VeneToStars 2025: Challenging Young European Innovators on Space and Blue economy

VeneToStars 2025: Challenging Young European Innovators on Space and Blue economy

Brussels, December 3, 2024 – The launch of VeneToStars 2025: Challenging Young European Innovators on Space and Blue Economy took place at the Veneto Region Brussels Office, gathering nearly 100 participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, and young innovators. The event focused on addressing key challenges and opportunities in two strategic sectors for Europe: space and the blue economy.

Maria Vittoria D’Inzeo, Policy Officer at DG DEFIS, stressed the urgent need to tackle the skills shortage in the European space sector. She highlighted the importance of aligning education systems with industry needs and outlined EU initiatives like Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the EU Space Programme to help bridge this gap and promote innovation.

Evelyn Paredes Coral from DG MARE presented the Restore Our Ocean and Waters mission, aiming for a sustainable, carbon-neutral blue economy by 2030. This mission focuses on restoring marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, and fostering a circular economy. She emphasized the role of advanced tools like the Digital Twin Ocean and the active involvement of citizens in driving these goals forward.

Massimo Busuoli, representing the NTNU Brussels Office, highlighted the essential role of universities in connecting education with real-world innovation. He pointed out that NTNU, a leader in Erasmus+ participation, is preparing young people for the challenges of tomorrow through projects like satellite data use and field research. Busuoli stressed that coaching and mentoring are crucial for developing the skills needed to meet technological and societal challenges.

Piera Di Vito from the European Space Agency (ESA) discussed how the private sector is increasingly investing in space. She explained ESA’s role in aligning technological innovations with market needs, citing satellite observation technologies as a key example of how space can benefit industries such as agriculture, helping to optimize resource management through detailed soil and crop analysis.

The event also showcased Thermix, an innovative project by Ludovico Gelsomino and Elia Nascinguerra, winners of VeneToStars 2024. Their startup uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to improve energy efficiency in buildings. Thanks to the support of VeneToStars, the team connected directly with interested companies, receiving valuable feedback to develop and commercialize their technology.

The launch of VeneToStars 2025 reaffirmed the Veneto Region’s commitment to driving technological advancement, sustainability, and innovation, solidifying its position as a leader in Europe’s space and digital economy.