The European Space Agency (ESA) and DCU have joined forces to establish a Satcom IoT ‘Maker Space.’

The project will support the development of innovative Machine-to -Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for satellite communications.

Based at the university’s Innovation Campus, the initiative will provide opportunities for prototyping and the validation of challenging innovative technologies proposed by ESA and DCU, which are targeted at industry, space tech entrepreneurs, academics and the wider maker-movement.

Published projects will provide opportunities for target stakeholders to address individual design and development challenges.

Over an 18 month period, projects will be awarded and implemented by target stakeholders via a competitive process.

Maker Space activities will be fully funded, with typical values of between €5k and €20k per activity.

“DCU is delighted with this announcement and we are looking forward to engaging with innovative Irish inventors, entrepreneurs, and companies to develop new ideas and services in the field of satellite communications for M2M/IoT,” Prof. Brian MacCraith, President of DCU said.

The project is supported by both Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

The news was welcomed by the Minister for Training, Skills & Innovation, John Halligan TD, who congratulated DCU on securing the ESA contract.

“This activity has the potential to support a growing number of Irish technology companies which are developing innovative technology solutions for the expanding internet of things market,” Halligan said.

Online Editors