Dtec Forum Explores Space Innovation

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) hosted its third quarterly Dtec Forum of 2019, dedicated to space innovation with the aim of encouraging local and regional entrepreneurs and investors to join the space race.

The event, powered by Entrepreneur Middle East, took place at Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), the largest tech hub and coworking space in the MENA region, wholly owned by DSOA. Themed ‘The Business of Space’, the gathering convened key stakeholders to discuss the space technology landscape in the UAE, its latest initiatives and projects.

The Forum kicked off with an opening address by Hans Henrik Christensen, Vice President at Dtec. Next up, Abdulla Hamad Bushahab, Manager of the Business Development Section at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), delivered a keynote speech on the UAE’s space plans, including an overview of the country’s efforts in building the space tech startup scene.

Elodie Robin-Guillerm, Director of Gothams, the defense and aerospace technology accelerator at Hub71, offered a keynote on developing the UAE’s space tech ecosystem and the role of Hub71 in supporting space tech startups. In yet another insightful session, Aruba Khalid, Senior Research Analyst at Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), provided a brief outline of DFF’s work with space tech startups.

The agenda also featured a panel discussion about the UAE government’s projects that promote space innovation. During the session, industry experts explored optimal ways for startups to capitalize on the nation’s ambitions in this niche sector.

Speaking on the importance of the Forum, Hans Henrik Christensen said: “Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dtec is committed to advancing the nationwide mandate to provide the necessary support to the space tech sector.”

He added: “Just a few months back, Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri raised the UAE flag in space for the first time in history. We are all inspired by the momentous milestone that reflects the UAE’s determination to contribute to the efforts of the global scientific community to enrich humanity. There is no better time for space tech to take center stage at our Dtec Forum to encourage entrepreneurs and startups to venture into this domain.”

Wissam Younane, CEO of BNC Publishing, the media house behind Entrepreneur Middle East, said: “There are many educational courses for entrepreneurs these days, and to maintain the quality that our brand Entrepreneur requires, we at BNC Publishing have been very selective when it comes to choosing the topics, the speakers, even the institutions we partner with. This is the formula that has made Dtec Forum Powered By Entrepreneur Middle East successful. In Dtec, we have found a trusted and equally ambitious partner, and in its entrepreneurs, we have discovered an audience that appreciates the knowledge and expertise shared by the speakers we have invited so far. I am confident that these events have contributed to their startups’ ambitions to grow in scale and quality.”

Aruba Khalid said: “The initial stage of research and development is sometimes the most critical for innovations to succeed and develop into commercial technologies. DFF’s MBR Space Settlement Challenge 2018 supported scientists and space tech startups through this stage to foster growth in the space tech sector.”

Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus serves as an operational base for more than 800 startups from 72 countries. The quarterly Dtec Forum seeks to address key issues of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as help startup founders expand their knowledge in secondary areas and adopt a more holistic approach to business.