Lift Off - Unlocking Space Sector Opportunities for the South West

The space sector is no longer the exclusive realm of global superpowers and billion-dollar rocket companies. Today, it represents one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with immediate and tangible opportunities for Irish businesses across diverse sectors from data analytics, AI, and advanced manufacturing to engineering, telecoms, and sustainability.

Yet, despite its rapid growth, awareness of the space economy’s potential and the clear pathways for companies to get involved remains limited.

Lift Off, hosted by Tech Industry Alliance and MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, is designed to change that. This dynamic morning event will demystify the space sector, showcase real-world opportunities, and connect businesses in Cork, Kerry, and beyond with the networks, expertise, and inspiration they need to take part in this exciting frontier.

Event Highlights

• Keynote Address – NASA Astronaut Dan Tani: First-hand insights from his missions aboard the International Space Station and perspectives on the growing role of private enterprise and regional players in shaping the future of space.
• Panel Discussions: Industry leaders, researchers, and pioneering companies share how they are innovating in, or pivoting towards, the space economy.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with experts, collaborators, and stakeholders committed to supporting regional engagement in the global space sector.

Whether you’re an established enterprise, an SME, a startup, or an academic researcher, Lift Off will expand your horizons, reveal practical entry points, and help you understand how space is closer and more accessible than you think.

Event Programme:

• 08:00 - Registration & Networking
• 08:30 - Opening Remarks
• 08:40 - Keynote: "The Global Space Industry and Some Thoughts on a Regional Perspective" delivered by Dan Tani, Former NASA astronaut
• 09:30 - Panel Discussion: The Future of the Space Industry for Ireland
  • Dr Patricia Moore, Co-founder and Director of the Irish Space Association (ISA)
  • Hazel Murray, Chair of Cybersecurity at MTU
  • Robert Hill, Director of the Northern Ireland Space Office and Cluster Manager for NI Space
• 10:40 - Panel Discussion: Building a Business from Space - Opportunities & Supports
  • Dr. Robert Conway-Kenny, ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Manager at IMR
  • Kiera Ward, Exercise Physiologist, Sports Scientist and Health Researcher at EduFIT
  • Paul Healy, Manager of the Rubicon Centre
• 11:30 - Informational Session: The National Space R&I Strategy & Space Opportunities for the South-West
  • Dr. Niall Smith, Head of Research at MTU
• 12:00 - Workshop: Support the Regional Skills for The Space Sector
  •  Dr Patricia Moore, Co-founder and Director of the Irish Space Association (ISA)