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Info Day 26th September

The European Space Agency offers several programmes to help companies develop new space technologies or exploit existing ones. Both startups and established companies can receive support – but there is a different programme for each.

To help you navigate through the ESA programmes and choose the best one for you, ESA BIC Czech Republic, ESA Technology Broker and ESA Commercialisation Ambassador are organising a joint Info Day to explain the details and conditions of the ESA BIC, ESA Spark Funding, ESA BASS and ESA InCubed programmes. There will also be time to discuss your specific projects.

The Info Day will take place on 26 September at 11:00 am at the Technology Centre Prague and online.

To attend the Info Day, please register by filling in this form. 

ESA BIC (European Space Agency´s Business Incubation Centre) is an incubation program that offers support to startups up (either to up to five years old or to applicants without a company registration) to help them get their business off the ground. The incubation lasts between one and two years. Through ESA BIC, startups can receive up to €50,000 in financial support, mentoring and training, office facilities and access to valuable contacts in the space industry and beyond. The upcoming application deadline is October 31st.

ESA Technology Broker plays a key role in identifying innovative technologies, connecting companies and research organizations, and facilitating partnerships that bring space know-how into terrestrial industries. It provides tailor-made support to help Czech companies integrate space technologies into their products and services, fosters collaboration between the space and non-space sectors, and turns innovative ideas into successful business cases. Through the ESA Spark Funding program, pilot technology transfers can be supported with grants of €75,000, enabling SMEs, start-ups, and research organizations to adapt space solutions for their portfolios. The current application deadline is November 30.

ESA Commercialisation Programmes — Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) and Investing in Industrial Innovation (InCubed) — offer co-funding (up to 80%/€2M) and expert support to companies from any sector that use space (satellite navigation, Earth observation, satellite telecommunication, space weather, and space technologies) to develop and scale commercial products and services. BASS targets downstream innovation across all space assets, while InCubed—run by ESA’s Φ-lab—focuses on accelerating the commercialisation of EO solutions across the value chain.

Applications are open year-round.

For BASS: apply any time via the Call for Proposals for Downstream Applications and

For InCubed: follow the steps on InCubed — How to apply.

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Webinar Reminder

ESA Technology Broker Czechia and Austria are co‑hosting an online webinar on 9 September 2025 (10:00–11:15) for entities that already have a clear idea for technology transfer—either space → non‑space (spin‑off) or non‑space → space (spin‑in).

Who should join
SMEs, startups, corporates, and R&D teams in CZ/AT with a concrete concept and the motivation to validate it commercially.

What you’ll get

  • What qualifies as a transfer use‑case (space ↔ non‑space)
  • How ESA Spark Funding works in practice (CZ & AT)
  • How Technology Brokers support you (scouting, partners, next steps)
  • How to Write a Proposal
  • How to Prepare for Proposal Defense
  • Short case snapshots + live Q&A

Registration for Czech institutions is here.
Platform: ZOOM
Language: English
Cost: Free
Contacts: ruscak@tc.cz | ar@brimatech.at

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Tech Needs Matchmaking – Space vs Autonomous Control Systems

The workshop will focus on technological challenges in the field of autonomous control systems, finding suitable solutions in space applications, and identifying shared opportunities.

Participants will have the chance to link current technical challenges in a segment of autonomous systems with innovative space technologies and start working on joint applications.

🚀 Tech Needs Matchmaking at Technology Centre Prague
📅 Date: 25 September 2025 (Thursday)
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 15:00 (lunch included)
📍 Venue: Technology Centre Prague, Room Vltava

Register

Keynote Speakers

  • Petr Hnízdil – Prolab Engineering – a leading Czech company innovating in robotics, engineering, and transport systems.
  • Jaroslav Machan – ŠKODA AUTO / CTU (Czech Technical University in Prague) – autonomous driving and AI in transport, active in both industry and academia.
  • Jana Kominek Vecerkova – EUSPA – technology challanges abd trends as well Cassini initiative for SMEs.

They will introduce specific technological problems seeking solutions – many of which may be addressed with space-enabled technologies.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

  • Space companies in the field of space technology with a focus on navigation, communication, EO, and control systems
  • Automotive companies looking for new solutions in autonomous driving, sensors, materials, data processing, etc.
  • Autonomous solutions—systems capable of performing tasks or making decisions independently, often using AI, sensors, and real-time data processing

What to Expect on the Day

🟦 10:00 – Welcome Coffee
🟦 10:30 – Introduction to ESA Tech Broker, autonomous control systems and space solutions overview
🟦 11:00 – Presentation of technology needs by Prolab Engineering and ŠKODA AUTO/CTU and EUSPA
🟦 12:00 – Lunch / Networking
🟦 13:00 – Workshop exploring solutions via space technologies
🟦 14:30 – Wrap-up and Next Steps toowards further cooperation
🟦 15:00 – Coffe and Networking

You will meet companies from the autonomous control system domain as well as experts who have access to space sector ready-to-transfer technologies and know how.

Why Participate?

✅ Gain access to new innovation channels through proven space technologies.
✅ Explore solutions for transport and security challenges via dual-use space innovations.
✅ Build valuable connections with industry, academia, and ESA Technology Broker – who will support participants technology cooperation and project development.

Join Us at Technology Centre Prague

📅 Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 15:00
📍 Venue: Room Vltava, Technology Centre Prague

This initiative is powered by ESA Technology Broker Czechia, supported by ESA (European Space Agency), and hosted by Technology Centre Prague.

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Czech Companies – Join the ESA Spark Funding Webinar, 9 Sept!

Czech Companies – Join the ESA Spark Funding Webinar, 9 Sept, 10:00–11:30! Dear Czech Companies, We warmly invite you to a free webinar about ESA Spark Funding, where you will learn how to successfully apply for European Space Agency Spark Funding (75000 EUR). ESA Spark Funding helps companies adapt space technologies

Dear Czech Companies,

We warmly invite you to a free webinar about ESA Spark Funding, where you will learn how to successfully apply for European Space Agency Spark Funding (75000 EUR). ESA Spark Funding helps companies adapt non-space technologies for space applications (and vice versa) by providing targeted financial support to accelerate innovation and technology transfer.

During the webinar, you will find out:

  • Who is eligible for ESA Spark funding
  • What the funding can be used for
  • What the application deadlines are
  • How to write a strong proposal
  • How to present and defend your pitch successfully.

Both the ESA Technology Broker in the Czech Republic and in Austria will be joining forces to guide you through the process.

📅 Date: 9th September (Tuesday)
🕙 Time: 10:00–11:30
📍 Platform: Zoom
🔗 Register here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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ESA Funding Opportunity: Czechs Invited to Apply for up to €300,000 – Join Free Webinar on July 8

The European Space Agency (ESA) Phi-Lab Austria invites Czech companies, and universities to join a free online webinar to learn how to apply for grant funding up to €300,000 per project.

This is a unique opportunity for Czech innovators for development, testing, validation, or scaling of space Czech hardware or software technologies and collaborate with Austrian partners and users.

Webinar Details

Topic: ESA Phi-Lab Austria – “Industrialisation by Design” Funding Call
Date: 8th July 2025 (Tuesday) at 10:00–11:30
Platform: online
Language: English
Participation: Free and open to all eligible Czech companies and organizations

Kindly register here: https://esaphilab.at/events/esa-phi-lab-austria-open-call-webinar-2025.

Why Should Czech Companies Join the Webinar?

  • Learn how to apply for ESA funding
  • Ask your specific questions live to the ESA Phi-Lab Austria team
  • Understand what makes a competitive proposal
  • Explore collaboration opportunities with Austrian partners on the call
  • Get inspired to join Europe’s growing space innovation ecosystem.

Don’t Miss This Chance!

ESA Phi-Lab Austria’s funding is a powerful tool to bring Czech and European innovation closer to the European space market. Whether you’re a small tech startup or an established company, this is a real opportunity to grow your ideas—with the support of ESA and Austrian partners.

Join the webinar on July 8 and learn how to take your innovation to orbit!

More Information

Kindly reach out to the ESA Phi-Lab Austria team directly:
esaphilab@accent.at

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Last Chance Before Summer: Join the PNT Workshop on June 26th, 9:00–10:30 AM

The Ministry of Transport, together with the European Space Agency Technology Broker and Technology Centre Prague, warmly invite you to the final PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) Workshop of the season, taking place online on June 26th from 9:00 to 10:30 AM.

This session is your last opportunity before summer to explore new PNT technologies and discover funding opportunities under the ESA NAVISP program — designed to support innovative PNT solutions.

What’s on the agenda?

Building on the success of previous sessions, including the April 15th kick-off workshop and the recent session welcoming over 30 potential new PNT users, this workshop will feature:

  • Introduction to NAVISP (Navigation Innovation and Support Programme) — ESA’s flagship program to foster innovation and industrial competitiveness in PNT
  • Czech PNT ecosystem highlights — strengths, priorities, and collaborative potential
  • Real-world NAVISP success stories, products and industrial applications

Practical Details

📅 Date: 26 June 2025
🕘 Time: 09:00–10:30
🌐 Format: Online
🗣️ Language: Czech
👥 Organized by: Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic & ESA Technology Broker & Technology Centre Prague
📌 Registration: http://geform.tc.cz/ESA_PNT_Workshop

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is highly practical and tailored for professionals across key sectors:

  • Transport and logistics companies (fleet tracking, routing, traffic management)
  • Telecommunications providers (network synchronization)
  • Energy and utility operators (grid timing, monitoring systems)
  • Security and public safety agencies (navigation and coordination)
  • Financial sector stakeholders (secure time stamping and transactions)
  • Infrastructure planners
  • Tech research teams, and innovative SMEs exploring new business opportunities in navigation and space technologies.

Whether you’re developing new PNT products or looking to integrate advanced navigation, timing, or positioning technologies, this workshop will provide actionable insights and connections.

Why PNT Matters

PNT technology is critical to our modern digital society. It underpins everything from mobile networks and financial transactions to autonomous vehicles and space missions. The increasing reliance on PNT means disruptions could cost billions of euros daily across industries such as transport, finance, and emergency services.

Emerging technologies like multi-constellation GNSS, machine learning, and quantum computing open exciting avenues for innovation — increasing the robustness, precision, and availability of PNT solutions and enabling new, value-added services.

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ESA Technology Brokers Engage with Czech Innovators in Brno

On June 10, 2025, the ESA Technology Broker for Czechia participated in two key events in Brno, both focused on expanding awareness and engagement with space technologies, Earth observation, and collaboration opportunities with the European Space Agency (ESA).

URBIS The Smart Cities Meetup 2025

Held at the Brno Exhibition Centre (BVV), URBIS showcased new technologies for smart cities. As ESA Technology Broker, we explored innovative sensor technologies and applications of satellite data that have strong potential for space and terrestrial synergy.

Among the exhibitors, several companies presented advanced sensor systems highly relevant for urban planning and environmental monitoring. For instance:

  • Sensority s.r.o. demonstrated environmental sensor platforms for air quality and noise monitoring.
  • Flowbox showcased energy and water monitoring systems powered by AI and real-time data analysis.
  • TopGis and GEOVAP presented solutions leveraging satellite imagery and remote sensing data for high-resolution terrain mapping, infrastructure planning, and city development.

These applications align closely with ESA’s Earth Observation programmes and open pathways for dual-use innovations between space and smart city solutions.

ESA Technology Broker, ESA Ambassador and Regional Coordinator for Technology Incubator

ESA Academia Info Day at Brno University of Technology (VUT)

On the same day, from 13:00 to 15:30, ESA Technology Broker Czechia and ESA BIC Brno held a seminar at the Rectorate of VUT, aimed at researchers and academic institutions. The session, titled “Opportunities in the ESA Programme”, introduced ways Czech universities and R&D teams can engage with ESA initiatives.

Key Highlights:

  • Co-funding through ESA BIC Brno for space-tech startups and spin-offs (up to €50,000).
  • Co-funding through ESA Technology Broker support for tech transfer and commercialization (up to €75,000).
  • Overview of ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) for submitting breakthrough ideas.

Special Focus Areas:

  • Spectrum Sharing Makerspace: Grants of €15,000–€20,000 for spectrum-related projects.
  • ESA ARTES Programme: Funding schemes supporting telecom innovations (TRL 1–9), including:

Other Support Programs:

  • ESA GSTP: Prototype and demonstration support (TRL 3–6), coordinated by the Czech Ministry of Transport.
  • Lift-Off Challenge: National contest (CZK 60,000 prize) for early-stage teams to develop and pitch space-based ideas.

The seminar equipped participants with practical tools for turning research into real-world space and commercial applications. If you’re developing a sensor, data platform, or novel technology with space relevance, contact us—ESA is here to help accelerate your innovation.

The ESA Technology Broker’s role is to connect Czech companies, researchers, and institutions with ESA technologies, expertise, and funding mechanisms. Our presence at both URBIS and the VUT seminar reflects our commitment to strengthening ties between academia, industry, and the European space ecosystem.

If your organization is developing a novel sensor, data application, or technology with space potential—or if you’re looking for ways to adapt space technologies to Earth applications—contact us. Let’s explore how ESA can help accelerate your innovation.

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Join us at the Positioning Navigation Timing Workshop

Are you curious about new opportunities in space technologies and advanced navigation?

ESA Technology Broker and Ministry of Transportation invite you for the Positioning Navigation Timing Workshop.

📅 Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025
🕘 Time: 09:00–11:00
🌐 Format: Online
🗣️ Language: Czech
👥 Organized by: Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic & Technology Centre Prague
📌 Registration: here.

This session is specifically intended for organizations in the Czech Republic who currently use or could benefit from Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies, including:

  • Transport and logistics companies (fleet tracking, routing, traffic management)
  • Telecommunications providers (network synchronization)
  • Energy and utility operators (grid timing, monitoring systems)
  • Security and public safety agencies (navigation and coordination)
  • Financial sector stakeholders (secure time stamping and transactions)
  • Infrastructure planners
  • Tech research teams, and innovative SMEs exploring new business opportunities in navigation and space technologies.

Why attend?

PNT systems are foundational to modern infrastructure. Their reliability impacts everything from emergency services to automated transport and financial markets. Europe is now investing in the next generation of PNT technologies — combining multi-constellation GNSS, AI, and quantum tech — to build more resilient and precise systems.

What’s on the agenda?

  • Introduction to NAVISP (Navigation Innovation and Support Programme) — ESA’s flagship program to foster innovation and industrial competitiveness in PNT
  • Czech PNT ecosystem highlights — strengths, priorities, and collaborative potential
  • Real-world NAVISP success stories and industrial applications

This is your chance to learn, connect, and get inspired. Whether you’re in R&D, or industry, if your work touches the PNT landscape, this workshop is for you. Secure your spot and take your first step into the future of navigation.

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Deep Tech Atelier: AI, Space and Quantum Innovations in the Baltics

ESA Technology Brokers from Czechia attended in-person at the Deep Tech Atelier 2025 event in Riga on May 15th and 16th. This large-scale Baltic technology conference, organized by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency and Commercialization Reactor, attracted over 1,500 attendees from 50+ countries, including investors, academics, companies, and government officials. The event highlighted deep tech innovations, particularly in space, quantum computing, and AI. ESA Technology Broker identified potential tech solutions, collaborations and partnerships within these sectors.

The broker is delivering a pitch about Stellar Nuclear

Purpose of Their Visit:

  • Identify promising startups and research groups in the Baltic region focusing on space-based environmental monitoring, communication, other space technologies, and quantum encryption.
  • Explore collaboration possibilities between Czechia’s space industry and Baltic companies, academic institutions, and research centers.
  • Share expertise on space data processing, satellite sensor technology, and communication systems.

Specific Engagements and Findings:

  • Spectromarine’s Optical Water Quality Sensors:
    These innovative sensors utilize fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy to monitor chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and organic matter in water bodies. ESA Technology Broker discussed how Czech-developed satellite data processing capabilities could complement Spectromarine’s optical sensors for large-scale environmental monitoring.
  • CMOS Sensors for Visual Water Inspection:
    These sensors, capable of detecting surface oils, oils slicks, and particulates, demonstrate practical applications in environmental safety. Integrating these sensors into satellite or drone-based systems for real-time water quality assessment could be an interesting solution.

Potential Collaboration Areas:

  • Joint R&D on Water and Environmental Monitoring:
    Combining Czech satellite data analytics with Baltic optical sensors could lead to comprehensive, real-time environmental monitoring systems for oceans and lakes, supporting climate change studies and maritime safety.
  • Quantum Technologies for Secure Space Communications:
    Czechia’s advancements at IQM in superconducting quantum processors and their expertise in quantum encryption can support Baltic efforts to develop secure satellite communication networks using quantum key distribution (QKD).
  • Development of Space Hardware:
    The Czech team highlighted their work on nuclear energy sources, miniaturized satellite payloads, which could be adapted for Baltic space missions, communication and AI applications, fostering cross-border technological synergies.

Beyron is a Latvian deep-tech company developing fully autonomous, AI-powered drone systems designed for continuous, error-free monitoring and data collection in industries such as urban safety, construction, energy, logistics, and environmental manageme

Meetings with Research Groups:

  • ESA Technology Broker engaged with finalists, including companies working on space sensors, environmental monitoring, and space-based data analytics.
  • Discussions also covered unuse potencial, where Baltic and Czech companies could participate as suppliers or technology providers.

Outcome and Next Steps:

ESA Technology Broker’s visit successfully identified numerous collaboration opportunities, emphasizing the complementary strengths of Czech space tech expertise and Baltic innovation. They expressed enthusiasm about joint projects in environmental sensing, robust satellite communication, and space infrastructure development.

Acknowledgments:

Special thanks go to the organizers of Deep Tech Atelier 2025, notably Commercialization Reactor and LIAA, for creating this vibrant platform. We also extend our gratitude to the Latvian government and President Edgars Rinkēvičs for inspiring remarks about the importance of innovation. Their support underscores the event’s significance for regional and European space ambitions.

Conclusion:

The visit by ESA Technology Broker exemplifies the strategic intent of ESA’s Czechia branch to foster international partnerships in deep tech, space, and quantum domains. Their engagement at Deep Tech Atelier 2025 has laid a solid foundation for future joint initiatives that will accelerate space innovation and environmental monitoring capabilities across Europe.

We look forward to seeing these collaborations develop and produce tangible technological breakthroughs that benefit both the Baltic region and the broader European space ecosystem. The event marked a crucial step in strengthening regional cooperation and advancing Europe’s leadership in space and deep tech innovations.

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Two ESA Spark Funding Projects Set to Fly to the International Space Station with Astronaut Aleš Svoboda!

We are thrilled to announce some incredible news. Two projects, ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen, which originated from ESA Spark Funding, have been selected to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) with Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda! Big congratulations to all fantastic people involved for their incredible hard work and dedication to making these projects a reality! Your unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and turning bold ideas into groundbreaking innovations is truly inspiring. The ISS T-shirt and ICARUS ARMOR projects are not just technological advancements; they are a testament to your curiosity and perseverance.

The Selected Projects: ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen

Both ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen are now preparing for their exciting mission into space. These projects are more than just experiments—they are innovations that could revolutionize our understanding of space conditions and human performance.

ISS T-shirt
This project, a modification of the original Icarus Armor, will monitor astronaut stress levels using a novel thermodynamic metric. The ISS T-shirt is designed to provide real-time data on the astronaut’s physical and emotional state, which is crucial for ensuring optimal performance during long-duration space missions. By tracking these stress levels, the project aims to enhance astronaut well-being and mission success.

Icarus Armour Next Gen
The Icarus Armor Next Gen project takes the idea of stress monitoring a step further. This new iteration will create a personalized digital twin model to predict the cognitive performance of astronauts under cumulative stress. This technology is designed to improve astronaut safety by monitoring their mental and physical states in extreme environments, allowing for real-time adjustments and interventions to prevent fatigue and enhance decision-making.

ESA Spark Funding: A Launchpad for Innovation

The ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor projects were supported by ESA Spark Funding, which encourages collaboration between space agencies and local innovators to develop technologies that can benefit both space missions and terrestrial applications. The initiative is instrumental in enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in high-tech space exploration while creating solutions with a broader societal impact.

The Role of Aleš Svoboda in Testing and Innovation

Aleš Svoboda, a Czech astronaut reserve member, has played a pivotal role in testing these innovations. His participation in the testing campaign at the Brno University of Technology’s climate chamber provided invaluable real-world data on human performance under extreme conditions. This collaboration highlights the unique synergy between astronauts and ground-breaking research, ensuring that these projects are ready for the rigorous conditions of space.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Innovation

The selection of these projects is a significant achievement for the Czech space program and a proud moment for all those involved. With the mission expected to take place before the end of 2027, the ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen will be part of a larger suite of experiments conducted by astronaut Aleš Svoboda, paving the way for new technological advancements and enhancing our understanding of how humans can perform in space.

This is not just a victory for the Czech space industry but for global space exploration as well. The projects will contribute to critical research that may have applications both in space and on Earth, particularly in fields such as astronaut health, extreme environment monitoring, and worker safety.

A Proud Moment for ESA Technology Brokers

As ESA Technology Brokers, we are immensely proud to be a part of this remarkable achievement. We believe in the power of innovation and collaboration, and the success of these projects underscores the impact of our role in helping bring bold visions to life. We look forward to seeing these technologies reach new heights and contribute to future space missions.

Once again, congratulations to all the teams involved in ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen—you are making a real difference in the world of space exploration!