Energy, Inspiration, and Young Talent at NL Space Campus Network & Drinks April 2025

Each month, Network & Drinks brings together professionals, young talent, entrepreneurs, researchers, industry leads, investors and space enthusiasts to exchange ideas, network and start new collaborations. Last week’s edition was made even more vibrant with the presence of the bachelor students studying entrepreneurship at the Unknown University of Applied Sciences. With the industry professionals from the preceding SpaceNed General Membership Meeting, over 110 visitors joined the event. On stage pitched Wyrm Engineering, UNIIQ fund from Innovation Quarter and Stellar Space Industries building a new Space Simulation Chamber. This edition is the last one before the summer break.

Updates from NL Space Campus

Each edition of Network & Drinks highlights the latest developments from NL Space Campus and the broader community.  

• CometLab’s highest point reached and upcoming opening on 7 Oct during NL Space Week
  On 14 April, we celebrated an important milestone in the construction of CometLab: the building has officially reached its highest point. To mark the occasion, a custom 3D-printed cube was placed in the foundation, symbolising the spirit of creation and curiosity that defines CometLab.  The official opening is planned for 7 October 2025. 

• Podcast Update: Uncover Space – Episode 3: GNSS and the role of Galileo for Europe
  The latest episode of the Uncover Space podcast focuses on GNSS and the role of Galileo for Europe. It offers insights into how satellite navigation shapes our daily lives and why it is crucial for the future. You can listen anytime and anywhere. It is a great way to stay updated on the community while on the go.
  Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

• Solidflow is looking for new team members
  Solidflow is expanding and looking for new team members. The scale-up is seeking candidates with a degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering to support technical and structural CAD drawings, 2D/3D modelling, and prototype development for clients in aerospace, defence, and high-tech industries. Strong communication skills in both Dutch and English are required. Learn more about the vacancy here: https://www.nlspacecampus.eu/news/join-the-future-of-aerospace-innovation-solidflow-is-hiring-a-junior-rd-engineer/

• Student Symposium SWAPEC 2025: for any student interested in a space career
  The Sipke Wynia Aeronautical and Precision Engineering Conference (SWAPEC) will take place on 8 May 2025 at InHolland Terminal. Students and young professionals interested in aerospace are welcome to attend, with partners including Airbus, NLR, Royal Netherlands Air Force, TU Delft, and Space Cowboys. Learn more about the event here: https://swapec.nl/  

• Tech Needs Discovery Event Returns 15 May: Space Needs
  Following a successful first edition, the Tech Needs Discovery event returns on 15 May at SBIC Noordwijk. In this edition, space companies will present their technology needs to a non-space audience, creating new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. A third edition is planned for September. Visit event page and register here

• NL Space Summer School 2025: only couple of spots left
  Applications are open for the NL Space Summer School, offering a week of tours, workshops, and challenges across Leiden, Delft, and Noordwijk. Participants will meet industry experts, visit companies, work on interdisciplinary challenges, and build valuable team- and communication skills — no prior knowledge of space (technology) is required. Learn more about NL Space Summer School and apply here

Pitches: Hardware, testing and funding

• Wyrm Engineering: New Hardware Solutions for CubeSat and SmallSat Launches – Wyrm Engineering presented the concept of a new clamping system, inspired by the Scottish Gaelic term “sgian-dubh,” meaning hidden blade. Just like the small, discreet knife traditionally carried in Highland dress, the proposed system is compact and designed to securely hold CubeSats and SmallSats during launch and orbit servicing missions.
  The goal is to lower the cost and risk of bringing new space technologies to market, making hardware testing and deployment more accessible. The system will rely on a European-based supply chain to ensure faster delivery times and reduce geopolitical risks. Wyrm Engineering invites companies interested in collaboration, R&D funding, technical advice, or IP support to get in touch https://wyrmengineering.com/contact/  

• Stellar Space Industries: New Space Simulation Chamber
  Stellar Space Industries shared their plans to create a new Space Simulation Chamber at NL Space Campus in collaboration with the province of South Holland. The chamber will help companies test and qualify products locally, accelerating the time to market and reducing reliance on foreign facilities.
  The team highlighted the importance of having local access to testing, particularly as the number of satellites and debris risks increase with new constellations in low Earth orbit. Their project is aligned with EU priorities such as the Zero Debris initiative.  Companies interested in using the future chamber for testing, or those developing new space technologies, are encouraged to get in touch with Stellar Space Industries to discuss opportunities at jerre.sweers@stellarspaceindustries.com

• UNIIQ (InnovationQuarter): Early-Stage Financing Opportunities
  InnovationQuarter introduced funding options available for startups and scale-ups in South Holland. Through the UNIIQ proof-of-concept fund (up to €350K for early-stage companies, TRL 3 to 5) and the IQ Capital Fund (investments between €250K and €5M for TRL 6 to 9 companies), as well as a newly launched dual-use technology fund focusing on civilian and defense applications, they offer extensive support across different technology readiness levels. UNIIQ has already brought funds successfully to ESA BIC alumni Arceon, Spherical Systems and others. 

Updates from SBIC Noordwijk 

Jacobo Domingo, business support mentor and technology broker at SBIC Noordwijk, shared several updates. 

• Tech Needs Discovery is looking for non-space Solutions for 15 May.  In 2025, the ESA Technology Broker NL began hosting an event series named Tech Needs Discovery with the aim of connecting non-space and space innovators. After the strong start of Tech Needs Discovery in March, preparations for the second edition on 15 May are well underway. This time, space companies will take the stage to present their technology challenges to a broader audience. Matchmaking sessions and networking opportunities will follow the presentations.  

• 3 new companies have recently joined the SBIC programme, with more to be announced soon! 

• Application Deadline Incubation Programme 9 October

• Registrations are open for the Ignition pre-incubation programme (deadline 8 May), offering hands-on support to early-stage entrepreneurs. 

Save the Date: Next Network & Drinks on 25 September

After the summer break, NL Space Campus Network & Drinks returns on 25 September at SBIC Noordwijk. On that day the third edition of Tech Needs Discovery will also take place, preceding the Network & Drinks. We look forward to welcoming you again for new updates, pitches, and opportunities to connect. 

Visit event page 

Interested in pitching?
If you would like to present your initiative, organisation, or project at an edition in the future, you can apply for a 3-minute pitch. Simply fill out the form and we’ll get back to you when a spot is available.