THE ESA TECHNOLOGY BROKER NETWORK — DEDICATED SPECIALISTS BRINGING TOGETHER SPACE AND NON-SPACE INDUSTRIES
ESA’s Technology Brokers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between space technology and various industries. By focusing on two main objectives, they help solve industrial challenges with advanced space solutions and facilitate the transfer of terrestrial innovations into space. Here’s how they work:
- Solving Industrial Challenges with Space Technology: Technology Brokers identify and apply space-developed technologies that can address problems in non-space sectors. For example, using sensors miniaturised and ruggedised for space use to develop point-of-care medical diagnostic devices.
- Bringing Terrestrial Innovations into Space: They also assist companies in adapting cutting-edge terrestrial technologies for use in space applications. This includes innovations in fields like robotics, AI, and quantum technologies that can benefit space missions or satellite operations.
By combining market pull (understanding industry needs) and technology push (introducing space-based technologies), they ensure the best solutions are found. They are deeply integrated within local and national innovation networks but also work across Europe to expand their reach. This cross-border approach helps bring together diverse innovations and solutions for a wide array of challenges.
