The first Tech Needs Discovery event took place on 18 March 2025 at SBIC Noordwijk, connecting space technology providers with real-world challenges from non-space sectors. Organised by the ESA Technology Broker, in cooperation with SBIC Noordwijk, Holland High Tech, Hi Delta, and NL Space Campus, the event aims to facilitate concrete technology transfer opportunities.
During the event, companies from outside the space sector presented specific technical challenges to an audience of space companies, with the goal of exploring how space technologies could address them.
Challenges Presented by Non-Space Companies
During the event, six non-space companies presented current technological challenges:
- BigMile – Tools for calculating and reducing transport-related carbon emissions
- Division Q – Practical validation for greenhouse innovations
- MicroAlign – Optimising fibre array connections for photonics
- Priva – Smart climate control and automation for buildings and horticulture
- Reefy – Nature-based infrastructure to mitigate coastal flooding
- Viscon – Automation in agri-food production for scalability and sustainability
These challenges covered domains such as sustainability, photonics, automation, and infrastructure—offering clear entry points for space companies with relevant hardware, software, and data-driven solutions.
Matchmaking and Results
Following the presentations, structured matchmaking sessions connected space companies with the non-space presenters. Conversations focused on identifying overlaps in capabilities and possible next steps for cooperation.
“One space company told us they didn’t expect much from a certain meeting, but it ended up being a very productive exchange,” said Jacobo Domingo, ESA Technology Broker and Business Development Manager at SBIC Noordwijk. “That’s the core purpose here – creating new, sometimes unexpected connections.”
The event also highlighted cross-sector challenges that could serve as a basis for future editions or broader initiatives.
Strong Interest from Non-Space Industry
While it can be difficult to encourage companies to share internal R&D challenges publicly, turnout from non-space sectors exceeded expectations. Participating industries included agri-food, logistics, high-tech manufacturing, and coastal infrastructure.
“We had more non-space companies than space ones. That tells us there’s demand outside the traditional markets for space technologies,” Domingo noted.
Next Edition: 15 May 2025 – Space Challenges
The second Tech Needs Discovery will take place on 15 May 2025 at SBIC Noordwijk, again hosted by the ESA Technology Broker in collaboration with SBIC Noordwijk, NL Space Campus, Holland High Tech, and Hi Delta.
Visit event page of the 2nd edition
Unlike the first edition, which focused on non-space industry challenges, the May event flips the format: space companies will present their own technical challenges, inviting non-space innovators to offer fresh solutions.
The event will include guided matchmaking and informal networking, aiming to spark practical collaborations and explore how technologies from outside the space domain can support innovation within it.
