Space-tech Meets Agri-Tech
We’ll be hearing a series of short talks including use of an AgriLiving Lab for companies to trial new space-tech, as well as investment options into space-related tech for agriculture. Then we’ll be going on a “space safari” to meet a series of agri-tech companies using space-based solutions and platforms to deliver value and insights to farmers.
The space safari is a chance to curate your own event experience, with a series of “space stops” to speed up networking and knowledge exchange.
With the recent launch of rockets as part of NASA’s Artemis programme, human habitation on the Moon is expected by the end of the decade. And serious consideration is being given to the feasibility of space-centred power stations to beam energy back to Earth from space.
Additionally, “space-tech” presents an opportunity to understand more about the potential for growing crops in zero gravity – both to increase the knowledge base about plant performance and nutrition, but also with a view to supporting longer-term space exploration. 
In 2021 the UK Government launched a National Space Strategy to capture the value of this expanding market which is projected to be worth nearly £500 bn by 2030. Part of that strategy involves the empowerment of sub-national geographies to develop clusters of excellence in space technologies – supporting businesses, commercialising research and providing economic growth opportunities.
The European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency and others have recognised the potential for space-tech as a driver for collaboration, innovation and enterprise, and we will also be hearing about those with an opportunity to learn more about how to access funding for companies, and wider geographies.
New Anglia LEP has led the development of the Space Sector Plan for Norfolk and Suffolk which has formally put this region on the map of space clusters recognised by the UK Space Agency, Satellite Applications Catapult and European Space Agency. The plan sets out the widespread downstream application of space technologies in the agri-food sector and seeks to support new opportunities by attracting new space-related funding into this region.
The event is organised in partnership with New Anglia LEP. This event is free for members of Agri-TechE and for non-members. See agenda below.
You can get 2 Basis points by attending this event.
Agenda
Registration, tea and coffee available
Julian Munson, Head of Enterprise Zones and Innovation at New Anglia LEP
Speakers include:
- Luke Ryder, Lead of Agriculture at Satellite Applications Catapult;
- Emmanuel Mondon at Space Cooperative Europe SCE2 - Space as a catalyst for accelerating AgriFood R&D
- Jodi Bartin, CEO at Citicourt & Co - The Landscape for Agri-tech’s role in the Space Finance Landscape
Exploring the opportunities and potential barriers. Where are the major clusters in the UK and the world for space-tech innovation? What are their key characteristics? How does being in a cluster empower businesses to succeed?
Organisations harnessing space-tech solutions will be operating via the “Space Safari” to allow delegates to hear rolling informal presentations, be part of discussion sessions and make new connections across the ecosystem.
- Agtelligence - a farmer-friendly platform that translates Earth Observation data into easy to understand actionable plans;
- Agreed Earth - crop management;
- Gravitilab - transforming microgravity testing services to accelerate scientific and engineering discovery;
- Movetech Telemetry - development of low cost, miniaturised state-of-the-art tracking solutions;
- Super Sharp Space Systems - develop Earth Observation innovative technology and deliver Earth-imaging solutions;
- University of Lincoln - space robotics in agricultural contexts;