Accelerating Innovation and Foster Commercial Collaborations: National PNT workshop in Brussels

Last Updated: 25/06/2024 06:09     Created at: 25/06/2024 06:05

On June 19, the Belgian Space Policy office (BelSPO), in collaboration with NAVISP, organized a pivotal event in Brussels, bringing together leading companies at the forefront of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology. 

The event commenced with an opening address from BELSPO, underscoring the strategic importance for Belgium of ESA and NAVISP in their scientific and technical innovation and industrial competitiveness plans.

NAVISP representatives provided a comprehensive overview of the programme's objectives and collaborative opportunities, emphasizing its strategic alignment with industry needs and market trends. Technical discussions progressed, addressing challenges and exploring future growth prospects within the evolving PNT landscape.

During the event, Unifly, Nexova Group, Telespazio, and M3systems presented their advanced projects and collaborative initiatives within the NAVISP framework. Key presentations covered topics such as S-UTM (Secure Unmanned Traffic Management), focusing on enhancing the safety and efficiency of unmanned aerial systems. Additionally, discussions on NAV-SSHE (NAV Sensor Switching in Hostile Environment) and CyTEF (Cyber Security Test and Evaluation Facility) highlighted advancements in sensor switching technologies under challenging conditions, along with strategies for evaluating cybersecurity measures in PNT systems. Septentrio, one of the most prominent Belgian PNT actors, emphasized the opportunities offered by NAVISP for industry collaboration. These presentations underscored the innovative capabilities of their respective projects and highlighted the synergistic partnerships driving advancements across the sector.

The afternoon session facilitated focused one-on-one discussions amongst BelSPO, NAVISP, and the participating companies, fostering an environment conducive to technical exchange and collaborative innovation. These engagements aimed to deepen mutual understanding and explore avenues for joint advancement in PNT technology supported by NAVISP.

The event served as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration within the PNT sector. It underscored the critical role of PNT technology in shaping future advancements and highlighted the sector's potential for continued innovation and growth.