Tyndall National Institute, based at UCC, has announced Dublin City University (DCU) as the newest member of the European Space Agency (ESA) Space Solutions Ireland Consortium.

The ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium, which supports innovative space active start-ups, is a collaborative initiative designed to foster innovation, facilitate the transfer of space technology to non-space sectors, and nurture the development of high-potential companies.

Significant milestone

The inclusion of Dublin City University marks a significant milestone in the expansion of this dynamic consortium, which is currently led by Tyndall, in collaboration with UCD, Maynooth University and Technological University of the Shannon. 

“We are delighted to welcome Dublin City University to the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium,” said Peter Smyth, ESA Space Solutions Ireland consortium chair. 

“Their addition to the Consortium Partnership provides us with another world class incubation facility and associated support services in Dublin to support our early-stage client companies.

“DCU’s robust reputation for innovation, research excellence, and industry collaboration makes them an invaluable addition to our consortium. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance our collective ability to support start-ups and scale-ups, advancing Ireland’s position in the global space sector.”

DCU brings a wealth of expertise and a strong track record in areas such as engineering, computing, and business, aligning perfectly with ESA Space Solutions Ireland’s mission to accelerate growth and competitiveness in the space industry.

Generate significant new opportunities

The synergy between DCU’s research strengths and ESA Space Solutions Ireland’s resources and networks is expected to generate significant new opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs.

As part of the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium, Dublin City University will play a critical role in sourcing, supporting, and scaling suitable start-ups that leverage space technologies in novel ways or that are developing technologies that can be utilised in space.

The partnership aims to bolster the innovation ecosystem in Ireland, ultimately contributing to economic growth and the advancement of space-related technologies.

Professor Daire Keogh, president of Dublin City University, expressed the significance of DCU joining the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium, and said: “We are delighted to become a part of this prestigious network. DCU is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and we believe our participation in the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium will further amplify our impact.

"We look forward to collaborating with Tyndall National Institute and the other Consortium Partners to support the next generation of space entrepreneurs.”