the future” - ESA General Director, Coimbra 21st December 2018.

The European Space Agency’s “Space and Biotechnology” opportunity offers support and funding to companies looking to develop biotechnology services that can benefit from using space-based data or capabilities. This opportunity enables companies to carry out in-depth analyses on the technical feasibility and economic viability of applications across a range of themes, as set out below: Key Focus Areas: Plant Science + Environmental Monitoring + Combating desertification + Controlled-Environment Agriculture + Biopharma + Plant Engineering + Digital Health + Biofuel Production + Logistics and maintenance + Agro-terrorism + Bio-crime To know more about this opportunity download the flyer (https://goo.gl/h993sw ) and contact your National Ambassador, Instituto Pedro Nunes through space@ipn.pt

ESA Business Applications is supporting Pulp & Paper sector! To know more about the funding opportunity (60k for feasibility 6 month projects) register for the webinar that will take place on August 16th: Targeted topics benefiting from space-based technology include for example: ???? - Improved Pulp Logistics: supporting value chain of pulp products starting from sourcing raw material; - Cleaner Pulp Production: Supporting measurement and monitoring of air (e.g. the target of CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries) is an 80% CO2 emission reduction pathway in 2050) and water quality.? - Support Paper Forest Management: Trees raised for pulp production (plantations) and regular tree maintenance (in European municipal woods for example) provide a significant percentage of pulp mills inputs. Instituto Pedro Nunes as national Ambassador is supporting Portuguese companies presenting proposals!

The Space Frontier Foundation in collaboration with FCT and Ciência Viva will organize an international event to promote the development and application of space technologies with a particular focus on the Atlantic region and the growth of newspace entrepreneurship activities. The recently adopted national space strategy “Portugal Space 2030” will provide context and inspiration for a wide range of topics that will be addressed by experts over several discussion panels: such as space law, launch services, space data and Earth observation applications, small satellites and constellations, entrepreneurship, private investment, education and outreach. Meet the Investors’ session! ESA and the Portuguese ESA Business Incubation Center, together with FCT and the Space Frontier Foundation will select a group of 10 entrepreneurs and start-ups to deliver impactful short presentations under 3 min presenting promising business models aiming at downstream applications in a variety of areas, with a particular focus on maritime applications. Requirements: to incubated at an ESA BIC or to be an ESA BIC alumni One pitch will be selected and the associated entrepreneur or start-up will be awarded the “Atlantic Newspace 2018 Award”. Two other honorable mentions will also be given to the second and third in class pitches. The three entrepreneurs or start-ups making it through to this selection will be offered a meeting with a designated VC or Business Angel firm (tbd). Date: May 28-29, 2018 Venue: Pavilhão do Conhecimento, Lisbon, Portugal Enroll here: https://goo.gl/27bUxp until May 4th

Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) will coordinate an European acceleration project for 150 startups who find new business opportunities in the area. The Astropreneurs starts on January 9 with the first meeting of the various partners Astropreneurs manages a budget of two million euros to leverage new business ideas aimed at the space market or incorporating space technology into terrestrial applications. Funded by the European Commission through the H2020 Program, this project will create new businesses, generate employment and stimulate economic growth in cooperation with industry, investors and national and European institutions. Astropreneurs is coordinated by Portugal through IPN and brings together various partners from Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, France, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. Around 500 entrepreneurs will have access to intensive training, which includes 50 hours of mentoring and consulting led by 100 experts to support entrepreneurs in accelerating their projects and attracting public and private funding for faster entry and consolidation in Marketplace. To help turn promising ideas into viable businesses, Astropreneurs opens the door to a vast network of investors, industry and support agencies that integrate the so-called "Space Economy" so that companies get the most out of target markets and opportunities. Entrepreneurs also have access to a set of technical workshops and meetings with key stakeholders in the space industry. Applications open in September. Space is increasingly a source of economic growth and innovation For a long time, the space sector was more focused on strategic objectives related to space science and exploration. However, this reality has changed and this sector has attracted the attention of other actors, such as states, companies and private investors. The "Space Economy" has become a sector with real impact, bringing disruptive innovations and many new business opportunities, especially when applied to other land sectors of the economy. For example, Galileo, the European satellite localization system, providing unparalleled precision, is creating its own business area, with hundreds of startups starting to explore this opportunity. EGNOS, a forerunner to Galileo, is a complementary system that increases the accuracy of satellite navigation signals in Europe and can also support new applications in a variety of sectors, such as aviation or precision agriculture. The European Copernican program, which provides Earth observation data in real time, is another source of spatial data that is being incorporated into new products and services of the future in areas such as environment, civil protection and civil security. More info at https://astropreneurs.eu/

The startup business idea was one of the 4 chosen to integrate the accelerator of the Repsol Foundation. The idea for contest was autonomous microgenerators that use the residual energy to generate electricity, especially to feed the sensors that monitor the pipe networks in industrial installations. InanoEnergy, backed by the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre Portugal, develops tailor-made, lightweight and flexible micro and nano-generators capable of converting waste electrical energy into electricity. The solution created by InanoE makes it possible to take advantage of the heat and movement of the user body to power mobile phones and small electronic devices (tablets, iPods, health monitors, etc.). Selected from 354 projects, InanoE was part of the range of 4 business ideas that will receive 2,000 euros per month for 12 months. In addition to financial support, InanoE's award includes technical and legal support, access to a network of potential investors and mentoring during the acceleration phase of the project. The business accelerator of the Repsol Foundation, launched six years ago, aims to support the most innovative projects in energy and mobility, with the aim of reaching the market as soon as possible More info at: http://www.fundacionrepsol.com/en/news/we-already-know-new-startups-entrepreneurs-fund

“We can reduce costs by 40–60% with respect to conventional couriers, so our customers can offer quicker product delivery at a much lower cost”. This is the "Flying Kettle" of Connect Robotics, founded by Eduardo Mendes and Raphael Stanzani, and part of ESA BIC Portugal. Motivated by the potential of drones to transport life-saving goods, help people in distress and reduce the isolation of people living in remote regions, they are exploring the ‘last-mile delivery market’, of interest to medical distributors, postal services and retailers, who need fast and reliable deliveries at lower costs. You can read more at: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/TTP2/The_flying_kettle

Estimular negócios inspirados no Espaço é o desafio lançado pela Coimbra Space Summer School, promovido pelo Instituto Pedro Nunes, que vai acontecer em Coimbra entre 13 e 15 de julho. O Instituto Pedro Nunes está à procura de ideias que tragam tecnologia do Espaço para o dia-a-dia da Terra. Este desafio é lançado pela Coimbra Space Summer School a jovens investigadores, estudantes e empreendedores que, durante três dias, de 13 a 15 de julho, terão a oportunidade de criar uma proposta de negócio em torno do Espaço. O objetivo é aproveitar conhecimento, tecnologias e recursos gerados nas missões espaciais e nas atividades científicas de exploração do Espaço para criar soluções inovadoras para áreas como cidades inteligentes, transportes, turismo e lazer, saúde e bem-estar, agricultura e ambiente. A Coimbra Space Summer School, de participação gratuita, decorre nas instalações do Observatório Geofísico e Astronómico da Universidade de Coimbra e conta com colaboração da Incubadora de Empresas da Agência Espacial Europeia em Portugal (ESA BIC Portugal). As inscrições já estão abertas e podem ser feitas em grupo ou individualmente. O programa inclui Sessões Espaço e Sessões Business para os participantes aprenderem sobre as duas vertentes e como ligá-las. Será também feita uma apresentação final de projetos à comunidade científica e de negócio em torno da transferência de tecnologia do Espaço e aplicações terrestres, a mentores e investidores. Além da exploração de oportunidades de negócio com tecnologia espacial, o programa inclui atividades lúdicas, bem como oportunidades de networking entre os participantes, organização, formadores e convidados da iniciativa. No dia 13 de julho contamos com a presença do cosmonauta Mikhail Kornienk. Estará no Departamento de Física da Universidade de Coimbra, pelas 14h30, para a palestra “Como Ser Astronauta”, onde vai falar sobre a sua profissão e as suas experiências no Espaço. Mais informações em http://spacesummerschool.ipn.pt/ ou em https://www.facebook.com/coimbraspacesummerschool/ Cosmonauta Mikhail Kornienk A 2 de março de 2016, Mikhail Kornienko foi notícia mundial. Após 340 dias consecutivos a bordo da Estação Espacial Internacional, o cosmonauta russo regressou à Terra depois da segunda mais longa estadia de um ser humano no Espaço. A missão “Um ano no Espaço” pretendeu compreender melhor os efeitos das viagens espaciais no organismo humano, um estudo essencial para a preparação de jornadas mais longas, como as futuras missões a Marte, que devem durar entre dois e três anos. ___________________________________________________________________________ Stimulating business inspired by Space is the challenge launched by Coimbra Space Summer School, promoted by Instituto Pedro Nunes, to be held in Coimbra between July 13 and 15. Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) is looking for ideas that bring technology from space to the earth day-to-day. This challenge is launched by Coimbra Space Summer School to young researchers, students and entrepreneurs who, for three days, from July 13 to 15, will have the opportunity to create a business proposal around the Space. The objective is to harness the knowledge, technologies and resources generated in the space missions and the scientific activities of space exploration to create innovative solutions for areas such as intelligent cities, transport, tourism and leisure, health and wellness, agriculture and the environment. Coimbra Space Summer School, with free participation, is held at the premises of the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra and is supported by the Business Incubator of the European Space Agency in Portugal (ESA BIC Portugal). Registration is already open and can be made in groups or individually. The program includes Space Sessions and Business Sessions for participants to learn about the two strands and how to connect them. There will also be a final presentation of projects to the scientific and business community around the transfer of space technology and terrestrial applications, to mentors and investors. In addition to exploring business opportunities with space technology, the program includes play activities as well as networking opportunities among participants, organization, trainers and guests of the initiative. On July 13 we had the presence of cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienk. He will be in the Department of Physics of the University of Coimbra, at 2.30 pm, for the lecture "How to be an Astronaut", where he will talk about his profession and his experiences in Space. Cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienk On March 2, 2016, Mikhail Kornienko became world news. After 340 consecutive days aboard the International Space Station, the Russian cosmonaut returned to Earth after the second longest time of a human being in space. The "One Year in Space" mission sought to better understand the effects of space travel on the human body, an essential study for the preparation of longer journeys, such as future missions to Mars, which should last between two and three years. More info at http://spacesummerschool.ipn.pt/ or https://www.facebook.com/coimbraspacesummerschool/

O IPN e a ESA BIC Portugal marcaram presença na sessão da “Bolsa de Empreendedorismo 2017”, no passado dia passado dia 9 de maio, Dia da Europa, na Fundação Champalimaud. Discutiu-se a importância das incubadoras tecnológicas e a questão da transferência de tecnologia do contexto da investigação universitária para o mercado empreendedor. Nesta sessão foi apresentado o caso da ESA BIC Portugal, e do projecto ESA BIC “Promoção da economia do espaço e apoio no programa de incubação da Agência Espacial Europeia na Região Centro”, CENTRO-02-0651-FEDER-000019, que foi escolhido como exemplo de investimento da União Europeia. Até a data, o ESA BIC Portugal ajudou a criar 16 empresas, em áreas tão diversas quanto golfe, agricultura, qualidade de ar, network em aeroportos, entre outras. A sessão contou com a presença de Paulo Santos (IPN - Instituto Pedro Nunes), Carlos Cerqueira (incubadora, ESA BIC Portugal), Clara Gonçalves (UPTEC) e Bruno Santos Amaro (Tec Labs - Centro de Inovação). “Das ideias ao investimento” é este o lema da Bolsa do Empreendedorismo 2017, sendo que o objectivo da mesma é proporcionar oportunidades, contactos e redes de colaboração para passar ao nível seguinte. O Comissário Europeu Carlos Moedas também marcou presença neste evento. O Projeto CENTRO-02-0651-FEDER-000019 é co-financiado pelo apoiado por fundos europeus, pelo Centro 2020 – Programa Operacional Regional do Centro __________________________________________________________________________ ESA BIC Portugal was present at the "Bolsa de Empreendedorismo 2017" session last May 9th, Day of Europe, at the Champalimaud Foundation. It was discussed the importance of technological incubators and the issue of technology transfer from the context of university research to the entrepreneurial market. This session presented the case of ESA BIC Portugal and the ESA BIC project "Promotion of the space economy and support in the incubation program of the European Space Agency in the Central Region", CENTRO-02-0651-FEDER-000019, which was chosen as an example of European Union investment. To this point, ESA BIC Portugal helped create 16 companies in areas as diverse as golf, agriculture, air quality, airport network, among others. In this session were Paulo Santos (IPN - Pedro Nunes Institute), Carlos Cerqueira (incubator, ESA BIC Portugal), Clara Gonçalves (UPTEC) and Bruno Santos Amaro (Tec Labs - Innovation Center). "From ideas to investment" is the slogan of the Bolsa de Empreendedorismo 2017, the aim of which is to provide opportunities, contacts and collaboration networks to move to the next level. The European Commissioner, Carlos Moedas, also attended this event. The CENTRO-02-0651-FEDER-000019 project is co-financed by the European Funds supported by the Center 2020 - Regional Operational Program of the Center

Quando o seu pai foi diagnosticado com uma doença debilitante, há quatro anos atrás, suscitou em Ivo Vieira uma vontade de desenvolver um novo meio de comunicação para as pessoas que lidam com limitações extremas, elaborando a partir de uma tecnologia originalmente explorada para ajudar os astronautas da ESA no espaço. A esclerose lateral amiotrófica - ELA - e outras formas de doenças neuronais motoras, “roubam” de forma progressiva os que sofrem desta doença da sua função muscular, incluindo a capacidade de comunicar verbalmente. No entanto, o movimento do olho apresenta uma oportunidade porque geralmente permanece ileso. “Trabalhávamos na realidade aumentada para os astronautas desde 2005; então, quando o meu pai foi diagnosticado, eu tive a ideia de explorá-la para melhorar a sua qualidade de vida com um novo sistema de comunicação móvel”, disse Ivo Vieira, CEO da LusoSpace. Esta aplicação da ESA levou a LusoSpace a produzir o seu primeiro par de óculos de realidade aumentada em 2008 e, em seguida, a criar a empresa LusoVu para desenvolvê-los para os deficientes. Os óculos EyeSpeak detetam o movimento dos olhos através de um teclado virtual exibido no interior das suas lentes. As palavras e as frases soletradas pelo usuário são traduzidas pelo programa informático incorporado e faladas por alto-falantes num braço. Os óculos também permitem que o usuário navegue na Internet, assista a vídeos e aceda a correios eletrónicos de forma privada, já que apenas o usuário vê o que está a ser projetado dentro da lente. No entanto, como a informação digital é sobreposta na lente, os usuários ainda podem ver o que está a acontecer ao seu redor. “Este é o primeiro dispositivo que é autónomo e pode ser usado em qualquer posição física e localização, independentemente da orientação da cabeça do usuário”, observou Teresa Nicolau, especialista EyeSpeak. Ferramentas de visualização para astronautas O EyeSpeak é um spin-off direto do trabalho que a LusoSpace desenvolveu para um estudo da ESA sobre ferramentas de visualização para astronautas. “Naquela época, os astronautas tinham apenas sistemas relativamente rudimentares disponíveis durante as caminhadas espaciais, com uma lista de verificação escrita no braço e comunicações de voz com controladores terrestres”, explicou João Pereira do Carmo da ESA. “Queríamos explorar as muitas tecnologias disponíveis que poderiam ser usadas para fornecer informações importantes e em tempo real, diretamente no seu campo de visão.” Ajuda a pessoas com limitações extremas de mobilidade e comunicação Os desenvolvimentos iniciais da tecnologia foram seguidos por uma campanha Kickstarter em 2014, que resultou em 45 unidades do protótipo EyeSpeak em 2015. O atual EyeSpeak 1, que foi colocado à venda em março de 2016, é baseado num par de óculos Epson BT-200 AR com uma unidade complementar de um microfone, alto-falantes e uma pequena câmara controlada por uma unidade microprocessadora. Vem com uma voz-padrão sintetizada ou a voz do proprietário com base em gravações feitas anteriormente. “Tudo sobre o desenvolvimento do EyeSpeak foi um desafio”, relatou Teresa. “Uma parte importante foi garantir que a configuração inicial não era perdida, por isso foi especialmente concebido para ficar fixo na cabeça do usuário, permitindo-lhe usá-lo de forma independente de imediato, assim que alguém o coloque e o ligue. “Também era importante que pudesse ser usado em qualquer condição de iluminação, incluindo no exterior e próximo de janelas, por isso temos lentes de filtro opcionais que podem ser adicionadas, bem como um suporte para lentes corretivas.” Normalmente, demora duas semanas para aprender o sistema quando se pratica durante uma hora por dia. Um usuário disse que o sistema oferece “autonomia e alegria”. Um porta-voz da ELA observou que “dá de volta às pessoas a sua independência e o seu direito humano de se comunicar livremente.” Sobre potenciais atualizações, Nicolau acrescenta: “Podemos desenvolvê-lo para permitir aos usuários controlar a sua cadeira de rodas e outras coisas ao seu redor, como o ar condicionado ou o seu televisor.” “Temos vindo a trabalhar com a LusoSpace e a LusoVu através da Iniciativa Nacional de Transferência de Tecnologia em Portugal, para explorar os mercados a jusante das tecnologias de sistemas de visualização, como monitores montados na cabeça”, explicou Carlos Cerqueira, diretor de inovação da IPN Portugal, parte da rede de programas de transferência de tecnologia da ESA, ajudando as empresas a desenvolver tecnologia espacial. “O potencial para esta tecnologia é enorme. Uma ideia é para armazéns de logística, onde monitores montados na cabeça melhorariam substancialmente a produtividade dos trabalhadores no processo de seleção. “Mas o EyeSpeak, com o impacto que tem sobre as vidas humanas, é provavelmente o mais importante de todos.” A realidade aumentada ainda não é usada pelos astronautas, mas o seu estudo inspirou diretamente o desenvolvimento do EyeSpeak. “Tudo o que a LusoVu está a fazer começou a partir desse projeto original da ESA”, sublinha Rui Semide, da LusoVu. “As nossas aplicações são muito diferentes, mas tudo começou com aquele estudo inicial da ESA sobre ferramentas de visualização de informação para os astronautas, o que nos tornou conscientes do potencial desta tecnologia.” Credits: European Space Agency (http://www.esa.int/por/ESA_in_your_country/Portugal/Estudo_para_astronautas_da_voz_a_pessoas_com_deficiencia)

ESA - European Space Agency through the ARTES programme has announced new funding opportunity for applications ideas (http://bit.ly/2iJJRQ3) Kick-start Activities thematic Calls for Ideas to be launched soon in the first semester of 2017: 1) Outdoor tourism (opens 30 January, closes 13 March) 2) Automated road transport (opens 13 March, closes 24 April) 3) Ageing population (opens 24 April, closes 29 May) 4) Food security (opens 29 May, closes 10 July) IPN is the Portuguese Ambassador Platform for ESA's ARTES programme. Check out more at http://bit.ly/2g9rboJ

De 5 a 9 de Setembro de 2016, no Observatório Geofísico e Astronómico da Universidade de Coimbra. O Espaço traz oportunidades científicas e de negócio? Que conhecimento, tecnologias e informação geram as missões do Espaço? Podemos criar novos serviços ou produtos para outras áreas utilizando os recursos do Espaço? Na Coimbra Space Summer School vamos explorar o Mundo utilizando o Espaço! O que é? A Coimbra Space Summer School é uma escola de Verão de 5 dias onde empreendedores, estudantes ou investigadores exploram uma ideia de negócio em torno do Espaço. A ideia é aproveitar conhecimento, tecnologias e recursos gerados nas missões espaciais e nas actividades científicas de exploração do Espaço para conceber negócios para outras áreas: cidades inteligentes, transportes, turismo e lazer, saúde e bem-estar, agricultura, ambiente, media, etc.. Quem procuramos? Estudantes finalistas de Licenciatura, estudantes de Mestrado, investigadores ou docentes com interesse em explorar as potencialidades do Espaço a nível científico e de negócio, com ideias sobre como o Espaço pode melhorar o nosso dia-a-dia, criar serviços ou produtos novos e/ou inovadores! E vontade de as explorar! O que vamos fazer? Sessões sobre o espaço e sessões mais orientadas ao aproveitamento de oportunidades de negócio com tecnologias do espaço, com a presença de oradores convidados com o Coordenador na ESA do programa ESA BIC Portugal, Niels Eldering, e diversos empresários, investigadores e investidores. Haverá também a apresentação final de projectos à comunidade científica e empresarial, em torno da transferência de tecnologia do Espaço e aplicações terrestres. Pelo meio, uma “Febrada Astronómica”, visitas ao Observatório Geofísico e Astronómico da Universidade de Coimbra e uma sessão de observação nocturna! Onde e Quando? A Coimbra Space Summer School decorrerá nos dias 5 a 9 de Setembro de 2016, nas instalações do Observatório Geofísico e Astronómico da Universidade de Coimbra, sito na margem esquerda do Rio Mondego, na Vila de Santa Clara (lugar de Almas de Freire). O horário previsto para as sessões será o seguinte: 9h30 às 13h e das 14h às 17h30, incluindo almoço durante todo o evento e networking entre os participantes, organização, formadores e demais convidados da organização. A Coimbra Space Summer School é uma organização conjunta do Instituto Pedro Nunes (no contexto das atividades do programa ESA Business Incubation Centre - ESA BIC Portugal e Plataforma Embaixadora do programa de Telecomunicações e Aplicações Integradas) e do Observatório Geofísico e Astronómico da Universidade de Coimbra, em colaboração com a Agência Espacial Europeia e o Gabinete do Espaço da Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia. Mais informação em http://spacesummerschool.ipn.pt/ Para informações adicionais por favor contacte-nos através de space@ipn.pt ou 239700900 (Carlos Cerqueira ou Inês Plácido).

Launch your business with Big Data from Space! The leading innovation platform for commercial Earth observation applications is awarding prizes to innovative solutions for business and society. SIGN UP 2016 - From 15 April to 18 July Access to www.copernicus-masters.com

The 1st anniversary of ESA’s Business Incubation Centre in Portugal was commemorated in November 19 at the Pedro Nunes Institute with a presentation of results and startups supported so far, and a space cake, of course! The Business Incubation Centre of the European Space Agency in Portugal (ESA BIC Portugal), coordinated by Instituto Pedro Nunes, was released in late 2014, being one of the 13 current ESA incubators in Europe. Up today, ESA BIC Portugal has selected six startups (Active Aerogels, Airborne Projects, D-Orbit PT, Eye2Map, InanoE and Space Layer Technologies), and less than half a year, it has already reached the goals set for the first year. In the five-year period - duration of the program - the ESA BIC Portugal provides incubate 30 companies that will create about 240 new jobs and raise an expected capital ofg € 6.5 million. The ESA BIC Portugal is a direct investment in Portugal of € 1,950,000 (one million nine hundred and fifty thousand euros) in five years. This program is led by the IPN and has poles in UPTEC and DNA Cascais agency. The ESA BIC Portugal has the support of the Portuguese Space Office (FCT / ANI) and other stakeholders, such as CCDRC, universities, municipalities and investors. In the anniversary, we had representative of the European Space Agency (ESA), Pedro Nunes (IPN), National Innovation Agency (ANI / Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), Science and Technology Park, University of Porto (UPTEC ), DNA Cascais and Coordination Center and Regional Development Commission (CCDRC).

Closing date: 31/12/2015 More information at https://artes-apps.esa.int/opportunities/intended-tender/animal-tracking-space

Please consider the new writing of Part 3. Documents and items to be produced/delivered, replacing the contents of the same part on page 9/16 of the issued Conditions to Tender and Management Requirements.

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Technology Transfer programme Office (TTPO) has opened a call for proposals for Technology Transfer Demonstrator projects, directed specifically towards the determination and elimination of technical risk in the use of existing space technologies for new terrestrial applications. These projects involve the development and testing of new hardware and software from European space programmes which increase the likelihood of the core technology being transferred from space to ground. ESA will make a contribution of up to €40,375 to the cost of each successfully selected proposal. More information: https://sa.catapult.org.uk/esattp15#

Take a peek at the video about the ESA App Camp 2015! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grlJjg4Wifo&feature=youtu.be Congrats to the EcoFit Portuguese team!

ESA App Camp has joined forces with SAP! The ESA App Camp is inviting app developers to unique events where they can meet with like-minded people and tackle some of the world's greatest challenges. Those interested can join in by attending one of the six Appathons being held at ESA BIC and partner locations across Europe on 24-25 Jan 2015, namely in Coimbra (Portugal). The ESA App Camp is organised by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO) on behalf of the European Space Agency and sponsored by SAP University Alliances. It is furthermore supported by awesome partners in six countries to make the pre-selection Appathons a great experience! The winning team of each local Appathon will be invited to the ESA App Camp in Barcelona culminating at the Mobile World Congress. Registration is open until 19 Jan 2015 at www.app-camp.eu!

The French-Dutch-Norwegian start-up company EATOPS provides advanced tools and systems to monitor remote gas and oil offshore installations. The system RIVOPS uses techniques and methodologies that have been proven successful for spacecraft control at ESA. Here the entrepreneur and co-inventor of the EATOPS' RIVOPS Alexandre Van Damme presents the business. http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Technology/Business_Incubation/Entrepreneurs_introduce_their_businesses_br_EATOPS

The European Space Agency announced the creation of a business incubator in Portugal - ESA BIC Portugal - to be presented next week. More on Dinheiro Vivo (in portuguese) http://www.dinheirovivo.pt/Faz/interior.aspx?content_id=4206218