Innospace Masters focuses on knowledge and technology transfer between the space industry and other industries. By connecting the two worlds, the competition initiates transfer-based technology developments, innovative services, and even company start-ups. Thus, it lays the foundation for sustainable innovations at the interface between space and terrestrial industries. Over the past six years, the competition has honored a total of 72 winners, selected from over 500 innovative business ideas submitted by more than 1,220 participants from 26 countries.
"We are delighted that the Innospace Masters has developed over the years into a driving force for innovation in the European New Space Economy. We are convinced that with the thematic focus of the Innospace Masters, which this year focuses entirely on sustainable and efficient innovations for space and Earth, we can once again support many visionary entrepreneurs in implementing their creative solutions."
explained Franziska Zeitler, Head of the Innovation & New Markets Department at the German Space Agency at DLR.
Shaping the next generation of space travel
The competition is open to companies, startups, universities, and non-university research institutions, as well as consortia and individuals. The focus is on projects that transfer know-how and technologies from other industries to space (spin-ins) and vice versa (spin-offs). Innovators with new technological ideas, applications, or business models focusing on "sustainable and efficient innovations for space and Earth" are invited to help shape the next generation of space travel.
This year, prizes will once again be awarded by renowned partners in topic-specific challenges. These include "sustainable, secure, and efficient energy supply," "digital sustainability," "hydrogen technologies," "Earth observation and environmental monitoring," and "mobility." These challenges are organized by the German Space Agency at DLR, the ESA Business Incubation Centers in Germany, Airbus, OHB and for the first time also Mercedes-Benz.
The Application The Innospace Masters competition is open until February 4, 2022. Participants can choose one of the challenges and submit their idea. Subsequently, the submissions will be evaluated, and the finalists will be selected, who will then pitch their ideas to the jury. The category and main winners will then be honored in July 2022 at the annual Innospace Masters conference.
You can find all information on-line.