Beaming Space down to Earth
The Coimbra Space Training Camp (CSTC) is an innovative event aimed at advancing the transfer of space technologies to terrestrial applications. This initiative aligns with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) broader Technology Broker program, which promotes the adaptation of space innovations for use in everyday industries. With a presence in 11 member states, including Portugal, this program is fostering a growing network of brokers connecting space and terrestrial domains.
A Collaborative Framework for Innovation
The Technology Brokerage process begins with identifying specific technology needs from terrestrial companies and institutions. These needs are then shared across the broker network, which uses its connections within the space sector to propose solutions. Introduction meetings are organized to match space technology providers with terrestrial participants, encouraging opportunities for collaboration. While the path from introductions to successful business cases is challenging, events like CSTC aim to simplify this journey by optimizing networking opportunities.
Highlights from CSTC 2024
The second edition of the CSTC, held in the summer of 2024, brought together 11 companies from diverse sectors, including telecommunications, automotive, and quantum communication. Participants included longstanding collaborators like Frezite HP, GMV, and Active Space Technologies, as well as terrestrial players such as Altice and emerging companies like Entangled. A regional governmental institution, Comunidade Intermunicipal da Região de Coimbra, also joined the dialogue, further enriching the exchange of ideas.
This year, CSTC also welcomed the participation of PolySyc, a terrestrial laboratory renowned for its innovative polymer solutions. Uniquely, PolySyc has the potential to reverse the usual technology transfer flow, offering opportunities for its polymer innovations to benefit space applications—a promising example of mutual exchange between the sectors. Additionally, the newly appointed Spanish Technology Broker was invited to the event. Their recent inclusion in the ESA Technology Broker network and geographical proximity to Portugal make them a highly relevant addition to the Portuguese ecosystem.
A serendipitous overlap with the EURO 2024 football tournament and a beautiful sunny day in Coimbra offered the chance to finish the event with a barbecue and broadcast of the match between Portugal and Georgia. The barbecue took place in the gardens of the Instituto Pedro Nunes, which hosts ESA Space Solutions Portugal, and which recently inaugurated a new building to home the space innovation activities.
Challenges in Technology Transfer
Over the course of a day and a half, the event facilitated tens of introduction meetings and identified seven specific technology needs, which were subsequently shared within the broker network. However, challenges remain. Despite significant effort to identify areas ripe for technology transfer, securing the engagement of terrestrial companies has proven difficult. Even with a dedicated event, only a small fraction of entities contacted agreed to participate. This limited pool makes aligning terrestrial needs with available space technologies a complex task.
Refining the CSTC Model for Future Success
The CSTC team acknowledges the hurdles faced in maintaining momentum after the event. The summer break immediately following CSTC 2024 posed challenges for follow-up, a recurring issue from the inaugural edition. Recognizing this, the next CSTC is likely to be scheduled earlier in the year, with a sharper thematic focus to enhance engagement and outcomes.
Looking Ahead to CSTC 2025
While tangible business outcomes are yet to materialize, the CSTC model has inspired similar initiatives in other ESA Technology Broker countries, such as the Netherlands and Poland, affirming its potential value. As the ESA Space Solutions team refines its approach, the focus remains on fostering meaningful connections between space and terrestrial stakeholders.
Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates and invitations to the 2025 edition of the Coimbra Space Training Camp. Let’s continue to explore the possibilities of space technology for a better world!
