The ESERO network - how the European Space Agency creates startups of the (literally) next generation

For an ambitious startup, the term "strategic planning" typically stretches a couple of years into the future. Maybe five years - if the winds are fair. But what if one was to form plans spanning decades and even centuries? That is the domain of the European Space Agency (ESA) - an institution which uses the startups of today to help stimulate the creation of the space startups of the next generation. Literally - the next generation - currently in their teens.

To reach this new audience, ESA has teamed up with the Copernicus Science Centre, a leading educational institution in Poland, to form a polish branch of the international ESERO network (The European Space Education Resources Office). It's goal, among others, is to help students throughout the country to hone their scientific, engineering and entrepreneurial skills by taking part in simulated space missions. In this talk I will discuss two such ongoing projects: one oriented on building research-grade mini-satellites and another utilising a remotely controlled, 3D printed Martian rover. Both were created by startups collaborating with the ESERO project, and both aim to teach students crucial skills that will be required by the next generation of startup creators.

Finally, I would like you, the audience, to help us identify key skills necessary for the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. Our goal is to use your input as a base for the upcoming long-range educational projects.