Author: Corneel Bogaert
The Dutch technology transfer programme of the European Space Agency has been given a digital interface. The new website for the joint effort between SBIC Noordwijk and NL Space Campus bridging space technology and terrestrial applications, will serve as a platform to collect success stories and technology transfer initiatives. It was officially announced at ZIE2024, the networking event for South Holland’s technology industry.
Since 2022, the ESA Technology Broker NL has been prioritising several Dutch top sectors, including High Tech Systems and Materials. Just like last year, ZIE provided an excellent occasion to bridge the high-tech and space industries. With various props and sample materials at the exhibition booth, the brokers demonstrated the potential solutions offered by space technologies. Lightweight and strong composite materials, a space inspired cooking pan, and regenerative life support concepts for long-term space missions triggered the interest of many. Passersby were also encouraged to actively participate by submitting technology needs or innovation challenges in the idea box.
The launch of the new website makes active participation even more accessible. In the Technologies section, different space technologies are showcased as tech cards. These cards provide concise descriptions highlighting the unique features of each technology along with potential new applications. With the search filter, users can easily narrow down their options based on areas of interest such as energy or logistics, enabling them to find relevant technologies that could address specific challenges. As the page continues to expand, more technologies from the Dutch space industry will be added. For those who don’t find a suitable technology matching their needs, they can simply share their requirements online with the broker by submitting a technology need.
The website brings examples and new opportunities for technology transfer in one convenient location. Additionally, the Events section highlights upcoming events within the scope of the programme, including external trade shows and innovation conferences, along with workshops and events organised by the broker.
As one of the key events this year, the ESA Technology Broker NL contributed to ZIE2024 with a session on “Pioneering technological solutions applied in everyday life.” For technology to work in outer space, many challenges need to be dealt with. Vibrations during launch, cosmic radiation, weightlessness, temperature extremes, etc. These harsh conditions push both humans and technology to new limits.
“Just think of the cost per kilogram to launch something into space. An astronaut requires approximately 5 kilograms of food, water, and oxygen per day. Without a closed loop system, long term human spaceflight would not be possible. The resulting filter systems and circular technology developed for space missions can also be adapted for use on Earth, contributing to more sustainable living practices.” – Corneel Bogaert
To give the audience a real sense of concrete technology transfer cases between space and terrestrial applications, two showcase videos were presented. The videos explain the winning concepts following the previous ESA Technology Transfer competitions. Click the visuals below to watch the short films via SBIC Noordwijk’s YouTube channel.
Winner of the 2022 ESA Technology Transfer Competition – From space propulsion to an easy-to-use and lightweight oxygen supply for general practitioners working in the field:
Winner of the 2023 ESA Technology Transfer Competition: Space for Energy – Welcome to the new iron age, the green energy revolution with iron powder:
If you are curious about more space spin-off applications, feel free to contact us or visit our Success Stories page with examples of technology transfer in the Netherlands and from across the ESA Technology Broker network.