The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute ( KARI) held "K-Space Night" in Bremen, Germany, on the 18th (local time). Hosted by the Korea Institute for Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KIED), the event was held at the Courtyard by Marriott Bremen and brought together approximately 130 participants, including domestic space SMEs, local space companies, institutions, researchers, and investors. The MSS officially announced the event on the 19th.
K-Space Night held in Bremen
This event was designed as a networking opportunity for domestic space startups and SMEs to directly connect with the local European ecosystem. It was hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAIA), and organized by the Korea Institute of Startups and Entrepreneurship Development. The event took place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (local time) on the 18th, and participants included government officials, related organizations, domestic space SMEs, local space companies and research institutes, and investors.
The participating domestic companies encompass a diverse range of sectors, including small satellite components, launch vehicles and ground support systems, and satellite data processing and analysis software. These companies need overseas certification, a proven operational track record (space heritage), and opportunities for demonstration to drive initial revenue. This overseas networking provides valuable contact points for partner discovery and joint project discussions.
Investment and Industry Trends and Connection Points
From a startup and IT perspective, the key point is that the government and specialized agencies have established a platform that connects suppliers and demanders overseas. Early-stage space companies face challenges in securing investment due to their high-risk, long-term payback profile. Networking with local investors and technology demanders reduces risk and facilitates practical discussions that can lead to pilot collaborations or proof-of-concept (PoC) trials.
The global space industry is rapidly advancing toward miniaturization, modularization, and software integration amidst the private sector-led "NewSpace" movement. Cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous driving are expanding their applications to satellite data processing, space infrastructure operation, and ground and orbital robotics. The market is facing growth pressure driven by the expanding data value chain and automation demand. This technological integration is directly linked to improved product performance and reduced operating costs, attracting significant interest from both investors and demanders.
Bremen is known as a city with a dense European space network. Face-to-face contact with local institutions and researchers is highly beneficial in understanding certification and procurement procedures, discussing joint research, and accessing a test environment. Accompanying government and institutional teams allows for both policy and institutional explanations and gathering on-site feedback, which is beneficial for designing follow-up support.
This "K-Space Night" event could serve as an opportunity for domestic space startups to expand their overseas partnerships and early customer contact points. However, the actual results will be measured in the implementation stages, including follow-up meetings, technology verification, and contract negotiations. The key will be how the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAIA), and the Korea Institute of Startups and Entrepreneurship Development (KIED) connect the support systems after networking. The industrial impact is likely to be enhanced when full-cycle support, including overseas demonstrations and certifications, joint research, and investment linkages, are implemented in parallel.
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