An exciting startup competition is coming up on 27 November 2025 at NL Space Campus Noordwijk, Netherlands that brings together the space and manufacturing sectors. It’s all about connecting innovative startups with real industry challenges—startups get to pitch solutions, and companies get to discover bold, unexpected technologies that could turn into real pilot projects.
Applications for startups are open until 3 November 2025, so there’s still time to throw your hat in the ring. Winners will get mentoring, SBIC membership, an EIT Manufacturing internationalisation package, and invitations to events in 2026.
As Silvia Grätz, Senior Business and Innovation Manager from EIT Manufacturing Central puts it:
“Space meets manufacturing is more than just a competition – it’s a pioneering movement connecting the two worlds of space and manufacturing, solving real industrial challenges with innovative startup approaches. It’s a win-win for startups and companies alike.”
Check below challenges to see if it fits you
1️⃣ Predictive Tool for Weldability – ArcelorMittal
Develop a tool that predicts whether welds will be defect-free and the mechanical properties of the weld zone for C-Mn steels. Current methods are limited, leading to scrap, rework, and delays. A smart, data-driven tool could save time, cut costs, and make materials development more reliable.
2️⃣ Multi-Purpose Structural Optimisation Tool – ArcelorMittal
Create software that automates CAD variations, runs simulations, and finds the best designs considering materials, manufacturing constraints, and cost. Right now, design optimisation is slow and manual—this tool could speed up development and deliver better results.
3️⃣ Faster, Cheaper Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) – ESA
NDI is essential for spacecraft reliability, but current methods are slow and labor-intensive. Startups can introduce automated, efficient inspection methods, making satellites faster and cheaper to produce.
4️⃣ Low-Cost, Reliable Space Electronics Manufacturing – ESA
Manufacturing electronics for space missions is slow, small-scale, and expensive. Innovative approaches from other industries could dramatically reduce lead times and costs, supporting New Space missions like small satellites and cubesats.
5️⃣ Space Resource Utilization (SRU) – Technoport/ESRIC
Turn space resources into usable materials! Startups are invited to develop solutions for prospecting, extracting, and manufacturing materials in extreme space environments, enabling in-situ production of oxygen, water, propellants, and construction materials.
Get more information about the challenges
Why you should care
For startups, this is a chance to get visibility, connect with industry players, and potentially launch pilot projects. For corporates, it’s a opportunity to discover innovative, game-changing solutions that could improve efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
My take: Competitions like this are where the future really happens—startups get to push their ideas into real-world applications, and companies get fresh perspectives they might never have considered.
👉 Submit your solution proposal here
Still unsure?
Write to Silvia or Maaike with any questions you might have:
Silvia Grätz, EIT Manufacturing – silvia.graetz@eitmanufacturing.eu
Maaike Smelter, NL Space Campus – m.smelter@nlspacecampus.eu