ESA Technology Broker Spain

On March 7, 2025, the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio (ETSIAE) hosted the annual iDΣΛ Challenge, an innovation-driven competition that empowers students to explore space technology transfer into non-space sectors. This year’s event was powered by ESA Technology Broker Spain, a program dedicated to fostering the application of space technologies in diverse industries.

The competition saw the participation of 60 students from the Engineering Schools of Aeronautics and Space, Telecommunications, Computer Science, and Industrial Engineering at UPM.

Industry Involvement

Prominent companies supported the event, including Airbus, GMV, Aertec, PWC, GESNAER, Capgemini, ITP Aero, ISDEFE and Arribes. Their involvement provided valuable insights and mentorship, strengthening the bridge between academia and industry.

Innovative Challenges and Ideas

The event featured 16 teams, each tasked with leveraging space technologies to develop solutions applicable to various sectors. Among the projects developed they found solutions for CO2 treatment, biometric sensors, and medical access solutions for rural communities. Other teams focused on energy management based on superconductors, an emergency rover inspired by Mars exploration technologies, and deployable emergency kits using satellite-based solutions. There were also concepts incorporating satellite technologies into vital support systems, satellite-integrated clothing, and passive refrigeration for extreme environments. Some groups explored self-disinfecting materials to reduce hospital infections and titanium-based materials for industrial applications. In the realm of connectivity and resource management, teams proposed ISL-based satellite vehicle connectivity and innovative water treatment and management solutions. Additionally, advanced water purification technologies in line with the MELiSSA project were a key focus area. The overall winning team presented an exceptional project related to water treatment technologies, aligning with the latest advancements in environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

Rosa Pulido from ISDEFE commented on the event, stating:

"The iDΣΛ Challenge exemplifies the innovative spirit of our future engineers. Witnessing students apply space technologies to solve real-world problems across various sectors is truly inspiring."

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

The iDΣΛ Challenge 2025 demonstrated the versatility of space technologies in addressing real-world challenges beyond the aerospace sector. Through ESA Technology Broker Spain, students gained exposure to pioneering concepts, industry mentorship, and the opportunity to contribute to cross-sector innovation. This initiative underscores the European Space Agency’s commitment to promoting space technology transfer, ensuring that advancements made in the space sector continue to benefit society in transformative ways.

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