The first £8.5 million of investment from the UK’s National Space Technology Programme was announced last week by the Science Minister, David Willetts. This boost to the UK space sector will match-fund a range of projects with industry, to develop commercial products and services using space technology or space-derived data.
The competition is funded by the UK Space Agency, in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board and the SEEDA.. Proposals are sought for projects that fall into one or more of the following market areas: Satellite Telecommunications; Sensing: Position, Navigation and Timing; Robotics and Exploration and Access to Space. All projects must be collaborative, business-led and have a clear route through to commercial exploitation.
Minister David Willetts said:“The UK space industry is an important driver of growth and supports thousands of the most high- tech jobs we have in this country. This investment will help innovative British businesses to design and manufacture highly commercial, cutting-edge products that will be in global demand.”
Dr David Williams, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: ‘Our National Space Technology Programme helps UK businesses develop the technology and services for the future of space.
Iain Gray, CEO of the Technology Strategy Board, said:“The TSB wants to help the UK space industry with the development, commercialisation and exploitation of space technologies to address broader challenges and growth opportunities across a wide range of emerging markets.”
‘Space for Growth’ will provide up to £2 million for flagship projects and up to £100,000 for smaller projects. The competition opens on 31 October and will be managed by the Technology Strategy Board. It will encourage businesses to work together to design new products, a model established by the International Space Innovation Centre at Harwell and Guildford. Further elements of the National Space Technology Programme will be announced in due course.
To view the full press release, please click here
(Article taken from www.innovateuk.org)
