After a successful launch in March, the second edition of Tech Needs Discovery Event Series took place on 5 June 2025 at SBIC Noordwijk. This time, space companies presented their current technical needs, and innovators from non-space sectors were invited to respond with ideas, technologies, and new perspectives. The event offers in-person discussions with technology needs owners and offers live match-making. With potential matches from many partners, we received over 35 participants for this edition and are looking forward to more than 10 successful matches.
The first edition in March welcomed 25 participants and led to 35 introductions. Since then, five of those connections have already developed into joint workshops, pilot projects, or follow-up meetings at other space events. With nearly twice as many introductions made during the second edition, the format is proving its value, helping companies connect across sectors and move quickly from ideas to action.
What is Tech Needs Discovery Event
Tech Needs Discovery is not a standalone event. It is part of a growing communication platform connecting the ESA Technology Broker Netherlands with companies, researchers, and solution providers from both space and non-space sectors. Its goal is to enable long-term partnerships through knowledge exchange and matchmaking. In collaboration with other European ESA Technology Brokers and the large community reaching into Europe, the series turned out to be a successful matchmaking from the start.
Co-organised by ESA Technology Broker NL (powered by NL Space Campus and SBIC Noordwijk), and supported by Holland High Tech and Hi Delta, the event combines presentations, live brokering, and networking opportunities to help space and non-space communities find shared ground.
Visit the Tech Needs Discovery Event Series Page
A New Angle: Space Companies Share Their Needs
The second edition of Tech Needs Discovery flipped the usual script. Instead of showcasing space technologies to non-space audiences, this time the spotlight was on space companies presenting their current technical challenges, inviting innovators from other sectors to respond with fresh ideas and solutions.
Participating organisations included ESA / ESTEC (via HE Space), 4 Earth 2 Mars, LioniX International, and Spherical Systems. Each of them shared specific needs that reflect wider trends in the sector, from advanced engineering to cross-sector technology transfer. Key topics included high-performance applications, additive manufacturing, thermal management, embedded systems, modular robotics, digital platforms, and space qualification of hardware.
ESA / ESTEC highlighted the need for high-performance technologies, ways to bridge terrestrial innovation with orbital applications, and new approaches to reinforce Europe’s competitiveness through cross-sector collaboration.
4 Earth 2 Mars shared challenges related to off-grid construction using additive manufacturing, modular robotics for on-site assembly, and structural engineering concepts for geodesic shell systems designed for space environments.
LioniX International is developing sensor modules intended for in-orbit operation and is actively seeking non-space partners to support packaging, electronics, and space qualification processes. Their aim is to certify these components to space-grade standards and build toward achieving orbital heritage.
Spherical Systems presented challenges in thermal management, simulation tools for accelerating engineering design, and the evolution of embedded software systems to meet the complex demands of space missions.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Jacobo Domingo, ESA Technology Broker, shared:
“I was extremely pleased with the number of attendees and the growing interest in the format. What stood out to me was how participants from such different backgrounds were all excited about contributing to one shared goal — space. This enabled us to look at challenges from multiple angles. The setup became more efficient, and I believe it will lead to better-quality matches.”
Space is looking for your technology to innovate
You do not need to be active in the space sector to have something valuable to offer. Companies working in smart systems, additive manufacturing, precision engineering, agriculture, energy suppliers, software, materials science, and mobility are especially relevant.
“We often look outside the space sector to find ways to optimise processing and manage challenges like thermal control or data-heavy simulations,” said Cenan Al-Ekabi, Operations Manager at Spherical Systems. “Even though we’re building for space, we’re developing like any other tech company, so tools and solutions from other domains can make a big difference.”
Save the Date: Tech Needs Discovery #3 on 25 September
The next edition will take place on 25 September 2025 on Campus, just before the monthly Network and Drinks event. This time, the focus will shift to industry challenges, inviting both space and non-space organisations to explore how space technologies can help meet broader sectoral needs. Again, this event will be supported by Hi Delta and Holland High Tech.
Join Us
If your company is building smart technologies, solving technical challenges, or is simply curious about new applications, you are very welcome to join the next edition. Tech Needs Discovery is designed to support connections across sectors and help companies find new ground to innovate.
To stay informed, sign up for the NL Space Campus Community Updates https://www.nlspacecampus.eu/community-update/
