Trajectory, Sheffield 2023
A life trajectory is the path through space and time that it traces as it proceeds, not dissimilar to that journey of an entrepreneur whilst growing and scaling their business. That’s who we support here at the UK Space Agency Accelerator and we do that through our programmes; Explore, Leo and Geo, but also through events like Trajectory.
Trajectory is a roadshow of events held across the UK to showcase what regions are doing to support the space sector and the next generation of space businesses – the future of space.
On 21st September 2023, Trajectory took us to The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to showcase what South Yorkshire can offer budding entrepreneurs – what technology, support, expertise, and funding is available. We managed to combine a research manufacturing facility with entrepreneurial spirit – think industrial hackathon. We were also very excited to welcome some of our new cohort of Explore entrepreneurs!
Everyone was so excited to be out of their day-to-day businesses and amongst like-minded individuals who wanted to learn something new, be inspired and meet new people!
The Event
We started the day off listening to Jake Geer, Chief of Staff at the UK Space Agency, who shared why the Accelerator is so important to the space sector and the UK Space Agency’s overall mission to get more entrepreneurs into the sector. Mike Stephens, CEO at Entrepreneurial Spark, one of the lead delivery partners alongside Exotopic, took us through what the region was trying to achieve as a whole and all the opportunities available regardless of whether you are in the region. Followed by Jonathan Bray, Senior Sector Engagement Manager for Defence and Space at the AMRC, who sponsored the venue for the event (a huge thank you!)
Jonathan took us through all the incredible work they are doing at the AMRC and why, events like this, and supporting entrepreneurs in general is so important for the sector.
We were delighted to be joined by Jamie Hinton, CEO at Razor, who shared his entrepreneurial journey including the highs and lows. There are lots of ups and downs on the entrepreneurial rollercoaster and learning from those who have been there, done it and got the t-shirt can save any entrepreneur lots of time, energy (and money!) Some of the key lessons that Jamie taught us included:
Learn from the people who have gone through the storms
Rinse the luck
Have a plan/vision and make sure you share it!
Be persistent
After networking and a spectacular lunch including chocolate passionfruit planets surrounded by dry ice, to really help our tastebuds get out of this world, the AMRC team then took us on tours of the centre. The centre supports several sectors including aerospace, automotive, construction, food and drink, medical and space – with a range of exhibitions in the centre to see. We highly recommend you that you get in touch with the AMRC if you are in the area so you can tour the facility – it's well worth it!
Time to Pitch!
It was then time for the pitching competition, and we had a fantastic panel to grill the brave pitchers including:
Gary Jones – Rolls Royce
Mathew Hicks – Leonardo
Mollie Martin – Deloitte
Chris Iveson – FourJaw
Alex Goodhand – Satellite Applications Catapult
The pitchers did an amazing job – a selection from past and current cohorts on the UK Space Agency Accelerator.
Judges Winner – Kyle Hatchard, STEM-Tec
Audience Winner – Satish Vangara, AI Space Design
Overall, we had a fantastic day packed of inspiration, up-skilling and building networks!
If you would like to join our next Trajectory event at Techniquest, Cardiff on 5th December 2023, then please email hello@ukspaceaccelerator.co.uk