Opening addresses by representatives of government, conference organisers and partners.

An overview of recent developments in the Czech space sector, its priorities and opportunities for further growth and international cooperation.

What does preparing for spaceflight involve? Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda shares insights into his training, the transition from fighter pilot to astronaut and what he looks forward to most about his planned mission to the International Space Station.

ESA astronaut and former International Space Station Commander Frank De Winne delivers an introductory address, setting the scene for the discussion on the Czech journey to the ISS and space exploration.

What does preparing Aleš Svoboda’s mission to the International Space Station involve, and what opportunities does it offer Czech science and industry? Astronauts and representatives of the organisations involved explore the training, international cooperation and scientific goals behind the mission. They also share personal experiences from space and their perspectives on the future of human spaceflight.

A conversation with Martin Švolba from the Ministry of Industry and Trade about support for space activities, upcoming changes to research and innovation funding, and opportunities to connect the space sector with other technology industries.

How diplomacy supports international cooperation in the space sector and opens new opportunities for businesses and research organisations.

An introduction to Israel’s space sector and opportunities for business and technology cooperation with partners from Central and Eastern Europe.

An introduction to Chile’s space sector and opportunities for business and technology cooperation with partners from Central and Eastern Europe.

Maria Fernández Molinero from the European Commission presents a perspective on the direction of European space policy and the European Union’s ambitions in the space sector.

Trends and business opportunities in space technologies, systems and infrastructure. Where is the market heading, and what opportunities does it offer businesses?

A look at Europe’s downstream market: applications and services using space-based data and signals, their uses and opportunities for further growth.

An overview of developments in the United Arab Emirates’ space sector, its direction and opportunities for international cooperation.

Where are new business opportunities emerging in the space sector, and how can Czech and CEE companies join international supply chains? The discussion explores the technologies and partners international players are looking for, their expectations of suppliers and ways to overcome barriers to global markets. It also highlights concrete opportunities for cooperation and practical first steps towards building partnerships.

How can Central Europe strengthen its position in the space sector? Representatives of national space institutions share their ambitions and discuss where their countries’ capabilities complement one another and what stands in the way of closer cooperation. The discussion explores successful cross-border partnerships, conditions for business growth and practical steps to help regional companies lead international projects and win customers.

Are we preparing the professionals the Czech space industry actually needs? Representatives of industry, universities, government and students discuss skills gaps, hands-on experience during studies and ways to connect education more closely with industry.

A look back at the first day of the conference and information about the programme ahead.

Time for lunch and informal networking with fellow conference participants.

Time for refreshments, informal conversations and a visit to the partner exhibition.

Meet potential business, technology and research partners in one-to-one meetings. Create your profile in the event app, connect with other participants and arrange your B2B meetings.

A dedicated B2B area with numbered meeting points is available in the Mirror Lounge.

The ESA BIC Liftoff Challenge business competition aims to support the development of innovative space projects. After several months of consultations, workshops and mentoring, five teams have made it through to the final round: Moving Climate, Niveleta, GeoAcoustic Analytics, European Umbrella and Timepix Instruments.

The journey to the final has been a long one. The teams started with an outline of their business concept, presenting their ideas clearly and concisely. They gradually developed these into comprehensive, detailed business plans. Each round brought them a step closer, and now they face the final challenge: pitching their projects to an expert jury of representatives from the space and technology sectors.

The three winning teams will share CZK 150,000 in financial support and receive valuable feedback to help them further develop their projects. Which teams will convince the jury that their idea has the greatest potential?

The jury will include:

- Lucie Kopecká (Ministry of Industry and Trade)

- Michele Iapaolo (European Space Agency)

- Adéla Boráňová (ESA BIC Czech Republic)

- Daniel Mazur (City of Prague)

Join the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Spacemanic and Simera. Discover their planned collaboration and connect with representatives of both companies during informal networking.

How is artificial intelligence changing the possibilities of space technologies, and what can the space sector bring to AI development? Representatives of Zaitra, UptimAI and Gofore share their perspectives on the intersection of these fields, practical experiences and opportunities for further innovation. Moderated by Luděk Šafář from prg.ai.

Presentation

How can Czech space technologies strengthen defence and security capabilities? The panel will discuss concrete solutions, dual-use technologies and lessons from SATurnin-1. It will also explore the path from development to operational use and opportunities for Czech companies to join international defence projects and supply chains.

How do startups move from technology development to real-world adoption? Representatives of MeteoHawk, Volteek solutions, SkyUpdate and X-ENDER Space share their experiences with testing, finding customers and incubation support. They also outline their next milestones and concrete opportunities for collaboration with established companies, technology partners and investors.

The panel is supported by CzechInvest’s Technology Incubation project.

How is the satellite connectivity market changing, and what will integrating satellites across different orbits with terrestrial networks bring? The discussion explores new services, cooperation between commercial and public systems, regulation, and the security and resilience of Europe’s communications infrastructure.

The panel is supported by Amazon.

How can a technology idea become a space startup that attracts investors? The discussion brings together perspectives from investors, industry and support programmes on the journey from incubation to private capital. It also explores spin-off creation and how established companies can support new ventures and gain business partners, suppliers and investment opportunities.

Closing remarks and thanks to all Space2Business participants, speakers and partners.

Time for refreshments, informal conversations and a visit to the partner exhibition.

Time for lunch and informal networking with fellow conference participants.

Meet potential business, technology and research partners in one-to-one meetings. Create your profile in the event app, connect with other participants and arrange your B2B meetings.

A dedicated B2B area with numbered meeting points is available in the Mirror Lounge.

Practical Guidance and Success Stories of ESA Programmes in Czechia

Discover how ESA programmes support technology transfer, startup development and the commercialisation of space technologies in Czechia. Through practical insights and success stories, the seminar will showcase opportunities for businesses to access new technologies, explore space-related applications and develop innovative commercial solutions.

Join us to learn about ESA programmes, hear success stories from participating companies, and explore how you can get involved.

Take the opportunity to meet national delegates to the European Space Agency (ESA) in person. Discuss your project, present your company’s technologies and ambitions, and explore opportunities to participate in ESA programmes and activities. The meeting provides an opportunity to ask specific questions and discuss the next steps in developing your business in the space sector.

Meetings must be booked in advance via the shared spreadsheet in the event app. Select your delegate and reserve an available time slot at the corresponding table. On the day of the event, please arrive at your selected table at the reserved time.