13 SEP 20
Exeter Initiative for Science & Technology
A focus on science, technology, & innovation for the business community
SPECIAL EDITION
SPACE APPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES MEET THE FACES BEHIND THE SOUTH WEST’S INNOVATIVE SPACE SECTOR CONRAD GILLESPIE
SOUTH WEST CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN SATELLITE APPLICATIONS
MELISSA THORPE
SPACEPORT CORNWALL
IN THIS ISSUE LEARN MORE ABOUT: THE UK & REGIONAL SPACE SECTOR • SATELLITE APPLICATIONS CATAPULT • A LOOK AT HOW OTHER SECTORS WORK WITH SAT APPS • MORE ABOUT GOONHILLY EARTH STATION • AEROSPACE CORNWALL & THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY • AND HOW THE SECTOR PLANS TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION...PLUS STEMM NEWS PAGE 1
ISSUE 13 Wow, what a difference six months makes. Our last ExIST Insight was distributed at the beginning of the year to offices around the South West. Today, this edition is exclusively online as colleagues and businesses across the region adjust to a new way of working, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Watching how businesses have adjusted, pivoted and in some cases, thankfully thrived has been insightful and heartening, not least because we saw levels of collaboration and support in the region which helped us collectively manage through the crisis. We have moved our ExIST meetings to online for the next few months and continue to work to support the STEMM community and particularly those finding themselves in need for support as the new normal becomes more and more real - this is particularly true as we head into the Autumn with the end of the Furlough scheme and the increase in social distancing measures. I am really thrilled to be working with South West Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications (SWCoESA) and Aerospace Cornwall on this edition of Insight. It is fantastic that we can, particularly at this time, showcase the wealth of activity and expertise that exists in this sector and what better way to positively face into the next phase of the pandemic than looking to space for what it can do to support us. Reading the content has certainly opened our eyes to the depth of expertise within the region in the space sector. There is a helpful intro to this on the opposite page. Of the many interesting articles contained within, I was personally very interested to read about how the space sector can help businesses in other sectors grow
and thrive – the case studies from businesses including Data Duopoly, the Connected Health Care project and Cyber-SHIP on pages 6-8 are great examples of this. On 8 October, we are delighted to continue our partnership with SWCoESA and Aerospace Cornwall to deliver a virtual event on the same topic. Bringing together a wealth of talent from across the South West, the event is sure to offer inspiration and opportunities to many business leaders. Read more on the back cover of this issue and book on our website www.existexeter.co.uk The event is free to attend and open to all. We send our best wishes to everyone in the STEMM community. These are strange and challenging times we are facing. If there is anything I or any member of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and ExIST community can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Clodagh Murphy ExIST Chair and Board Director of Exeter Chamber
new web programme will launch on 24 September. Following in the footsteps of the hugely popular Friday Lockdown Show, the new format will ensure business leaders have access to the information they need to make important decisions in this critical time period. The first show featured Keri Denton, head of economy, enterprise and skills at Devon County Council, Malindi Myers, agent for the SW at the Bank of England, Fiona Carden, Exeter Homeless Partnership and Karime Hassan, chief executive and growth director of Exeter City Council, as well as a behind the scenes look at the development of the old House of Fraser and Flybe Academy buildings. The next shows will take place on October 15 and November 12.
Email: clodagh@larks.live
Find out more: www.existexeter.co.uk
Visit www.exeterchamber.co.uk/refocus
ExIST_Exeter
Editorial & Advertising Enquiries: info@existexeter.co.uk
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[RE}FOCUS Exeter Chamber’s
UK & REGIONAL SPACE SECTOR
NATIONAL CONTEXT
REGIONAL CONTEXT
The global space market is predicted to reach £400bn by 2030, and the UK is aiming to capture a 10% share.
The South West has positioned itself at the forefront of the developing UK space economy, and is playing an increasingly important role in the national space programme. The region leads the way on some of the significant innovations currently taking place in the world’s space sector, and is home to a wide range of businesses from groundbreaking start-ups to world leading pioneers.
The UK government has high aspirations for the space sector, having committed significant investment, stepping up international collaborations, supporting one million STEM interactions with young people and investment to build national capability, such as deep space initiatives at Goonhilly Earth Station (GES) and Spaceport Cornwall. Space is becoming more commercial, and to meet these new opportunities it is essential to harness the inspiration of UK innovators, and bring more people into this fast moving industry. According to Alan Cox (Satellite Applications Catapult Chief Commercial Officer) “the space sector is a UK success story, with an ambitious vision to achieve a £40bn sector and 100,000 jobs by 2030”.
In the far west, Cornwall is home to a dedicated horizontal launch site, the world’s most capable satellite ground station, deep space communications, earth observation, flight testing and satellite launches. It is rapidly becoming a world leading technology destination for businesses. Also, a combination of world-leading environmental science capabilities, satellite data expertise, digital innovation strengths and commercial exploitation support can help to drive regional economic growth through satellite applications and associated innovations.
“The UK is considered a highly desirable location to incubate and innovate, and in recent years the number of Space commercial organisations has soared.” “The space sector is changing fast and the increase in demand for satellite-enabled services is reshaping the sector and creating significant potential for growth. This demand is attracting new entrants, many of whom are focused on exploiting disruptive innovation to secure a share of the global space market.” ‘OUR MISSION IS TO SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURS IN EUROPE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES USING SATELLITE APPLICATIONS AND SPACE TECHNOLOGY. TOGETHER, KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE SOUTHWEST REGION ARE COLLABORATING TO TURN INNOVATIVE IDEAS INTO COMMERCIAL REALITIES.’ IAN DOWNEY, ESA BUSINESS APPLICATIONS UK AMBASSADOR PLATFORM NETWORK COORDINATOR
Image: NASA Earth Observatory - Joshua Stevens
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SATELLITE APPLICATIONS CATAPULT The Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC) is an independent innovation and technology company, created by Innovate UK to drive economic growth through the exploitation of space. In partnership with the UK Space Agency, SAC funds and manages a regional network connecting space innovation and activities across the UK. We work with businesses of all sizes to realise their potential from space infrastructure and its applications, and we bring together multidisciplinary teams to generate ideas and solutions in an open innovation environment. For more information visit https://sa.catapult.org.uk/ and @SatAppsCatapult.
Harwell Space Cluster SAC is based within the Harwell Space Cluster, and is home to other key Space stakeholders, including the European Space Agency (ESA), UK Space Agency, RAL Space and the Science & Technology Facilities Council. Global space companies such as Airbus Defence & Space, Lockheed Martin and Thales Alenia Space have also established a presence at Harwell, with activities ranging from the design of propulsion subsystems to satellite navigation systems. These are joined by a range of SMEs from start-ups in the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre to rapidly growing companies such as Oxford Space Systems, Deimos Space UK, Rezatec and NDA.
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The Harwell Space Cluster is part of the UK strategy to increase its share of the rapidly expanding world space market to 10% by 2030. The UK Space market was worth ÂŁ14.8bn to the economy in 2016/7, and has tripled in size since 2000. The UK Space sector already provides 41,900 jobs and directly contributes ÂŁ5.1 billion GVA to UK GDP.
SAC Regional Growth Team As Regional Innovation and Design Lead within the SAC Regional Growth Team, Joel Freedman works closely with the South West Centre of Excellence, to identify opportunities across a range of sectors, and connects challenge owners with solution providers, in order to stimulate the development of new ideas.
Formerly the Head of User Centred Design at the Catapult, Joel brings his experience using a design thinking approach to catalyse innovation across the regional network, running stakeholder engagement workshops, conducting design research projects, and providing innovation consultancy to government, academia, and businesses, both large and small. Email: Joel.Freedman@sa.catapult.org.uk
INTERVIEW WITH
CONRAD GILLESPIE (CENTRE MANAGER, SWCoESA) What is your role? I manage the South West Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications (SWCoESA), which is part of a national network established by the Satellite Applications Catapult & UK Space Agency. We provide a gateway to the national space sector by supporting innovators to develop and commercialise space technologies and satellite applications (including earth observation, communications and navigation).
How does your organisation and Exeter contribute to this sector on a regional / national / global basis? We are part of the regional space cluster supporting the development of a space ecosystem for the South West, collaborating with regional businesses, universities and connected to the Satellite Applications
What do you wish other people knew about your work? Space isn’t just ‘out there’. It’s a valuable resource that can benefit many sectors.
Why and how would you encourage young people to consider STEMM careers?
The Centre is led by University of Exeter and works in partnership with the University of Plymouth and Falmouth University, and our coverage includes Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.
How would you describe your organisation and its work? The Centre is a focal point for satellite data, technology and application activities, linking science and research with industry and public sector organisations. We provide support to start-ups and SMEs to build on and commercialise their ideas making connections with the whole Space ecosystem.
Catapult, UK Space Agency and ESA Business Applications team.
What do you want to achieve in your role in the next 12 months? To create a melting pot of innovation by: • Promoting the value of space technologies and how they support climate emergency responses, change lives, business operations, policy and behaviours. • Building on the regional environmental science and digital innovation strengths with access to R&D, innovation and skills expertise through our University partners. • Growing the South West Space ecosystem and beneficiaries.
What are your organisation’s priorities? Our vision is to sustainably improve social, health, environmental and economic outcomes through inspiring innovation, supported by satellite technology, creating partnerships and opportunities, starting locally and reaching globally.
How do you want to work with / how can you engage / how can you help SMEs in Exeter and the region? We connect people with key stakeholders, support SMEs with our team of thematic leads, offer business incubation and funding applications, and constantly scan the horizon for new opportunities.
The ‘New Space’ sector is an exciting place to be with innovators developing cuttingedge technologies and applications for environmental, economic and societal impact. I encourage STEM ambassadors to explore the growing opportunities for wideranging ‘Upstream’ and ‘Downstream’ career paths, including data scientists, digital designers, engineers, environmentalists, manufacturers, science researchers and software developers, to name a few!
How did you get into your role / sector / specialism? As an Engineer with over twenty years of management experience in diverse innovative and research sectors, including Data Science, Emerging Technologies and Geospatial intelligence, I found the Space sector awe-inspiring so I definitely wanted to get involved!
Email: c.gillespie@exeter.ac.uk LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ conradgillespie/ www.sa.catapult.org.uk/south-west/
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KEY FOCUS AREAS eHealth & eWellbeing Satellite applications can deliver transformational change in the way that healthcare and wellbeing services are delivered, contributing to the overarching vision of environmental sustainability in all sectors, and in all aspects of our lives.
Key Developments
partners have developed an exciting project that optimises connectivity and data technology developed by the space sector, reaching into and supporting primary and secondary care and isolated patients. Working in collaboration with industry, academia, government and health partners in Cornwall and Scotland will enable us to explore the impact of satellite capability and data technology within mental health services in primary care in Cornwall and diabetes and clinical education in Scotland. The project will run to March 2022.
In the UK, health inequalities have widened, with the burden of disease and ill-health having a disproportionate effect on those who are most vulnerable. The current Covid 19 pandemic is, in real time, demonstrating the fragility and interconnectedness of our health systems, health and societal behaviours, economics and the environment.
Design Thinking The ‘Connected Health Care’ project (CHC) is a Celtic collaboration between industry, academia, and health providers in Cornwall and Scotland. Stimulated by the enduring population and disease pressures on the health care systems, the impact of rurality on patients being able to access care, and a reducing rural workforce within the health sector, the
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Data from space is vital to the maritime industry, tracking ships’ locations and sea-going traffic for the sake of safety and economic efficiency. It also has an important role to play in monitoring the marine environment and its sustainability.
Key Developments • Maritime Cyber Security • Autonomous Marine Capability • Marine Modelling
Case Study: Cyber-SHIP Just as we rely on international shipping for more than 90% of our material and economic wellbeing, seafarers depend on satellite technology. Every vessel’s basic bridge equipment is satelliteconnected or reliant on satellite data.
• Early Intervention & Diagnosis • Remote Monitoring & Consultation • Managing Long Term Conditions
With a focus on innovation and research we bridge across the creative industry sector and the health and wellbeing sector. We develop transdisciplinary approaches to complex challenges optimising a wide range of disciplines with satellite enabled health care. Current areas of focus include: Mental Health, Learning Disability, Health Services Research, Technology Enabled Health Care, User Experience and Health Care.
Marine & Maritime
The University of Plymouth’s new £3m ‘Cyber-SHIP Lab’ is raising shipping’s cyber resilience game relative to more cyber aware sectors such as banking. The Lab configures multiple ships’ “systemsof-systems” to test cyber-threat resilience. It conducts ground-breaking research into individual and assembled system vulnerabilities, enabling the development of mitigation measures, technically and from a human perspective. The Lab is funded by Research England, the University and industry partners.
Marine & Maritime Lead: eHealth & eWellbeing Lead: Anna Mankee-Williams Email: a.mankeewilliams@falmouth.ac.uk
Chloe Rowland Email: Chloe.rowland@plymouth.ac.uk
mining
Natural Capital
Satellite technologies can create operational efficiencies within the mining sector, whilst empowering local communities and reducing, even eliminating where possible, environmental degradation.
Remote Sensing data can unlock the value of our Natural Capital.
Mining and space tech might seem like an unusual combination, but remote sensing in geosciences is a growing area of interest for space companies. Mining companies can make sure of satellite data in numerous ways, from using communications to operate autonomous vehicles to using hyperspectral data to map mineralogy across otherwise unapproachably large or remote exploration areas. We have worked closely with several regional companies and institutions, such as Camborne School of Mines at the University of Exeter, as well as Cornish Lithium, and other Cornwall-based mining and geoscience consultancies, to create some innovative projects, which have successfully secured funding with support from the Satellite Applications Catapult and South West Centre. For mining companies engaging with space tech, the sky is no longer the limit.
Key Developments • Environmental Intelligence • Sustainable Productivity • Agritech Natural Capital brings together our environment and our economy. This approach creates a framework around which we can put value on the natural world in which we live. This enables communities, businesses, and organisations make decisions that put our natural
ecosystems on par with our more traditional value concepts of goods and services, and can lead to a wide range of social, economic, and environmental benefits. There are wide-ranging sectors that can benefit from this approach, both established and emerging. However, to sustainably exploit our natural capital and realise these benefits, we must find new ways of monitoring, measuring, and managing the world around us. We have been conducting a number of community-building activities, running workshops and interviews with key regional stakeholders to capture requirements, understand ongoing initiatives, and identify the opportunities for satellite technology to play a valuable role. We have also partnered with Gwen De Groot on the University of Exeter’s MBA programme to explore the business case options that may unlock Earth Observation’s value to Natural Capital in the South West.
Key Developments • Environmental Baseline & Monitoring • Facilitating Social Engagement • Creating Operational Efficiency
Mining Lead: Alice Bird Email: a.p.bird@exeter.ac.uk
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BUSINESS SUPPORT INITIATIVES SpaceTech Incubation Programme With funding from the UK Space Agency, the Centre has delivered several business incubation programmes, engaging with regional entrepreneurs and businesses looking to innovate within the space sector. Space data and technologies reach almost every commercial sector from agriculture, engineering, health, mining, sports, sustainability and tourism. Creative ideas from businesses are diverse from the development of apps using communications and tracking, to earth observation used in the agritech and marine sectors to monitor the natural capital from the earth’s resources.
Programme. Applications can be submitted through the website and the Centre will keep in touch with future plans. www.sa.catapult.org.uk/south-west/ spacetech-incubation/
‘I’m seeing more and more innovations coming through, and I’ve seen a lot more interest in Earth Observations to solve important issues like Climate Change. It’s really important now, and it’s going to be increasingly important going forward.’ Portia Bircher, Local Growth Manager, UK Space Agency
Business Support Case Study - Data Duopoly
During the two day programme, delivered by the world leading SETsquared business incubator, the entrepreneurs identify customer profiles, explore market segments, build a financial model and use tools to validate their business understanding. The businesses are then invited to an event where they deliver their business pitches receiving candid feedback through 1:1 speed mentoring.
Data Duopoly Co-Founders, Tanuvi Ethunandan and Erin Morris joined our SpaceTech programme, and subsequently incorporated ‘Data Duopoly’ as a limited business. They were also funded by AeroSpace Cornwall to join the ‘Cornwall Space’ cluster at the UK Space Conference, and won ‘Pitch to the Primes’:
Data Duopoly solve the issue of congestion and frustrations experienced by visitors by facilitating personalised incentives to discover and navigate venues. In the current climate, they have developed a digital tool to help maintain social distancing at venues, by dispersing crowds on-site via in-app notifications. They have gained traction, by piloting their innovative technology with the Eden Project, and now have plans with the National Trust Cornish Tin Coast Partnership. Their Xplor-IT solution enables location data insights to be gathered and increases concessionary spending on-site, while visitors benefit from a personalised digital experience at venues.
To find out more, check out their website: www.dataduopoly.com; or send them an email at info@dataduopoly.com.
The SWCoESA team are keen to collaborate, and help to accelerate your innovations empowered by satellites, so please get in touch! Data Duopoly is on a mission to revolutionise the visitor experience in any venue worldwide, and we continue to support their innovative
Website: www.sa.catapult.org. uk/south-west/ Email: spacetech@exeter.ac.uk LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/ company/swcoesa/ Twitter: @SouthWest_CoE
Watch ‘SpaceTech’ in action, and hear how participants have benefited: https://youtu.be/QdtDEsUr7F4
Despite the changes to our working lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we encourage businesses to register interest in joining the next SpaceTech
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developments and collaborative funding opportunities.
specialist test facilities at Goonhilly for deep space, radio astronomy, and space telecommunication receivers for new and existing markets across the UK and internationally.
Key STEM Offerings
GOONHILLY EARTH STATION (GES) Since acquiring the famous Goonhilly satellite station in 2014, our team has worked hard to create a multi-faceted space hub, which is forging ahead with a number of commercial and scientific endeavours. First, we are a premier satellite ground station. However, we use all our space communication knowledge and experience in multiple directions: Deep Space, Supercomputing, Advanced Manufacturing, Consultancy and Education/Training.
vScaler Managed Services platform and built around high-end GPUs and lightning quick storage powered by HPE and Nvidia, we offer provisioning of new IT services in minutes. Choose shared cloud-based services or applications, and scale to public or hybrid cloud environments on-demand - all using a single, simple management portal for your research, rendering, and AI applications, just to name a few.
• Placements around research, technical and business aspects, for students in secondary and tertiary education • Space Mission Operations training for professionals and university students • Business and communication engineering training in Africa (with our university partners through the DARA and DARA Big Data projects)
We have also just received funding via the government’s Getting Building
We have achieved significant, rapid success not only winning contracts with the world’s major satellite operators, but also supporting nine universities, helping to form an exciting games development company (Stormtide) with Falmouth University, being awarded Enterprise Zone status by the UK government, establishing the fastest commercial data connectivity in the south west of the UK with 100 GBit/s connections available, and launching the world’s first commercial deep space communications service.
Key Contact Details Info@goonhilly.org +44 (0)800 043 7768 Twitter: @goonhillyorg Web: www.goonhilly.org
Data Centre, AI Capabilities & Aspirations Artificial intelligence, machine learning and the ability to analyse ever increasing and varied data sets – this is the next frontier in innovation. But most organisations face significant challenges in doing this at scale, including cost, skills and data complexity. Accelerate workloads in a private, dedicated environment on Goonhilly’s advanced cloud-based HPC platform. Accessed through our
At Goonhilly we offer a range of courses designed for various stages of education and training related to satellite communications, space mission operations, general STEM aspects of our work, as well as art (STEAM). Our programmes include:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/ goonhilly-earth-station-ltd/ Fund for building a space ‘AI’ institute and receiver factory. This project will involve commercial operators across sectors including space, data science, and high-performance computers as well as a consortium of universities to progress innovation in spacerelated artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, machine learning and advanced manufacturing. It will allow us to establish manufacturing and
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ goonhillyorg
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INTERVIEW WITH
MELISSA THORPE SPACEPORT CORNWALL HEAD OF ENGAGEMENT
What is your role? Head of Engagement for Spaceport Cornwall, which basically consists of a variety of different roles, including business development, lobbying, stakeholder management, public relations, marketing, event management, and education outreach.
How would you describe your organisation and its work? Spaceport Cornwall is a consortium made up of Cornwall Council, Goonhilly Earth Station and Virgin Orbit to bring satellite launch to the UK, in a responsible and ethical way, to inspire the next generation about a career in space and to provide well-paid jobs...no big deal!
How can you help SMEs in Exeter and the region? Spaceport Cornwall is acting as a catalyst for the sector across the whole region by attracting investment, raising the profile of the space sector in the SW. We are putting Cornwall, and the South West on the international space map, and we want businesses down here to take advantage of that.
What does your average day look like? Pre-COVID19: Every day was different, I could be in the office at the Spaceport one moment, giving a presentation in a school
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the next, to briefing government Ministers. I travelled a lot, sitting on industry panels around the world alongside the likes of NASA, Blue Origin and Space X discussing the UK’s role in growing commercial space. At the moment my day is balancing homeschooling, speaking at online conferences, and video calls with our partners in California!
What do you wish other people knew about your work To make the link between Space and the role it plays in all our lives clearer to some people. Whether it’s the opportunity to learn more about the environment and climate change through earth observation and remote sensing, or life changing apps currently helping the health sector fight the Covid-19 pandemic, Space powers so much innovation back here on earth. It has the potential to help answer some of the biggest global questions communities are facing now and in the future.
Why and how would you encourage young people to consider STEM careers? In my outreach work I try to express that space isn’t beyond their reach, it is here on Earth with the incredible applications that benefit our lives and cross all sectors. I especially aim to inspire girls to get into STEM careers.
How did you get into your role? Growing up in rural Canada, I was surrounded by incredible night skies, which inspired me to want to go into astronomy. However, I was told by a teacher there was no future in it where I lived. So, I ended up studying economics, moving to the UK to complete my Masters at the London School of Economics where I focused on aerospace policy. This led me to a job in Cornwall to support the diversification of activities at Cornwall Airport Newquay.
Email: melissa.thorpe@spaceportcornwall.com
www.spaceportcornwall.com
SPACEPORT CORNWALL: LAUNCHING OUR FUTURE Set for first launch in Spring 2022, Cornwall Airport Newquay will be home to the UK’s first horizontal satellite launch spaceport. The Spaceport Cornwall project has brought together a consortium of Cornwall Council, Goonhilly Earth Station and Virgin Orbit to deliver the operational environment to create a safe, and responsible, launch facility for small satellites to reach Lower Earth Orbit. The Spaceport will be the first of its kind in Western Europe and the first to be fully integrated with an operational civilian airport. The site was recently awarded a grant from the Getting Building Fund, which will be used to build a brand-new hangar to house a satellite payload integration facility for the space industry. Spaceport Cornwall is fast-becoming a catalyst for the space, and aerospace, sector in the South West. Supply Chain Opportunities In the lead up to the first UK space launch for over half a century Spaceport Cornwall, alongside partners Virgin Orbit, Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, have commenced their search for companies to support their satellite launch operations. They are actively seeking companies within the local supply chain to build Virgin Orbit UK Transportable Ground Operations System (TGOS). Inspiring the Next Generation Spaceport Cornwall is dedicated to creating positive change in the South West by creating 150 new jobs, supporting economic growth, raising the profile of the region on a global stage, and working to become the most sustainable launch location in the world. The pinnacle of all of this is community engagement. The Spaceport team are
actively engaging with local people, schools and businesses including: the Eden Project, University of Exeter, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and the Cornwall Manufacturers Forum, as well as establishing the Cornwall Space Group. A full education outreach programme is currently being developed, which will involve the opportunity for all schools across the region to be involved. One of Spaceport Cornwall’s key priorities is inspiring the next generation to get into STEM by positioning the South West at the heart of the next chapter of the UK space industry.
Get in touch… Get in touch for the information about the programmes goals and requirements, as well as how suppliers and businesses can get involved in the growing space industry in the South West. Business Development Manager: Ross.Hulbert@spaceportcornwall.com Web: spaceportcornwall.com Social: @SpaceCornwall
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AEROSPACE CORNWALL Meet the team you never knew you needed
AeroSpace Cornwall is a passionate team of people who support businesses working on projects in research, development and innovation (RD&I). We offer technical and commercial support for businesses across Cornwall, and beyond, who are looking to pivot into the space and aerospace sectors. We exist to unlock the future of your business by helping to navigate incredible opportunities for diversification; ensuring you are part of the new tech revolution in Cornwall. In other words – we are the team you never knew you needed. We work with businesses from a broad range of sectors - you don’t need to have any experience in space or aerospace. You could be currently working in manufacturing, engineering, software, digital, mining or even AI, with no idea that your business has the potential to become part of the everexpanding space and aerospace supply chains - that’s what we’re here for, to help bridge the gap between industries.
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How to bridge that gap Through the development of software applications in the satellite communications, earth observation, navigation and meteorology areas. Or it can be harnessing and applying data from space (such as sat data or GPS data). Or it can be manufacturing a piece of kit that sits on a satellite or aeroplane - the sky is definitely not the limit.
with your business and accelerate its growth. The team at AeroSpace Cornwall are ready to discuss your ideas and the funding available for you, so you can adapt your business or technologies. Get in touch: james@aerospacecornwall.co.uk www.aerospacecornwall.co.uk
How does our support work?
@AeroSpace_CWL
• Need to understand your market? Let us help you to meet potential customers, suppliers and experts to confirm if your product or service is commercially viable.
linkedin/aerospace-cornwall
• Need a cash injection? We can award match funding for R&D of up to 60k so you can focus on product development. • We also offer up to 20 hours of expert advice, tailored to your requirements, to ensure you can demonstrate your product and take it to market. Alongside this we have a dedicated team on hand to help you navigate these new industries, to work directly
Space based systems include Satellite Navigation, Satellite Communications, Earth Observation, and Human Spaceflight. The data and services from these assets can offer innovative businesses the potential to develop and enhance products and applications in a whole range of business sectors – from Agriculture to Aviation, Transport to Tourism, Energy to Education...and many more. ESA Business Applications, part of the ESA Space Solutions business support network, offers support and funding to innovative businesses that can effectively utilise space-based assets to commercialise their products and services. The ESA Business Applications open call funding mechanism offers zero equity funding from €25k to €2M+ and successful applicants gain access to a personalised ESA consultant, commercial and technical guidance, access to an extensive network of partners and a boost to business credibility through European Space Agency branding. ESA Business Applications also offers funding for through dedicated calls focused on specific themes. An example of a current themed call is:
Space and 5G Convergence – Transport and Logistics: Sustainable applications relying on 5G communications will require the establishment of a wide ecosystem including terrestrial and satellite connectivity providers. The purpose of the call is to support the emergence of commercially sustainable products and services enabled by the deployment
of converged 5G terrestrial and space networks. Call closes 15th December 2020 More information on potential funding opportunities can be found at https://business.esa.int/how-to-apply, or you can contact the ESA Business Applications Regional Ambassador for South West England at spacetech@exeter.ac.uk or via Twitter at @ESABA_SW, who can guide you through the process.
Andy Williams is the ESA Business Applications Ambassador for South West England and South Wales.
Andy has over 25 years experience working in Europe in the Space Industry including 20 years in Darmstadt, Germany with the likes of the European Space Operations Centre and EUMETSAT, the European Meteorological Satellite organisation. Based in Cornwall since moving back to the UK in 2015, Andy has worked on developing opportunities in satellite telecommunications and downstream satcoms services. Andy has a Masters degree in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield, UK. The Ambassador role is hosted by the University of Exeter, through the South West Centre of Excellence in satellite Applications. Email: spacetech@exeter.ac.uk
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SPACE GENERATION
▸ ▸▸ ▸ ▸ ▸▸ ▸
INSPIRING THE NEXT
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS Cornwall’s ambitions are to accelerate growth in the Space and Data sectors, and build on Cornwall’s strengths in related industries, such as mining and clean energy where the use of satellite data already adds significant value. By the end of the decade, thanks to commercial and local Government investment, Cornwall will be the UK’s primary data communications and satellite operations centre for Government, commercial and academic led exploration and deep space missions, enhanced by the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. By uniting industry, local Government and the knowledge base, Cornwall will be recognised as leaders in the national space programme through the harnessing of the physical, digital and intellectual assets in Cornwall, using satellite data to overcome local and global challenges.
Spintern The Space Placements in INdustry (SPIN) scheme provides placement opportunities for students considering employment in the space sector and connects space sector organisations who want to find the most talented and enthusiastic people to ensure the future success of their businesses. The scheme
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is managed by the UK Space Agency and supported by the Satellite Applications Catapult. The value of practical experience in the workplace has long been recognised to give benefits to the student, providing valuable experience of the work environment and the skills that are crucial to a successful career, and benefits to the sponsor or host organisation who can identify a project that might otherwise not be achievable, carried out with a fresh pair of eyes, perhaps a fresh perspective and possibly provide an informal extended interview for a potential employee. The scheme has been running since 2013 and continues to grow in popularity. We always encourage enquiries from potential host organisations who have a short-term project (typically of eight weeks duration), and who would like to offer students the opportunity to gain new skills and an insight into their business. We welcome applications from registered students from any disciplines who are enthusiastic to work in the space sector and are keen to develop new skills, applying and building on the knowledge they’ve acquired in their studies to date. For more information: https://sa.catapult.org.uk/work-withus/space-placements-industry-spin/
STEMM NEWS LANDMARK AGREEMENT BETWEEN EXETER SCIENCE PARK AND UNIVERSITY OF EXETER DRIVES OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH Exeter company secures 870k awards for AI medical technology An Exeter-based company which uses sophisticated mathematical modelling to help develop treatment plans for people with epilepsy, has received two prestigious UK government funded awards. Neuronostics, a spin-out from the University of Exeter, has received funding worth a total of almost £900,000 to develop their patented BioEP technology - a revolutionary biomarker of the susceptibility to seizures in the human brain, informed by clinical EEG recordings - for both clinical and at-home use. This funding is part of a £50M package of support for artificial intelligence in health and care by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), announced today (September 8th 2020). For both projects, Neuronostics will be involving those with lived experience of epilepsy and medical staff involved in the support and treatment of people with epilepsy. Anyone interested in becoming involved is encouraged to get in touch via info@neuronostics.com for more information. Professor John Terry, co-founder of Neuronostics and Interdisciplinary Professorial Fellow at the University of Birmingham, said: “I’m delighted that we have secured these two awards. They will enable us to accelerate our product development, and importantly to clinically validate the performance of the BioEP seizure risk score.” www.neuronostics.com
even further harness the University’s high-quality STEMM research and innovation for economic growth in the region. This kind of collaboration between start-ups and Universities is going to be essential for our region’s post-COVID recovery, helping businesses innovate and grow”. There are currently around 500 people employed by the tenant businesses at Exeter Science Park and projections forecast a seven-fold growth over the next 15 years, taking employee numbers to 3,500 by 2035, with new buildings and membership packages being developed. www.exetersciencepark.co.uk
As a result of an innovative and unique partnership between the University and Exeter Science Park, the University has transferred the business activity of its Innovation Centre to Exeter Science Park and released £2.25m funding to support the provision of innovation services by SETsquared Exeter over the next 18 years. Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park, explained: “Our mission is to help innovative STEMM businesses to deliver extraordinary growth. This landmark agreement brings a new focus to the existing collaboration between Exeter Science Park and the University’s SETsquared Exeter team that will support recovery and drive growth. It will ensure that Exeter Science Park Centre tenants will continue to benefit freely from SETsquared, Exeter’s world-leading business incubation services. The partnership also opens the way for joint initiatives to secure new resources for businesses in the area, initiatives such as the new University Enterprise Zone and the Environmental Futures and Big Data Impact Lab. Dr Basker continued: “Our goal is to secure and create high-value jobs, enhance productivity and boost economic growth in the South West and this agreement gives us the opportunity to do that, as well as reinforcing Exeter Science Park’s position as the hub for STEMM-based business expansion in our region. Professor Lisa Roberts Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, said: “The University of Exeter has always been an active and collaborative partner in the Exeter Science Park, but this landmark agreement takes this one step further by focusing our combined efforts into developing a beacon for STEMM innovation in the South West. “Working together in this way, we can
VENTUREFEST RETURNS TO EXETER’S SANDY PARK WITH NEW NAME FOR APRIL 2021 EVENT The SW Innovation Expo is for innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, academics and investors to come together and explore cutting edge technology developed in Devon, Cornwall, The Isles of Scilly and Somerset. Founded by lead partners University of Exeter, University of Falmouth and University of Plymouth and supported by Innovate UK, the event is a metamorphosis of the hugely successful Venturefest SW which ran in 2016 and 2019. Taking place on 29 April 2021, one year on from COVID-19 lockdown, this event is focused on demonstrating the cutting edge technical and intellectual innovations that could be transformative for your own business. If you are interested in taking part in the event email lisa@onevoicemedia.co.uk www.swinnovationexpo.co.uk
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UPCOMING EVENTS On Thursday 8th October 2020, ExIST (Exeter Initiative for Science & Technology) will be returning with its quarterly event, but this time, VIRTUALLY. The two hour long session will run from 11am till 1pm focusing on the Space sector with an in-depth overview of the South West Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications. Space is becoming more commercial, and to meet these new opportunities it is essential to harness the inspiration of UK innovators, and bring more people into this fast moving industry. The South West has positioned itself to the forefront of the developing UK space economy, and is playing an increasingly important role in the national space programme as well as being home to a wide range of businesses from ground-breaking start-ups to world leading pioneers. At the event you will be able to find out more about the following: Access to Space Funding International & National Space Context Spaceport Cornwall
11:00 - 11:05 Welcome Clodagh Murphy (ExIST Chair) 11:05 - 11:15 Space Introduction & SWCoESA Overview Conrad Gillespie (SWCoESA Manager) 11:15 - 11:30 International & National Space Context Alan Cox (Satellite Applications Catapult CCO) 11:30 - 11:40 Spaceport Cornwall Melissa Thorpe (Head of Engagement) 11:40 - 11:50 Goonhilly Earth Station Ian Jones (GES CEO) 11:50 - 12:00 Space-Enabled Data Duopoly Tanuvi Ethunandan & Erin Morris (Founders) 12:00 - 12:05 ESA Business Applications Andy Williams (ESA BA Regional Ambassador)
Goonhilly Earth Station
12:05 - 12:10 AeroSpace Cornwall Gail Eastaugh (Programme Director)
And hear from:
12:10 - 12:30 Q&A Panel All Speakers 12:30 - 13:00 Virtual Networking Session - All Click here to book your place www.exeterchamber.co.uk/event/exist-virtual-eventspace
A focus on science, technology, & innovation for the business community
visit www.existexeter.co.uk/insight
Exeter College design and logo guidelines These guidelines have been written to help customers and staff identify what is communicated by Exeter College (whether that is written or digital) provide a consistent quality of customer friendly design and content from the college. These guidelines are divided into Exeter College logo use and secondary and partner logos.