Innovating for a better world, empowered by satellites · Business Support 5 Working with Industry & Academia 6 Working with SMEs 7 Intellectual Property 7 ... for a better world,

Innovating for a better world, empowered by satellites

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Contents

Introduction 3

Mission & Vision 3

Innovation & Collaboration 4-7

Innovation 4

Collaboration 5

Business Support 5

Working with Industry & Academia 6

Working with SMEs 7

Intellectual Property 7

Facilities 8-9

Climate, Environment and Monitoring from Space 8

Videowall Room 8

Operations Centre 9

SatComms Lab 9

Security and Resilience Centre 9

Spark Centre 9

Demo Centre 9

Missions & CubeSat Technology 10

Space for Smarter Government Programme 11

Regions & Networks 12-13

Knowledge Exchange 13

Knowledge Exchange Fellows 13

The Catapult Network 13

About Innovate UK 13

Export & International Activities 14

sa.catapult.org.uk 3

Introduction

The Satellite Applications Catapult is an independent innovation and technology company, created by Innovate UK to drive economic growth through the exploitation of space. Our mission – ‘to innovate for a better world, empowered by satellites’ – is being achieved by helping businesses of all sizes to realise their potential from space infrastructure and its applications.

We work with the UK’s industrial and academic communities by being a focal point where small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large industry and end-users can work together with researchers to challenge barriers, explore and develop new ideas, and bring these to commercial reality.

Our achievements to date include building technology platforms, providing state-of-the-art facilities to support a diverse range of projects, and developing strong relationships with many organisations from different market sectors. We have made contact with over 1,800 organisations, engaged with over 240 SMEs – of whom we have actively supported over 80 through various activities – and worked with over 30 universities.

Our activities are driven by the UK’s Innovation Growth Strategy, to help grow the UK space industry and capture 10% of the global space market by 2030.

Mission & Vision

Our mission and vision statements articulate our direction and ambitions. To support this we have built a first-class team, established a strong innovative culture and focussed closely on the goals we want to achieve.

Our ‘Mission’

“To innovate for a better world, empowered by satellites.”

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”Henry Ford

Our mission statement places the Catapult at the heart of the transformation in global satellite services, conveying our ambitions to harness the power of satellites to develop life-changing solutions to the challenges presented by a world that is modern yet still developing.

Our ‘Vision’

“To be a world-leading technology and innovation company, helping businesses of all sizes to realise the potential from space. By embracing a pioneering, agile, collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit, we create valued partnerships to deliver game-changing results.”


Innovation

The Catapult was formed to inspire innovation and support the development of new commercial products and services. Reductions in the cost of access to space, the emergence of new, low-cost satellite constellations and improved usability, accessibility and timeliness of data are offering even more opportunities for industry and SMEs. However, capitalising on these opportunities requires new people and organisations to engage with the sector and the development of new businesses and ways of working.

Innovation & Collaboration

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“We are helping organisations address these challenges in order to speed up the emergence of entrepreneurs and new business models, thereby increasing innovation and economic growth.”Stuart Martin, CEO, Satellite Applications Catapult

Collaboration

The Catapult encourages collaboration between industry, government and academia. Our role as a neutral convenor helps to overcome barriers and speed up the commercialisation of ideas. This is achieved by acting as a focal point where SMEs, large industry and end-users collaborate and work with researchers to challenge barriers, explore and develop new ideas, and bring these to commercial reality.

Through our collaborative approach, we are forging bridges between industry, academia and government organisations working in space technology and applications, promoting open innovation and partnership, creating growth for the economy and helping to establish a rich ecosystem of satellite application development within the UK.

Business Support

We support businesses of all sizes and maturity through a range of enabling services, delivered either by the Catapult or by third party organisations. Our key offerings include:

• Workspace – We offer flexible office space, allowing companies to be situated with other businesses going through the same development curve and to have direct access to Catapult services and expertise.

• Networking and Connections – We connect the UK space and customer communities by offering networking opportunities with key partners from both the upstream and downstream space sectors, government organisations, trade associations, clusters, legal and finance markets, and academia.



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Working with Industry & Academia

Businesses working in the space sector face some quite unique challenges, which makes it difficult to fully exploit satellite technologies and commercialise the resulting products. Since our launch in 2013, we have helped many businesses overcome these challenges by providing a catalysing link between business and research, ensuring that all parties work collaboratively to develop solutions and overcome barriers. We are helping to unlock latent demand, opening new markets and driving expertise, by raising awareness and showcasing what space derived services can offer. As a neutral convenor we help to understand end-users’ requirements and communicate this to the solution providers. We connect businesses of all sizes with the resources they need to launch and grow. This involves improving the supply chain of finance, business support, information and skills.

We continue to broaden and deepen our relationships with all players in the innovation landscape.

“The Satellite Applications Catapult has delivered a sustainable network for our rapid business growth. Their industrious approach and hard work has resulted in additional opportunity for our business. Their blend of academic and business focused staff gives them a unique advantage to help our business.”Vincent Gillingham, Director, AgSpace Agriculture Ltd

December 2014AgSpace won the

Sainsbury’s Big Data award

December 2014Continued business

development in China with STFC Newton Project

awards

March 2015New business in

Africa. Is now in 5 African countries with increasing

profit

December 2015Record growth in customers using

AgSpace services. Turnover projected

to double & 28 employees

February 2014First engagement

to explore collaboration re Sentinel data exploration

July 2014Catapult/AgSpace

collaborative project on Sentinel data exploitation

February 201416 employees, turnover £1.6m

July 2014Started new

business in Africa and became largest

UK provider of precision farming

services

December 2014 – March 2015

Newton China collaborative

project (Catapult lead partner)

March – September

2015Innovative UK collaborative

project to identify crop growth stage

of cereal crops using Sentinel

(AgSpace project lead)

June 2015Supported potential overseas customer meeting at Catapult

December 2015ESA IAP for developing demonstrator service

(AgSpace led, Catapult delivery partner)

Catapult interventions

Outcomes

Timeline of how the Catapult has contributed to AgSpace’s rapid business growth

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sa.catapult.org.uk

Working with SMEs

We support SMEs and start-up organisations at all stages of their development. Through our dedicated business support team and third parties, we tailor our broad capabilities to the specific needs of each business. This includes practical help from experienced entrepreneurs and other business support providers as well as support in locating funding and finance.

• Practical help – We have a vibrant group of mentors who, as seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts, can provide the knowledge and know-how needed to get a company off the ground and help grow it into a thriving, profitable business.

• Funding and finance – We have strong links to the UK’s business angel networks, venture capital community and other funding agents. Our Business Sprints and Investment Readiness Training arm both start-ups and existing firms with a wealth of knowledge on how to make their company attractive to a funder/investor or customer.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is central to our overall goal of driving economic growth through the development of satellite applications. IP provides a mechanism to reward hard work and investment and thereby encourage further innovation.

Our IP policy is very straightforward:

• Any IP you bring to a project with the Catapult (background IP) remains your property, though we may ask you to grant a limited licence to the Catapult if we need to use your background IP to complete a project. We treat our background IP in exactly the same way.

• If we are carrying out work for a commercial entity under a fully funded contract we don’t expect to retain any ownership in IP generated within the scope of the contract (foreground IP). However, we usually ask for a non-commercial (R&D) licence

to be granted back to the Catapult so that we can continue to conduct outstanding research for the benefit of the sector as a whole.

• In jointly funded collaborative projects foreground IP should belong to the party that creates it (with ownership in shared creations to be agreed in advance where possible).

• We will protect any IP independently generated by the Catapult and look for ways to exploit it, either directly or through our partners.

“Entrepreneurship is a great leveller, since having the benefit of a wealthy investor isn’t always an advantage. The wonderful thing is that money is not the sole currency when it comes to starting a business; drive, determination, passion and hard work are all free and more valuable than a pot of cash.”Richard Branson

Facilities

The Catapult offers a unique range of cutting-edge facilities developed to help increase the UK’s international competitiveness and provide a platform for accelerating the development of new satellites and applications. We host a UK national operations centre and communications laboratory, and can provide a classified data testing and development facility. Interactive demonstration screens can be used to visualise data and demonstrate results.

We also offer modern conference facilities that can be used to host all types of events, including meetings, seminars, workshops, VIP visits and exhibitions, for up to 180 people. Innovative audio-visual resources, including a 28-panel videowall and 3D facility, make the most of presentations and graphics. We also offer smaller spaces suitable for formal and informal meetings and breakout sessions.

Climate, Environment and Monitoring from Space

Our Climate, Environment and Monitoring from Space (CEMS) facility is a unique, purpose-built service offering space-based climate change and Earth observation (EO) data and services.

CEMS provides access to extensive data, along with a range of applications and tools that can help users analyse data more effectively in a virtualised environment. The data, which is supplied by institutions and organisations based in the UK and abroad, can be searched, manipulated and processed efficiently and cost effectively thanks to CEMS’ high performance computing facilities.

Through our CEMS cloud-based services, we offer a purpose-built, on-demand, flexible, scalable and secure infrastructure for those interested in working with satellite derived data and applications. Users have access to fully configurable virtual machines within their own privately managed virtual data centres.

The CEMS cloud facility can be used for hosting applications, public facing web portals and development environments.

Videowall Room

With its huge, high performance, multi-panel display, our Videowall Room provides a unique facility for visualising satellite applications data at extremely high resolutions. It also offers the ultimate venue for conferences, presentations and meetings, hosting up to 180 delegates when combined with the adjoining Flexispace.

Served by a high performance graphics server, the 7.2m x 2.3m, 28-panel videowall has a 30 megapixel display, making it ideal for showing films, giving presentations or displaying data from sources such as our Science Visualisation Service Earth Observation (SVSeo) or any Windows or customised application.

Copernicus Image of Isle of Wight

Videowall Room – used for Inventorthon event 2015

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Operations Centre

Our Operations Centre provides real world operational services through its satellite ground control capabilities for the UK, providing a national hub for cost-effective satellite flight operations and payload data processing and exploitation services.

This unique facility is ideal for the management and exploitation of Earth observation (EO) data for monitoring climate change and for security applications (including defence, environmental and food security, and security of space-based services). We can also operate a variety of missions, such as the TechDemoSat (TDS) satellites and Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC).

SatComms Lab

The SatComms Lab can be used by satellite operators and SMEs to develop and test upstream and downstream satellite-based technologies across a range of different satellite hardware. The lab includes:

• a FlatSat – a small satellite technology development and integration platform

• a mobile test vehicle in addition to SatComm and GNSS test equipment that can be leased for use in projects

• a data centre (also used by CEMS) based on the latest high performance computing and virtualisation technology, which can be used to host applications

• drones that can be used for a variety of purposes.

The lab has eight workstations that connect to an antenna farm on the roof of the building and allow various configurations to be set up and tested.

Security and Resilience Centre

Our accredited Security and Resilience Centre (SRC) can be used to develop innovative new technologies and systems that might fortify the UK’s space sector against attacks.

The SRC consists of a large working area that has been certified to operate as a secure classified facility, allowing sensitive tasks to be carried out using classified data and imagery. Users in academia and SMEs can therefore use it to securely trial classified ideas, while industry and government can host systems which provide security capabilities and which might attract research.

Spark Centre

The Spark Centre is designed to host small groups seeking space to solve business challenges related to satellite data and services, and is also ideal for small informal meetings. This comfortable room features state-of-the art facilities, including a mini-videowall, mobile devices and a 3D display.

Hosting up to 16 people, this meeting space features a large 72in quad screen powered by a video workstation and breakout areas for smaller groups.

Demo Centre

Situated at the core of our Harwell office, the Demo Centre provides a comfortable, open environment for SMEs, industry, researchers and academics within the space sector to use at any time to demonstrate their capabilities, meet and network.

Operations Room – 2015

Satcomms Lab – 2015

“Teach me and I’ll remember; involve me and I’ll learn.”Ben Franklin

Missions & CubeSat Technology

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The Catapult supports the growth of new downstream industries and markets by enabling the emergence of new entrepreneurs and the development of new technologies and satellite missions.

• Entrepreneurs – For the UK to achieve its anticipated growth target in the space sector by 2030, it is important that we train a new generation of engineers and entrepreneurs. This means inspiring students to choose STEM subjects and encouraging them to consider careers in this sector. As such, we have developed a unique concept based around one of the smallest satellite standards – the PocketQube. Over two days, we host teams of students and enables them to build, hack and fly a satellite. These regular events are supported by inspirational keynote speakers, with the objective of getting students to consider: “If you can build a satellite in two days, what can you do next?”

• Technologies – The miniaturisation and commoditisation of technologies, adoption of standards and low cost access to space enables the development and exploitation of microsatellites (below 50kg). In collaboration with our Centres of Excellence, we are developing a network of facilities around the world called Missions Lab to foster the development of microsatellite components, systems and solutions, and offer access to experts for training and research purposes.

• Satellite Missions – We have both the infrastructure and the expertise to support the development of new mission concepts. Our team includes mission analysts, communication experts, platform engineers and satellite operators, and we can offer access to simulation tools such as Satellite Tool Kit (STK), UHF/VHF and S/X-Band ground stations, a control room and a robust virtual infrastructure.


The Space for Smarter Government Programme (SSGP) was launched in 2014 as a strategic national initiative to drive the uptake and use of space products, data and services across government departments and the wider public sector to enable smarter, more efficient operations. We deliver this in collaboration with the UK Space Agency, which leads the project.

SSGP initially focussed on raising awareness, funding demonstrators and establishing mechanisms to deliver solutions with a number of identified stakeholders in target areas. SSGP has worked increasingly closely with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) over the past 12 months, as focus has been turned on Europe’s downstream EO market, forecast to be worth €1.8 billion by 2030. The Natural Hazards Partnership (which comprises 17 public sector bodies including the Cabinet Office, Environment Agency, the Met Office and the British Geological Survey) has also been heavily engaged with SSGP.

Through open competition, SSGP has funded 14 feasibility studies which showcase the potential benefits of satellite services to end-users. During 2015/16 SSGP is looking at ways of delivering operational services through these projects for public sector end-users and will also run and support additional competitions to enhance the existing case studies.

“Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”Mattie Stephanek

Space for Smarter Government Programme


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Our Vision, Strategy and Measures for Success

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Regions & Networks

Centres of ExcellenceSupported by Satellite Applications Catapult

Centres of ExcellenceSupported by Satellite Applications Catapult

The Centres are located in the following areas:

• EMBRACE is a collaborative partnership between the Universities of Leicester and Nottingham and the British Geological Survey.

• North East Centre of Excellence, led by Business Durham, provides SMEs and large companies based in the North East with the opportunity to tap into and exploit new opportunities.

• Scottish Centre of Excellence, led by the University of Strathclyde, is consolidating links between the local science knowledge base and the business community.

The Centres are now supported by the UK Space Agency.

The Catapult’s regional Centres of Excellence play a key role in supporting their local communities.

Each Centre provides a focal point for our activity, linking its regional research base with SMEs and large industry in order to enable and promote the development of applications and other solutions, as well as to engage the wider end-user market.

The Centres facilitate and broker links with academics and businesses through events, business development workshops and technical support sessions.

Extending the reach of satellite applications expertise across the UK

• South Coast, a collaborative partnership led by the University of Portsmouth, focuses on the Maritime, Marine and Autonomous Systems sectors.

• South West, a collaborative partnership between the University of Exeter, focuses its activities on the Agri-tech, Maritime and eHealth sectors.

Satellite Applications Centre of ExcellenceEMBRACE - East Midlands

Satellite Applications Centre of ExcellenceEMBRACE - East Midlands

North EastSatellite Applications Centre of Excellence

North EastSatellite Applications Centre of Excellence

ScottishCentre of Excellence in Satellite Applications

ScottishCentre of Excellence in Satellite Applications

South CoastCentre of Excellence in Satellite Applications

South CoastCentre of Excellence in Satellite Applications

South WestCentre of Excellence in Satellite Applications

South WestCentre of Excellence in Satellite Applications


Knowledge Exchange

Our Knowledge Exchange activities span relationships with more than 50 departments in universities across the UK. Activities include: local business engagement through our Centres of Excellence; bilateral arrangements through our Knowledge Exchange Fellowships; and Space Network Integrator programmes.

We also invest in the unique Space Placements in Industry (SpIN) scheme which provides an opportunity for talented undergraduate students to work at space related SMEs across the UK. In summer 2014 we placed 33 undergraduate students in 16 different organisations, including five at the Catapult.

Knowledge Exchange Fellows

We have created a network of Knowledge Exchange Fellows who work at a strategic level within academic institutions to identify where existing (or intended) research and un-met commercial needs intersect. There are now four such Fellows – one each at the Universities of Oxford and Nottingham, and two through a partnership with Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) at the Universities of Strathclyde and Leicester – who are based at the Catapult for a minimum of one day per week.

The Catapult Network

The Satellite Applications Catapult is one of 11 centres established by Innovate UK to provide invaluable

resources to companies in potential high growth markets, helping them to transform their innovative ideas into new products and services, and thereby generating economic growth. The Catapults add an important new dimension to existing research and development programmes. By providing access to cutting-edge equipment and specialist facilities, and using the power of people and organisations working closely together, the Catapults unlock opportunity, reduce risks associated with innovation and speed new products and services towards commercial reality.

There are currently 11 Catapult centres: Satellite Applications, High Value Manufacturing, Cell Therapy, Future Cities, Transport Systems, Digital, Offshore Renewable Energy, Precision Medicine, Energy Systems, Medicine Technologies and Compound Semiconductors.

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency. It works with people, companies and partner organisations to find and drive the science and technology innovations that will grow the UK economy. Its aims and objectives include: determining which science and technology developments will drive future economic growth; meeting UK innovators with great ideas in the fields of interest; funding the strongest opportunities; connecting innovators with the right partners they need to succeed; and helping innovators to launch, build and grow successful businesses.

Since 2007 Innovate UK has invested over £1.5 billion in innovation, matched by a further £1.5 billion in partner and business funding. It has helped more than 5,000 innovative companies work on projects that are estimated to have added £7.5 billion to the UK economy and created 35,000 extra new jobs.

For further information on Innovate UK please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/innovate-uk


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Export & International Activities

The Catapult works closely with the UK Space Agency, UK Trade & Investment, Innovate UK, Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Science and Innovation Network to support export initiatives, inward investment opportunities and international partnership building.

We are active members of the Harwell Space Gateway, which promotes the capabilities of regional clusters. Along with the European Centre for Satellite Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT),

we aim to provide a central hub of space activity at Harwell, supporting the growth of space-related revenues and capabilities across the UK.

We have already had significant international engagements with opportunities emerging from visits to Chile, Columbia, the USA, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Europe. We have also supported numerous inward investment opportunities, resulting in Harwell becoming recognised as a space cluster that can lead the UK to excel through competition and collaboration.

Electron BuildingFermi AvenueHarwell OxfordDidcotOxfordshire, OX11 0QR

For more information:

T: +44 (0)1235 567999W: sa.catapult.org.ukE: [email protected] @SatAppsCatapult

February 2016

Satellite Applications Catapult Ltd is an independent technology and innovation company. It is one of a network of elite centres established by Innovate UK to accelerate the take-up of emerging technologies and drive economic growth. The Satellite Applications Catapult is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company Registration Number 07964746. Registered office: Electron Building, Fermi Avenue, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QR, UK.

Innovating for a better world, empowered by satellites · Business Support 5 Working with Industry & Academia 6 Working with SMEs 7 Intellectual Property 7 ... for a better world,

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