Navigating the Final Frontier: A Recap of the Space Commercialisation Summit
techUK hosted a range of industry experts, start-up companies and stakeholders to discuss the issues for the UK space sector at our recent Space Commercialisation and Tech Summit. The event was sponsored by Exotopic and focused on the downstream capabilities of the space industry. Speakers and panelists covered several issues related to the industry, from how to attract investment and leverage international partnerships to addressing barriers to scaling up national companies.
The result was a captivating debate around key challenges and drivers for the UK to become a worldwide reference for the sector. We also had the presence of Dr. Lucy Mason, Member of the Regulatory Horizons Council. Dr. Mason presented the new RHC report, reflecting on the recommendations to the Government.
Below you can find videos from the keynote addresses in the session.
Keynote speech
After the keynote, the panel discussion touched upon the current state and future prospects of the space sector. It covered industry challenges, opportunities, investment aspects, government policies, technological integration, and strategic planning.
We are witnessing a high point in the industry, yet the UK space sector faces several challenges. Investment in the space sector is strengthening. However, companies need to be able to pivot into multiple services exploiting all potential capability of space assets to be able to compete with vertically integrated firms.
Remarks on the UK Ecosystem
In the UK, the primary issue remains a lack of a clear direction and demand for strategic planning. Industry players often prioritize other technologies in sectors with more growth potential. Nevertheless, the conclusion was positive signaling that the UK space sector could meet increased demand if government spending and commercial development were to rise exponentially.
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Contact the team
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Jaynesh has extensive experience in the sector, having worked for CityFibre (a full fibre broadband company) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on digital infrastructure policy. Most recently Jaynesh led on policy and public affairs in the UK and Ireland for ChargePoint (an EV charging network).
Prior to this Jaynesh worked in the Cabinet Office for more than five years, including over two years at the Government Digital Service (GDS) supporting the digital transformation of UK Government.
Jaynesh has a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayneshpatel/
Josh Turpin
Josh Turpin
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/
Matthew Wild
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2000
Tales Gaspar
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar
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