Space South Central backs Unlocking Space for Business scheme
The UK Space Agency has launched a new programme to help businesses understand and exploit the benefits of satellite data and services – and additional support is available to companies in Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight from Space South Central.
As the cost of accessing space falls and the pace of innovation increases, more businesses can harness the advantages offered by satellites, such as enhanced imagery, connectivity and navigation capabilities.
Unlocking Space for Business is an 18-month programme designed to bring these untapped benefits to hundreds of new organisations across the UK, focused on the transport and logistics and financial services sectors. The scheme is supported by PwC and the Satellite Applications Catapult.
Featuring workshops, networking events, learning and development sessions, and online resources, Unlocking Space for Business will help companies understand what satellite data and services can mean for them.
Alongside the programme, there are plans to launch a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition, offering eligible organisations the chance to apply for a share of up to £2 million to develop ideas using satellite data or services for the transport, logistics and financial services sectors.
Director of the Space South Central Enterprise Network, Dr Louise Butt, said: “While space technology has been a big part of our lives for many years – sat nav and many mobile phone applications being two obvious examples – it’s also such a fast-paced area that new business solutions are being developed all the time.
“Unlocking Space for Business will help more companies explore how space technology and data could boost their business, and Space South Central can provide additional help on a regional level.
“Global satellite services currently support activity that contributes £370 billion to the UK economy – around 17.7% of GDP. Our region is renowned for its satellite data and services expertise, so we also hope that there’ll be Hampshire, Surrey and Isle of Wight organisations that will be able to fund projects through the SBRI competition.
“Whether you’re a company interested in finding out more about the potential for space technology in your business, or need support with the SBRI competition, Space South Central experts are on hand to offer free, impartial advice.”
To register for Unlocking Space for Business events and updates, click here.
