Latest news with #Exotopic
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
Cold War-era building repurposed to boost UK space plans
It was established by University of Glasgow researchers and is being backed by close to £500,000 funding from industry, including matched contribution from the UK Space Agency. It will play a key role in supporting the research and development of new rocket engines. Researches will also be able to fire experimental rocket designs and gather data using MachLab's custom-built test stand. MachLab will also be able to help establish the next generation of rocket engineers through specialist training, including a University of Glasgow-led programme called Rocketry Research Teaching Training. Dr Krzysztof Bzdyk and Professor Patrick Harkness, of the University of Glasgow's James Watt School of Engineering partnered with space technology experts Exotopic to design and build the MachLab facility. Professor Harkness said: 'MachLab is ready to play a key role in the UK's strategy to return to vertical launch, ensuring that students and researchers can access hotfire facilities in a safe and controlled environment. MachLab (Image: MachLab) 'MachLab will allow us to co-operate with other countries establishing or re-establishing their access to space. We have already had visitors from South Africa, and we expect to welcome partners from Australia in the near future. The UK is returning to vertical launch, and will be going to the stars. We are building that future here, today.' Jack Tufft and Jack Davies have also been key members of the team and are currently PhD students at the University of Glasgow. Mr Davies said: 'Being part of the team to make this facility come to fruition has been a great experience and it will enable research for spaceflight and planetary landing.' The facility has already hosted a test-fire of new 3D-printed rocket engines designed by Jack Tufft, which have an advanced cooling system. MachLab will enable to development of rocket engines using solid, liquid and cryogenic propellants designed to carry payloads into space in the future, with the rocket test stand allowing researchers to fire protype rockets while they remain safely locked down and stationary. The lab was originally built in the late 1980s as part of a refuelling complex for US Air Force strategic bombers. Dr Bzdyk said: 'MachLab has been two years in the making, with all the systems required to operate a liquid bipropellant rocket engine being created from the ground up. We're excited to be ready to start making our mark in rocket research, development and teaching in Scotland. Read More 'Patrick and I are very grateful to our colleagues Jack Davies and Jack Tufft, and the many others who have helped us in countless ways since work on MachLab began.' Andy Grey, CEO of Exotopic, said: 'This has been a fantastic opportunity to partner with some of the UK's leading researchers at the University of Glasgow to develop a world-class facility that provides a key capability within our unique aerospace R&D offering at Machrihanish airbase. We are looking forward to welcoming national and international researchers from academia and industry to our site, growing this R&D service, and creating more jobs and opportunities in the area.' Matt Archer, Director of Launch at the UK Space Agency, said: 'Facilities like MachLab strengthen our launch ecosystem, helping build the skills, infrastructure and innovation needed for a resilient UK launch capability. By supporting rocket engine testing and inspiring future engineers, it lays the groundwork for the UK to lead in launch. The UK Space Agency is proud to have supported MachLab's development as part of our broader commitment to growing the UK's launch sector.'
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: MTCIT's national space accelerator to boost tech startups
Muscat – Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) launched a national initiative – designed to empower local startups to develop innovative space solutions and services – called Space Accelerators Programme on Wednesday. The one-year programme aims to stimulate entrepreneurship in the space sector, attract investment in advanced technologies, and support the localisation and transfer of space services within the sultanate. It also aligns with Oman's broader goals of economic diversification and technological advancement. The programme will be implemented by Omani firm Ankaa Space and Technology Company in partnership with Exotopic, a UK-based firm specialising in accelerator initiatives. It will support ten Omani startups in developing commercially viable space technologies, while enhancing national capabilities in space innovation. Dr Saud bin Humaid al Shuaili, Director General of Policies and Governance and Head of National Space Programme, said the initiative is part of MTCIT's broader efforts to build a vibrant ecosystem for space entrepreneurship. 'The programme offers an integrated environment that combines technical mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and access to a global network of partners and experts,' Shuaili said. It will focus on high-impact sectors including satellite communications, Earth observation, geo-spatial analytics, navigation, artificial intelligence, drones, the Internet of Things, spacecraft simulation, and advanced computing. The top three performing startups will also receive incentives supporting long-term sustainability and growth of their ventures. The programme will include a comprehensive training curriculum covering technical and commercial aspects aimed at enhancing skills of local entrepreneurs. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman launches 'Space Accelerators Program' to boost local innovation
Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has officially launched the "Space Accelerators Program," a strategic initiative designed to empower Omani startups in developing cutting-edge space-related solutions and services. This programme aims to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship within the burgeoning space sector, while simultaneously creating a robust environment for investment in advanced technologies. This initiative is a key component of the Ministry's broader efforts to implement the national space policy and executive programme. It specifically targets objectives such as economic diversification and capacity building, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the transfer and localisation of space technologies and services through national entities. The year-long programme will be delivered by Phoenix Space and Technology Company in collaboration with Exotopic, a UK-based firm renowned for its expertise in accelerator programmes. The "Space Accelerators Program" is set to qualify ten local startups within the space sector, providing them with essential support to develop prototypes or commercially viable technological solutions. Beyond this, it seeks to enhance national skills in space innovation and establish a comprehensive network of local and international support for entrepreneurial ventures in the space industry. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Shaaili, Director General of Policies and Governance and Head of the National Space Program at the Ministry, emphasised that this initiative is a dedicated national programme aimed at accelerating the growth of local space startups. He stated that it will enable them to develop commercially feasible space services and solutions within an integrated environment that offers crucial technical guidance, entrepreneurial training, and access to a vital network of partners and experts. This, he noted, will support the creation of a high-value, innovation-driven space industry. Dr. Al Shaaili further highlighted that the programme will foster a competitive environment, actively encouraging innovative solutions. The top three participating startups will be awarded incentive prizes, designed to help them establish sustainable operations that align with the strategic direction of the space sector. The programme's focus areas within the space industry are extensive, including communications, Earth observation and monitoring, geospatial analytics, navigation, drones, artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced computing, data storage and preservation, the Internet of Things, spacecraft simulation environments, startup growth acceleration, and technological innovation. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
09-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman launches space accelerator programme to boost innovation
MUSCAT: In a significant move in furtherance of Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate of Oman has launched the Oman Space Accelerators Programme—an innovative programme to foster in-country capabilities in the global space sector and establish a knowledge-based economy. Commissioned by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), the accelerator is Oman's first and is being established in partnership with Ankaa Space & Technologies and UK space innovation business Exotopic. Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology, explained: 'It is the first-of-its-kind accelerator programme in Oman that is initiated to serve technology companies that want to venture into the growing space industry. The programme will provide technical guidance, awareness training, and official networking with investors, global corporations, and world space industry legends.' He continued, "The long-term vision of the accelerator is to equip 10 Omani companies with the necessary tools and expertise to be path-breaking drivers of the space economy, contributing directly to Oman Vision 2040's innovation and human capital targets." The 15-week programme, extending from late August through early December, will support ten Omani startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs, and academics with a fast-track sequence of training workshops and business development exercises. Dr Saoud bin Humaid al Shoaili, Head of the National Space Programme, linked the programme to broader national interests: "As part of an effort to realize the ambitious goals of the National Space Programme and Oman Vision 2040, we launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at developing strong national capabilities in the sector." Dr Al Shoaili also explained that the project fosters a competitive culture that encourages creative solutions, and the first three entities are awarded to encourage sustainable activities corresponding to strategic goals of the industry. The programme will focus on key space industry domains such as communications, earth observation, geospatial analytics, navigation, drones, AI and machine learning, advanced computing, data storage, IoT, spacecraft simulations, startup acceleration, and technology innovation. He outlined the three strategic pillars of the programme: institutional capacity, individual skills development, and entrepreneurial and commercial capability. 'Since January 2023, we've implemented a number of targeted initiatives to strengthen Omani expertise and readiness in the space domain, in line with national aspirations,' he said. Ghaida al Jabri, Project Manager at Ankaa Space & Technologies, highlighted the inclusive and collaborative nature of the project. "Oman has worked on this programme in partnership with MoTCIT, Al Ankaa, and Exotopic in the National Space Programme. It is a demonstration of direct contribution to the innovation and private sector development pillars of Oman Vision 2040." She added, "The programme aims to fast-track the growth of domestic entities and put them in a position to be at the forefront of Oman's new space economy." Speaking to the Observer, Dan Veal, Principal Investigator at Exotopic, emphasised the strategic timing of Oman's entry into the space race. "Oman is entering the international space sector at a critical time when neighboring nations are heavily investing in space technologies. The project represents a significant opportunity for young Omanis and small and medium enterprises to take up a forward-thinking and fast-growing global industry." He noted, "Given the data-driven nature of the space economy, it's quite open for new entrants to make a significant impact quite soon. Oman has a good chance of competing at the regional and global level."
Times of Oman
09-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman launches 'Space Accelerators Program' to boost local innovation
Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has officially launched the "Space Accelerators Program," a strategic initiative designed to empower Omani startups in developing cutting-edge space-related solutions and services. This programme aims to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship within the burgeoning space sector, while simultaneously creating a robust environment for investment in advanced technologies. This initiative is a key component of the Ministry's broader efforts to implement the national space policy and executive programme. It specifically targets objectives such as economic diversification and capacity building, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the transfer and localisation of space technologies and services through national entities. The year-long programme will be delivered by Phoenix Space and Technology Company in collaboration with Exotopic, a UK-based firm renowned for its expertise in accelerator programmes. The "Space Accelerators Program" is set to qualify ten local startups within the space sector, providing them with essential support to develop prototypes or commercially viable technological solutions. Beyond this, it seeks to enhance national skills in space innovation and establish a comprehensive network of local and international support for entrepreneurial ventures in the space industry. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Shaaili, Director General of Policies and Governance and Head of the National Space Program at the Ministry, emphasised that this initiative is a dedicated national programme aimed at accelerating the growth of local space startups. He stated that it will enable them to develop commercially feasible space services and solutions within an integrated environment that offers crucial technical guidance, entrepreneurial training, and access to a vital network of partners and experts. This, he noted, will support the creation of a high-value, innovation-driven space industry. Dr. Al Shaaili further highlighted that the programme will foster a competitive environment, actively encouraging innovative solutions. The top three participating startups will be awarded incentive prizes, designed to help them establish sustainable operations that align with the strategic direction of the space sector. The programme's focus areas within the space industry are extensive, including communications, Earth observation and monitoring, geospatial analytics, navigation, drones, artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced computing, data storage and preservation, the Internet of Things, spacecraft simulation environments, startup growth acceleration, and technological innovation.
