World-leading science park’s success showcased at festival

The achievements of the world’s first science and innovation park dedicated to space-related companies came under the spotlight at the Leicestershire Innovation Festival.

Space Park Leicester­ – the University of Leicester’s pioneering £100 million science and innovation park – officially opened in 2022 and has already worked with more than 100 businesses that are driving forward the UK’s growing space sector.

At an event celebrating Space City Leicester during the Innovation Festival, Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, gave an update on Space Park Leicester to leaders from business, industry, education, research and non-profit sectors.

She said: “Space Park Leicester has been involved in high profile space missions, we’re recognised as the home of UK space and Earth Observation science and have helped to attract significant investment which is providing vital support to businesses in the sector.

“Our leading scientists and business support experts are helping SMEs to develop technologies for the space industry through the ESA BIC (European Space Agency – Business Incubation Centre) UK programme at Leicester.

“We’re home to Satellite Applications Catapult whose team are managing a wide range of space industry activities that align with Leicester’s ambition to become a world-leading centre for satellite data services.

“We’re also helping the next generation to embark on successful careers in the international space industry through our university courses, summer schools, professional short courses, apprenticeships and space engineering training.

“There’s so much happening at Space Park Leicester that should make people in Leicestershire proud.”

The Leicester Innovation Festival is led by the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub and celebrates the ground-breaking work happening around Leicestershire.