Zero Debris Webinar 2: Unlocking Funding for Zero Debris Innovation & Commercialisation

Friday 23 May 2025, 13:00 → 14:30 Europe/Amsterdam

Online

Join us for the second Zero Debris Webinar: Unlocking Funding for Zero Debris Innovation & Commercialisation!

As part of the inaugural webinar series of the Zero Debris Community, this session marks another key milestone in strengthening collaboration among the signatories of the Zero Debris Charter—a global initiative committed to achieving Zero Debris by 2030.

This event will focus on the critical role of funding in accelerating innovation and commercialisation for sustainable space operations. Attendees will be introduced to major funding instruments available through ESA and the European Commission, spanning the full innovation lifecycle—from early-stage research to market-ready solutions.

The session will offer practical insights into programmes such as ESA’s INVEST Marketplace and the European Innovation Council’s Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator schemes. Participants will also learn about recent funding calls, upcoming opportunities, and how to effectively position their projects to secure support.

Join us to explore how access to targeted funding can empower the Zero Debris Community to drive forward innovation, scale impactful solutions, and turn ambition into action on the path to Zero Debris by 2030.

13:00 → 13:10 Welcome & Introduction

Speaker: Prof. Quentin Verspieren (European Space Agency)

13:10 → 13:20 Driving Commercialisation Through ESA Space Safety Programme’s Competitiveness Segment

This presentation will introduce the role of ESA’s Space Safety Programme Competitiveness Segment in developing the space safety market and enabling the commercialisation of high-TRL solutions. It will highlight how the programme supports industry-driven innovation by accelerating market entry and providing access to ESA expertise, data, and validation resources.

Speaker: Tim Flohrer (ESA/ESOC)

13:20 → 13:40 EIC Funding Instruments for a Zero Debris Future

This segment will introduce the role of the the European Innovation Council (EIC) in in support to space debris sustainability pillar. Introducing the three EIC funding schemes funding R&I activities from low to high TRL. With a focus on the funding opportunities such as the EIC WP 2025 Accelerator (TRL6-9) Innovative in-space servicing, operations, robotics and technologies for resilient EU space infrastructure. A concrete example will be shared through PERSEI Space, demonstrating how a community member has effectively leveraged EIC support to help advance the Zero Debris 2030 targets.

Speakers: Ms Stella Tkatchova (Programme Manager for Space systems & technologies, EIC), Mr Gonzalo Sanchez Arriaga (Professor at UC3M and PERSEI Space Co-Founder)

13:40 → 14:00 ESA Commercialisation Pathways for Advancing Zero Debris

This segment will explore how the ESA Marketplace, the ESA Investor Network, ESA’s collaboration with the EIB, can support the commercialisation of Zero Debris and space safety solutions. It will highlight how these instruments enable early-stage and scaling companies to attract investment, form strategic partnerships, and build long-term resilience.
An excellent example of how the organisation have successfully leveraged ESA initiatives to advance innovation in support of the Zero Debris 2030 targets, is the story of German SME Vyoma, who will present their journey from the ESA BIC, the S2P programme and then the ESA Marketplace.

Speakers: Mr Kais Barmawi (Commercialisation and Programme Management Expert, ESA), Dr Stefan Frey (Co-founder of Vyoma)

14:00 → 14:20 Q&A from the audience

Speaker: Sacha Bressollette

14:20 → 14:30 Feedback & Closing

Speaker: Prof. Quentin Verspieren (European Space Agency)