On 27 March, the ESA Technology Broker NL was again present at ZIE 2025: the leading knowledge and networking event for the South Holland technological industry. Held at the iconic Van Nelle Fabriek in Rotterdam, ZIE brings together high-tech sectors including space, maritime, horticulture, high-tech systems and materials, machine building, and defence. For the ecosystem, ZIE continues to be a valuable platform to build local cross-sector connections and showcase how space technologies can support innovation far beyond Earth.
Connecting Communities: NL Space Campus at ZIE 2025
At ZIE 2025, NL Space Campus took part in several activities throughout the day. We helped facilitate knowledge exchange by moderating the panel discussion, hosted the ESA Technology Broker NL booth together with SBIC Noordwijk, and organised a special edition of Network & Drinks at the event. It was a great success and we will host the March edition in 2026 again together with Hi Delta at ZIE 2026.
Space, Meet High-Tech: Why Cross-Sector Matters
ZIE offers a platform where companies, knowledge institutions, young talent, government representatives, schools, and many more, from different sectors can find each other. Such platforms help create space for conversations between the high-tech and space communities. The Dutch space sector represented, engaging with organisations such as Demcon, S&T, Airbus, Leidse Instrumentmakers School, NLR and RISE student team.
“Platforms such as ZIE provide networking that is crucial for the ecosystem to keep strengthening connections and creating opportunities for new business for the Netherlands. With the growing geopolitical situations in the world, local businesses have an increasing importance in the supply chain for high-tech.” — Maaike Smelter, Community Manager, NL Space Campus
A Buzzing Booth: ESA Technology Broker NL
Powered jointly by NL Space Campus and SBIC Noordwijk, the booth for ESA Technology Broker NL focused on terrestrial applications of space tech – from robotics and sensors to AI and advanced materials. It is a good way to reach the high tech industry, and find contact for matchmaking sessions such as the Tech Needs Discovery event.
“We noticed a stronger space presence overall compared to earlier years. While last year we were probably the only space-focused exhibitor, this year we saw companies like NLR and S[&]T with booths, and others like Groundstation.space among the attendees”, said Raoul Voeten, Dutch contact for the ESA Technology Broker.
Raoul also pointed out the growing interest in how space research can support Earth-based sustainability:
“Space is increasingly helping to solve terrestrial challenges, such as secure telecommunications, navigation, and Earth observation. A new frontier is a CO₂-free, circular energy system with scalable seasonal storage powered by green energy. If we can develop sustainable energy solutions for space missions, why not apply them here on Earth?”
Network & Drinks at ZIE: High Tech meets Space
Network & Drinks in March took place at the ZIE venue in Rotterdam. Starting at 4PM, professionals from across the high-tech and space communities gathered for rapid 3-minute pitches, drinks, and informal networking. This special edition featured:
- Student Team RISE, presenting their work on sustainable solutions for space debris,
- Aardvark Sensing, an ESA BIC Noordwijk startup developing autonomous soil sensing technology,
- The winner of the Hi Delta Synergy Award, highlighting impactful tech collaborations in South Holland.
“Bringing new space technologies to such a venue proved worthy — not just in feedback from the pitchers, but also in tangible results. For example, Student Team RISE received over 30 business cards throughout the day, just by being able to showcase their rockets. We can forget how inspiring real-life rockets can be for non-space professionals.” — Maaike Smelter, Community Manager, NL Space Campus
Read the article ”High Tech meets Space: Highlights from Network & Drinks at ZIE 2025”
Looking Ahead
With its mix of industry, education, and innovation, ZIE remains a valuable place to meet new partners and explore ideas. With the feedback we received from pitchers and the strengthened collaboration between NL Space Campus, Hi Delta, Mikrocentrum and the high tech community, Network & Drinks in March 2026 will again take place at ZIE.
ZIE 2026 will take place on 26 March. Will we see you there?
The next event by Mikrocentrum and Hi Delta is de Precisiebeurs happening in November. For the first time in 2 decades this conference will host a space pavilion. We invite you to save the date and meet us there too!
