Harvesting Talent, Innovations and New Connections at the Autumn edition of Network & Drinks

The latest edition of Network & Drinks brought the NL Space Campus community together for a Halloween-inspired evening of networking and updates. Against a backdrop of festive decorations, pumpkins, and themed music, attendees connected in a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed to foster new connections and reconnections with young professionals, organisations, and start-ups from the Dutch space sector. 

NL Space Campus Updates

“Space for Talent” 

NL Space Campus Community Manager Maaike Smelter opened the evening by introducing the “Space for Talent” programme. The programme builds on the recent NL Moonshot’24 project, where 40 student teams worked on – and later showcased – visionary concepts in space technology to an international panel, including astronauts. Space for Talent is the follow up and works on building the connection between the sector and attracting the young talents for the future. In the upcoming period we will reach out more to the sector to support the connection with this programme.  

Upcoming: Cassini Hackathon 

The 8th Cassini Hackathon is scheduled to take place in Zoetermeer from 22-24 November 2024 at the Dutch Innovation Factory. The hackathon provides an opportunity to win up to €5,000 in cash prizes, media exposure, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Hosted by the Dutch Innovation Factory, this event invites students, young professionals, mentors, and sponsors to develop solutions using space data across three challenges: geospatial intelligence, unmanned drone applications, and orbital security. 

Read more about the hackathon here 

Connecting the Curious – Exclusive Networking Event at Space Tech Expo Bremen 

On 20 November 2024, NL Space Campus, along with ESA BIC Noordwijk, ESA BIC Northern Germany, and ESA BIC Bavaria, will host Connecting the Curious at The Schaulust in Bremen. The event, organised as a side-event of the Space Tech Expo Europe, is a fast-paced networking session tailored for students, young professionals, and start-ups in the European space technology sector. Aiming to bridge the gap between newcomers and established industry professionals, Connecting the Curious provides a space for idea-sharing, collaboration, and career development. Registration is mandatory for this event. You can find the event page here.  

Updates from SBIC Noordwijk 

SBIC Noordwijk’s Community Manager, Pieter Speijer, took to the stage with both good and bittersweet news. While this was his last Network & Drinks appearance as community manager, he welcomed Sky Movex, a Turkish company in SBIC’s Soft Landing Programme. Pieter explained, “The Soft Landing Programme is designed to help international companies like Sky Movex establish a base in the Netherlands, giving them the support needed to navigate a new market.” 

In addition to Sky Movex, SBIC recently welcomed RegenRate as part of their SBIC Business Incubation Program. WildFlyer, another newcomer, creating technology for detecting and preventing wildfire issues.  

Pitches  

The evening also featured pitches from emerging start-ups that highlighted the potential of space technology across diverse fields. 

BeeSage 

Ru Wikmann presented BeeSage, a modular beehive monitoring system that supports food security by enabling data-driven beekeeping. “Our aim with BeeSage,” said Wikmann, “is to advance our understanding of pollinators through real-time data.” The system uses GNSS and Earth observation technology to provide crucial insights for beekeepers, farmers, and conservationists. Wikmann emphasized BeeSage’s broader mission, hinting at future potential: “One day, we might even see honeybees on Mars.” He also shared that BeeSage is seeking a CTO with expertise in connected hardware to help drive the project forward. You can reach out to BeeSage here.  

Turtle Island Space 

Next up, Brian Treacy of Turtle Island Space described his company’s online education platform, where users can command real ground stations and capture satellite signals. Treacy highlighted Turtle Island’s practical focus, noting, “We’re combining theory with real hardware. A student in South Africa recently captured a stunning image of the Iberian Peninsula from our ground station in the Netherlands—bringing what they learn in class to life.” The platform has already attracted users worldwide, from the U.S. to Australia, who are interested in satellite communication and Earth observation. 

Turtle Island’s online courses cover topics such as geostationary and polar-orbiting satellite signals, using Earth observation data, and practical tools for educators. With the first commercial partnership beginning in December and a new course for space enthusiasts launching in February, Turtle Island is set to expand its reach within the space education field. You can reach out to Brian here.  

RegenRate: Pioneering Sustainable Biofuel Sourcing 

Another highlight was RegenRate, a start-up supporting biofuel producers by providing certified feedstock through winter-grown intermediary crops. “Our software platform leverages satellite technology, enabling biofuel producers to source sustainable feedstock that meets European regulations,” explained Thimm Zwiener. Zwiener shared a personal story that underscored the challenges RegenRate faced in their journey to commercialisation and invited interested investors to join their next funding round. You can reach out to Thimm here.  

Looking Ahead 

In case you missed recent Network & Drinks or would like to meet the community and new faces, here are two more opportunities: 

• 20 November, 2024: Connecting the Curious in Bremen, offering students, young professionals, and start-ups a unique opportunity to connect with industry experts at Space Tech Expo. 

• 28 November, 2024: NL Space Campus Network & Drinks – Final Edition of the Year, a closing event to catch up with colleagues, hear the latest community updates, and reflect on the year’s successes. 

Through events like Network & Drinks, NL Space Campus continues to support collaboration and growth within the Dutch space sector, bringing together students, start-ups, and organisations alike. From pitches to announcements, NL Space Campus is dedicated to creating an environment where talent and ambition find the resources to thrive in the space industry. 

You can register for the next edition here.  

Are you excited to join the stage and present your own 3-minute pitch? You can fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.