Meet The Cohort - Explore Programme 2023
From simulations and sustainability to propulsion and a circular space economy, we have already welcomed four innovative entrepreneurs to our programme so far this year.
Each with very different backgrounds and areas of expertise, they have joined the first of our Explore programmes and aim to take their first commercial steps into the UK’s flourishing space industry. Let’s meet them!
Myles Harris, founding CEO, Space Health Research
Myles trained as a nurse and has worked as a senior nursing lecturer for a number of years. During his PhD he founded a research group in 2020 that led to the first UK analogue mission (that is, field tests in locations with physical similarities to the space environment); and he continued this work going on to found Space Health Research
Space Health Research specialises in providing analogue missions that simulate the exploration of space. Deploying their analogue mission design to remote environments around the world, Space Health Research provides services such as testing technologies and products, scientific research, and leadership teamwork training. Space missions can be time consuming and costly; but Space Health Research’s analogue missions are significantly less expensive than space missions, enabling clients to revolutionise and therefore optimise their product, research, and training.
Having always had a love for space, Nic followed his dreams, completing a PhD in Astrophysics at Durham University. After hearing more about space sustainability, Nic founded his own space sustainability business, Niparo in 2020; and since graduating has focussed entirely on its success.
Niparo is focussed on making the UK space sector more sustainable, by encouraging strong environmental regulations and discourage greenwashing. In the short term, Nic is building a suite of software that will help companies comply with and complete their environmental requirements for UK spaceflight licensing, as well as a tool to measure their carbon footprint. Longer term, Nic is keen for Niparo to play a pivotal role in the sector’s journey to net zero.
Ashley Johnson , founding CEO, Applied Atomics
After studying Aerospace Engineering and constructing a plasma propulsion lab in his bedroom, Ashley Johnson founded Applied Atomics in 2022 during his master’s degree - and his passion hasn’t stopped since. A pioneer looking to break new ground, Ashley wants to achieve the impossible whilst driving a society of space exploration.
Applied Atomics is a UK space propulsion start-up which is developing a new breed of propulsion system. The business is creating a novel, innovative and sustainable propulsion system for satellites and spacecraft. This system enables advanced in-orbit manoeuvres, deep space interplanetary missions and is driving the next generation of space exploration by providing best-in-class performance, efficiency, and cost.
Portia Bowman, Founding CEO of Growbotics Space Ltd
Portia Bowman has 10 years of experience in the space sector having initially studied physics before pursuing a masters in space systems engineering. She worked as an engineer on ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA missions before landing a business leadership role. Portia always had an entrepreneurial mindset, first co-founding spacecareers.uk in 2015 before founding Growbotics Space Ltd in 2022.
Growbotics is a company dedicated to developing the tools, components, and processes necessary for a circular space economy. Satellites are currently single use by design; Growbotics aims to disrupt the traditional approach to space manufacturing and is leading the way by developing technology to re-use components on orbit, thereby reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. But her vision goes beyond environmental sustainability. Portia is passionate about creating an inclusive sector that values diversity and promotes innovation, where everyone is empowered to contribute and collaborate toward a common purpose.
Portia believes Growbotics Space Ltd is well on its way to becoming a leading force in the space industry, where profits and purpose are equally important.
The UK Space agency is always looking for entrepreneurs to join its accelerator programmes. So if like Myles, Nic, Ashley and Portia you are an entrepreneur with a space business, or are using space technology in another sector, why not find out more. We are currently accepting applications for our Leo and Geo programmes until 21st April.
To learn more about the Leo and Geo programmes, a Live Q&A Webinar on the two programmes will take place on Monday 17th April with Mike Stephens, CEO at Entrepreneurial Spark.
Applications for the next Explore cohort will open on the 21st of June.