On 25 September, our community gathered at SBIC Noordwijk for Network & Drinks: Technology Needs, right after the third edition of Tech Needs Discovery. Earlier in the day, professionals from space, agri-food, high-tech and energy sectors worked hands-on with real industry challenges. In the evening, these discussions carried on in a more informal setting, with new pitches, campus updates, and news from the SBIC community.
A detailed recap of the Technology Needs Discovery discussions will be published soon, highlighting the challenges explored and the ideas that emerged during the day.
Updates from NL Space Campus
Alongside the evening programme, we shared a few highlights that reflect the energy across the campus:
Opening of CometLab
On 7 October, CometLab will officially open its doors. The new facility, located right next to ESA ESTEC, is designed as a place for experimentation, prototyping, and community gatherings. Interested to find out what happens there? Cometlab has been featured in the podcast Sterrenstof.
You can listen to it on your favourite platform (in Dutch)
EUDIS Defence Hackathon Netherlands
From 17–19 October, teams will take on challenges in three categories: Protection of Space Assets, Space for Defence, and Sovereign Aerospace. The winners of the Dutch edition will move on to a European mentorship programme and pitch across Europe. Registration closes on 10 October at 09:00 CEST.
Space Pavilion at the Precision Fair
On 12–13 November in Brabant, NL Space Campus will host the first Space Pavilion at the annual Precision Fair. With over 6,000 high-tech specialists from industries such as semiconductors and medical devices expected, this is a unique opportunity to connect space with advanced manufacturing. Want to join the Space Pavilion (for free)? Read about options in the flyer here or send an email to d.kerkvliet@nlspacecampus.eu.
Read more about the Precision Fair
Startup Competition: Space Meets Manufacturing – 9 Oct launch
The European startup competition kicks off during NL Space Week on 9 October, with the final on 27 November at Network & Drinks. Startups will work on cross-sector challenges ranging from weldability tools to non-destructive inspection methods — with the finale bringing the results back to our own stage. Joining deadline 16 Oct.
Read more about Space Meets Manufacturing
Pitches
This edition featured two pitches that connected space to other sectors:
- B&S Technology shared how their high-precision tools can support advanced applications in space and high-tech industries.
- Gravity Gardens demonstrated how space-derived methods can help agriculture become more resilient and sustainable.
Updates from SBIC Noordwijk
Martijn Leinweber, COO of SBIC Noordwijk, shared recent milestones from the community. Several alumni reached important new stages, showing how ideas tested here continue to grow:
- Spectral Industries raised €2.5 million from Value Creation Capital and The Nest Group to accelerate production of LIBS sensing solutions already used by clients worldwide.
- Trabotyx launched the Netherlands’ first laser weeding robot this summer, combining AI and laser technology to deliver a reliable automated tool for farmers.
- Gravity Gardens has been developing space-inspired agricultural methods since joining ESA BIC Noordwijk earlier this year, aiming to increase yields and cut land use.
- OpenAtlas is building geospatial tools to help companies meet the EU’s new deforestation regulation (EUDR), using satellite imagery and machine learning for supply chain transparency.
Two calls are also open for applications: ESA Phi-lab Netherlands (deadline 20 October) and ESA BIC Noordwijk (deadline 9 October).
Next Edition: 30 October
The next Network & Drinks takes place on 30 October with a Defence & Security focus. Expect new pitches, campus and community updates, and plenty of opportunities to connect. Bring along a colleague, student, or someone curious about space. Registration opens soon.
Register for Network & Drinks on 30 October
Looking Forward
Network & Drinks XL — 9 October
During NL Space Week, NL Space Campus hosts the largest networking event of the year for the Dutch space sector. With two rounds of 30-second pitches, the Space Lady of the Year Award, and a reunion of NL Space Summer School alumni, Network & Drinks XL will bring together over 250 participants. It’s the perfect opportunity to strengthen your connections, meet new young professionals and talents, and go home with fresh ideas.
Read more and register for Network & Drinks XL
Connecting the Curious Bremen Edition — 19 November
A few weeks later, the community heads to Bremen for Connecting the Curious at Space Tech Expo Europe. This side event puts students, young professionals and startups on stage for short pitches and networking. Last year’s edition drew more than 150 participants and 28 pitches, making it a lively platform for talent and industry to meet. This year promises to be even bigger.
Read more about Connecting the Curious and Register
