Catapult Network Awarded Investment

Today, we welcome the announcement from Government of a £780m investment in the Catapult network, securing the next five years of innovation and R&D in high-growth areas of the UK economy. The investment builds on the success of the Catapult centres, and is a strong vote of confidence in the Catapult programme.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/billion-pound-backing-for-british-innovation

The investment will allow the Satellite Applications Catapult to continue its work helping businesses across the UK overcome the barriers to using satellite technologies; it will fund cutting-edge R&D and through the continued evolution of its unique innovation environment, will help accelerate the growth of the UK space sector.

Over the last five years, the Satellite Applications Catapult has engaged over 3,500 organisations, worked in 22 countries, delivered over 200 externally funded projects, engaged with 118 university departments, invested over £20M in world-class facilities and opened five regional centres of excellence. Recent announcements which set out plans for a Space Sector Deal and a UK Spaceport have further embedded the sector as a vital growth area for the UK economy.

Stuart Martin, CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult said:

“I’m delighted by the announcement today of continued support from Innovate UK for the UK’s ground-breaking Catapult programme. The first five years at the Satellite Applications Catapult have been extremely successful, stimulating many new collaborations, business partnerships, private investments and jobs all of which have contributed to a significant economic impact. The space sector is changing fast, and we see a great opportunity for space-fuelled growth over the next five years, moving the UK closer to becoming the world’s most space-enabled economy.

“Supported by this investment, and backed by five years of expertise, we at the Satellite Applications Catapult will be very focused on achieving that goal.”