Catalysing new space ventures with ESAs Earth Observation Commercialisation Forum
Taking place at KAP Europa in Frankfurt, Germany, from 27 to 28 November 2024, the second ESA Earth Observation Commercialisation Forum will bring together stakeholders from the Earth observation and space commercialisation sectors, including end users, space industry players, entrepreneurs, private and public investors and policymakers to discuss and promote commercial opportunities in Earth observation.
The event is an important part of ESA's broader strategy to enhance the economic return from Earth observation investments to ensure that space technology contributes to sustainable economic growth.
The ESA Earth Observation Commercialisation Forum (ESA CommEO) is a collaborative initiative by ESA's Earth Observation Programme along with the Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness directorate to foster the commercialisation of Earth observation space technologies and services.
To support the growth of space-related businesses and startups, ESA CommEO features dedicated events, workshops and networking opportunities to connect different stakeholders, providing information and insights on market trends, showcasing success stories and innovative solutions and offering platforms for pitching ideas and business plans to potential investors.
Advancing the commercialisation of space in Europe is part of ESA's Agenda 2025. The fast-growing Earth observation sector offers many possibilities that private businesses can capitalise on, from satellites and ground infrastructure to value-added services that address real-world needs with information from space.
A study by Novaspace found that the global Earth observation satellite market is expected to grow substantially between 2024 and 2033, with the number of Earth observation satellites in orbit expected to triple, as the manufacturing market grows by 40% and the launch market by 55%.
An estimated 5400 Earth observation satellites are predicted to be launched over the next decade, creating $131 billion and $40.1 billion in manufacturing and launch revenues, respectively.
Following the success of the first edition, this second ESA CommEO will be at the intersection between Earth and climate initiatives, and Earth observation commercialisation, with the underlying theme ? ?Addressing climate challenges and opportunities with Earth observation for human and planet prosperity'.
This event will highlight the importance of strengthening EU competitiveness, by taking synergistic actions involving all European stakeholders - for example, boosting commercialisation for a green and digital Europe as described in ESA's Agenda 2025.
ESA CommEO will start with a welcoming message from ESA Director General, Josef Aschbacher, followed by presentations from Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes, and Géraldine Naja, Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness.
The session will include representatives from the German Space Agency (DLR), industry, investors and other European institutions, focusing on the market status and trends. ESA CommEO will host a keynote from Alexander MacDonald, Chief Economist at NASA, who will share NASA's view on Earth observation commercialisation.
One of the cornerstones of ESA CommEO is the Earth observation journey from the industry to investors, from both standpoints. During these two days, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the companies' perspectives and approaches to investors, their journey, what are the main drivers for Earth observation investment, and how both companies and investors need to adapt their business model to face current challenges.
Matchmaking sessions will give entrepreneurs, startups and investors the opportunity to meet in person and discuss potential future partnerships.
Following the theme of ?Green and Sustainable Future Opportunities for the EO industry', the event will address the end-user perspective on what is needed from Earth observation technologies, in synergy with other data industries, to improve the human and planet prosperity and to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
The event will also include the CommEO Awards for startups with innovative ideas, targeting the agriculture, decarbonisation and green finance markets. The deadline for applications via ESA's Open Space Innovation Platform is 31 October 2024.
Selected applicants will be invited to pitch their ideas at the event increasing their visibility to potential target markets, investors and industrial actors.
Selected companies will showcase their products and achievements at the Demo Corners. Interested parties can apply here until 30 September 2024.
As the next ESA Council at Ministerial Level (CM25) approaches, the event will shape the next steps towards the European leadership of the global Earth observation commercial market.
Alongside representatives from the European Commission, ESA Member States Delegations, industry and investors, ESA will show its added value as enabler, partner and customer ? emphasising the importance of standardising recurring industrial products and interfaces to enable the scaling-up and affordability of different Earth observation systems architectures.
More information on the Earth Observation Commercialisation Forum and information on how to register can be found on the event website.
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