Delegates from across the space community shared insights into the innovative technology propelling vital Earth observation missions at the Centre for Earth Observation and Instrumentation’s Technology Showcase 2026.
The invitation-only event, which was held at IET London: Savoy Place on Wednesday, January 21, brought together policymakers, primes, start-ups, investors, academics and scientists.
The showcase was a unique opportunity for those developing ground-breaking technologies to connect with potential funders.
Held in conjunction with the UK Space Agency, the event featured exhibitors from critical value domains, from climate intelligence to earth science and security.
Harshbir Sangha from the UK Space Agency gave a talk outlining the national ambitions for Earth observation and technology development, while Dr Manju Henry at Spire Global shared with the audience, for the keynote talk, her experience of developing a highly innovative instrument via a commercial route.
There were also brief and punchy technology presentations focussing on a number of the projects CEOI has helped to fund, while a panel discussion explored the topic, ‘From EO technologies to services: Bridging the gap through the valley of death’, sharing the different viewpoints along the value chain, from technology developers to users and funders.
CEOI Director Dr Nicolas Lévêque said: “Events like these are so important because they bridge the gap between technology developers and funders – two communities that are rarely in the same room together. More often than not, the biggest barrier to getting an instrument deployed into space is funding, so our event is a unique opportunity for those looking to develop their missions to hold those all-important conversations.
“We’ve already had positive feedback from delegates, and have already heard of contacts being made and follow-up meetings being organised. That is exactly what we wanted to achieve with this event.
“Over the course of the day, a comprehensive range of topics were covered but with so much more to examine and explore – and with the event proving so popular – there is definitely an appetite for similar events in the future.”
Dr Lévêque added: “The talks and presentations were hugely engaging and useful. For instance, Dr Henry shared her experience in developing technology at RAL Space before launching it through commercial channels. For her peers, this was an excellent example of the commercial services that give access to space, in addition to the traditional routes through agencies.”
Exhibitors at the showcase included RAL Space, the University of Oxford, the University of Leeds, Spire Global, SSTL, SuperSharp, Surrey AI Imaging Limited, Umbrella Space Science, XCAM, E-Spark, and STAR-Dundee.
