Catapult managing 2015 ESA Technology Transfer Demonstrators call for proposals

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As part of its ongoing relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Satellite Applications Catapult is managing ESA’s 2015 call for Technology Transfer Demonstrator projects.

ESA’s Technology Transport Programme Office uses a network of technology brokers to assess the market needs in areas where there is a potential for the exploitation of space technologies.

ESA will prioritise projects where there is a clear commercial application, for which the technology transfer demonstrator may be used to gain commercial viability. Applications that can identify a specific customer that has expressed a clear interest in the technology / demonstrator would be at an advantage, especially if the customer is involved in the demonstrator project.

Satellite Applications Catapult CEO, Stuart Martin, said: “Space is a demanding environment that pushes the boundaries of technology and innovation. It therefore makes sound economic sense to take advantage of this technology where it can benefit other sectors. There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of amazing spin-offs from space technologies. For example, telescopes used for searching for stars are now used in eye-surgery, and sensors developed to help astronauts measure water levels have been adapted for farmers to measure plant water levels directly via a sensor to alert them when the plant needs to be watered.”

“ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme has already had some great commercial successes, a recent example being its work with the Bjorn Borg company to develop non-flammable underwear for the steel industry. The material originally developed for astronauts’ spacesuits was used to provide protection for workers who endure extreme environments. The technologies transferred can help many sectors, and the Catapult is also here to help your ideas work through to a commercial reality.”

ESA will make a contribution of £40,375 to the cost of each successfully selected proposal, up to a maximum of eight proposals.

Applications must be submitted by 12:00 CET on 8 July 2015, with successfully selected projects being completed by mid-November 2015.

More information, and how to apply, can be found by visiting: https://sa.catapult.org.uk/esattp15