European satellite technology-related competitions launch today
Marketing
Today sees the launch of the 2017 European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) and Copernicus Masters which enable UK winners to benefit from a cash injection to their businesses, along with first-class business support from the UK’s leading innovation organisations in satellite applications.
The Satellite Applications Catapult, along with other space organisations across industry and government, is once again supporting both competitions.
ESNC is Europe’s biggest business ideas competition using geo-location technology. It focuses on individuals or teams with business ideas that use satellite navigation technology for positioning, tracking or timing applications. The ESNC UK regional winner will receive £5,000 to invest in their business concept, along with a business support package tailored to their individual requirements, whether they are a start-up or looking to grow an existing product or service. Specialist advice will also be available from intellectual property experts Marks & Clerk, and the European Space Agency’s Business Incubator Centre.
The Copernicus Masters competition awards prizes to innovative solutions for business and society based on Earth observation data. Since launching in 2011, the competition has helped promote cutting-edge solutions in multiple areas including sustainable living, big data, smart mobility, security and disaster management.
Stuart Martin, CEO, Satellite Applications Catapult, said: “Competitions give entrepreneurs, innovators and small businesses an opportunity to test their idea in the marketplace. Both the Copernicus Masters and ESNC provide access to a European network of space-related organisations and the springboard from which to promote a business.
“In recent years we’ve seen the huge opportunities made available for winners. Last year the team from the University of Strathclyde won the UK region of ESNC and went on to beat 412 ideas from across Europe to be awarded the overall ESNC winner. The team achieved national publicity on the BBC, a cash prize and extensive business support, helping them to accelerate their technology development. The winner of the Catapult’s Sustainable Living Challenge for the Copernicus Masters competition was EnviroSAR, from the University of Manchester, who received extensive business support and won a place on the Copernicus Accelerator Bootcamp.
“This year we believe the prospects are even greater in terms of financial injection, business support and profile. So, if you have an idea and want to test the viability of your product, technology, application or solution, please come and talk to us.”
For more information on the competitions, please visit our competition pages.
