Virtual activities will include a series of informative sessions online, as well as webinars that provide useful details about the programme.
The UAE Space Agency, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based global innovation hub Krypto Labs, has announced that it will be kicking off its virtual programmes as part of the Global Space Industry Accelerator (GSIA) initiative.
The virtual activities come in the time of social distancing guidelines due to the current COVID-19 situation, ensuring the continuity and success of the GSIA project.
The UAE Space Agency and Krypto Labs will commence a series of webinars in April, covering the topic of space entrepreneurship, guiding participants on how to become successful entrepreneurs in the space sector and create their own space start-ups.
The webinars will offer participants lessons from successful start-ups like SpaceX and Blue Origin, giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to transform their space ideas into a business. As part of its digital transformation, the UAE Space Agency will also be holding a virtual roadshow for the NewSpace Innovation Program.
The NewSpace Innovation Program will include a competition, which will take place online for one and a half days. Then, the Space Bootcamp will be held online for two weeks to engage a greater number of audience. Finally, the incubation programme will be conducted online, as a virtual fully-integrated innovation hub. The evaluation of the applications will also be done through remote meetings of the committee.
The UAE Space Agency will be extending the deadline of the submissions of online applications until April 15, providing applicants with more time to develop their ideas.
The activities will be conducted by a qualified team and will include live sessions, content provided to get entrepreneurs ready for the sessions, as well as follow up sessions to provide applicants with responses to any questions they have. The virtual activities aim to make the programme reach a wider range of audience, ensuring its smooth operation.
Commenting on the initiative, HE Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: Our top priority during this challenging situation is to carry on with inspiring our young entrepreneurs to be innovative and contribute to the growth of the space industry. As the UAE Space Agency, we always do our best to continue pursuing our objectives, while avoiding any impact from any difficult situation.
We are delighted to collaborate with Krypto Labs, and share our knowledge and expertise to shift the activities of the Global Space Industry Accelerator program online, while maintaining a smooth process for all participants.”
Naser Al Rashedi, Director of National Space Policy and Regulation at the UAE Space Agency, and Program Director of the GSIA, remarked: “We will continue to pursue achieving our objectives in realizing the vision of the UAE Centennial 2071 and positioning the UAE as a pioneering country on the global innovation map, despite the current challenges. Nurturing new talents and encouraging young entrepreneurs to contribute to the growth of the space sector is essential for promoting innovation and building a sustainable economy.
Al Rashedi added: We extended the deadline for receiving submissions for the NewSpace Innovation Program until 15 April to provide applicants with the required time to come up with innovative ideas, which would contribute to making the UAE a technological hub, as well as maintaining the UAEs diversified economy.
