The fourth UK Space Agency Regional Trajectory Road Show was held at the UCLan Engineering and Innovation Centre (EIC) on June 18th.
Trajectory is a roadshow of regional ecosystem events that are run by the UK Space Agency Accelerator. The aim is to amplify opportunities for entrepreneurs who are a part of the UK Space Agency Accelerator Community by connecting them to the wider ecosystem, customers, suppliers and investors. It also serves as an innovative showcase of the vibrant and diverse space start-up ecosystem for regional businesses, investors and public sector stakeholders. The Accelerator is managed by the UK Space Agency and lead by Entrepreneurial Spark and Exotopic.
The event started with NW Space Cluster Manager Alan Cross welcoming everyone to the region and the event before Jodie Faiakis ran through the Agenda.
UCLan Professor Robert Walsh gave an overview of the history of astronomy in the area and then described UCLan’s Space work from solar astrophysics, involvement in the NASA Sounding Rocket Programme to muscle degradation and Cubesat developments. He also described the EIC facilities that would be seen later.
The attendees included individuals on the Leo and Geo Accelerator programmes and so Ashleigh Dinter, Entrepreneurial Spark Programme Manager, summarised the schemes and introduced the participants and celebrated their successes.
Anki Koivumaki, Entrepreneurial Spark, ran a workshop on branding and attendees were then able to analyse and discuss their own branding and how they had created them to create the message they wanted.
The actual reality of being an entrepreneur in the Space industry was illustrated by NSC member Dr Vivek Koncherry who gave an inspiring talk of how he was, using his expertise in graphene, building a company to fulfil his ambition to create a space station. He talked about the lessons he had learnt and gave practical advice on collaboration, presenting your business case and acquiring customers and funding.
Following this Dr Koncherry joined a panel of other seasoned Space entrepreneurs who discussed a range of challenges and opportunities for growing a business in the UK Space industry. The other panellists were Ralph Dinsley, 3S Northumbria Ltd, Oren Smith-Carpenter, Aurora Avionics and Andy Grey of Exotopic.
The tour of the EIC Facilities also included a flight simulation experience using the University’s flight simulators where attendees had the opportunity to take off, fly and land different planes.
The day ended with a drinks reception and music from a live group on the rooftop of the building. A great way to end an interesting day and provide plenty of time for networking.
“It was fascinating to hear from some of the future entrepreneurs on this UK Space Agency scheme and good that our region received this focus so that others are aware of what is happening here especially at UCLan. I would encourage anyone with new business ideas for Space to look at this Accelerator scheme. There are more and more Space events happening now in the North. On June 5th we again attended the NE Space Conference in Durham and continue to build relationships with companies and universities in their region. We also attended the Ignite Space event in Leeds held 11/12 June where Alan Cross was involved in running the event and many NSC members attended ” Bob Morris, NSC Chairman. For more details on the UK Space Agency Accelerator see Trajectory — UK Space Agency Accelerator