It is official: Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions, takes the patronage of the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC). This is a major milestone for the 2017 edition of Europe’s leading innovation network for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) applications.

“The innovative use of space technology and satellite data opens up new opportunities for Europe. From protecting our environment to supporting local industries and creating new jobs, pioneering regions and cities should now embrace new technologies to drive sustainable growth. This is why I am immensely proud to be the Patron of the European Satellite Navigation Competition and call on participants from every region and city to take part in this Competition", Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions said.

With the patronage of the CoR, the ESNC’s credibility and awareness is enhanced to a new level, especially in terms of the policy-related context. Thorsten Rudolph, Managing Director AZO, emphasises: “The European Committee of the Regions is the perfect match and our desired patron for the ESNC. Its vision to unite as many regional and local authorities across Europe as possible is the perfect fit to our mission of uniting the European stakeholders from industry, politics and young entrepreneurs, to foster innovative applications based on satellite navigation.”

Europe’s outstanding GNSS innovation network

The ESNC’s network has always been the most important asset, ever since its initiation 13 years ago. It comprises Europe’s most important space stakeholders, the most thriving startups and trendsetting entrepreneurs as well as the most active regional partners. Thereby, this network is dedicated to implement the commercial use of space applications through the regional dimension in a truly pan-European manner – in brief Galileo for regions. To express the networks outreach in figures: More than 20 partner regions comprising over 160 stakeholders at the regional level annually represent the unique network. 250 international experts evaluate more than 400 new innovative entries each year and more than 11,000 participants have contributed their know-how since 2004.

Europe’s largest innovation network for satellite navigation applications provides Europe with extraordinary advantages. Next to scouting latest novelties in the field of GNSS, the deal flow generator offers exclusive benefits for European regions, authorities, research institutions, SMEs, startups and major space stakeholders at the same time. The ESNC’s network unites creative masterminds, decision-makers, political and industrial partners with the common endeavour to find smart, space-based solutions for current global challenges.

Join its international kick-off event on 5 April 2017 in Brussels to discover the various opportunities to engage in business innovation scouting, get insights into space-related support mechanisms along the entire value chain.

European Regions Wanted to Take Action

Become part of the implementation of the EU Space Strategy and participate in the support mechanism that aims at promoting industrial innovation and the uptake of high-technologies across Europe. Interested in boosting your regional/local economy and in scouting trendsetting satellite navigation applications? Then become part of the ESNC network as a prize partner and foster the market uptake of Galileo/EGNOS in your region.

For further information how to set up your own regional prize please contact:

Kathrin Sturm
Business Relationship Manager
kathrin.sturm@azo-space.com
+49 8105 77277-24

Source: ESNC Network