Project information:
Official name of the project: ORBIT Space Economy Innovations
Duration of the project: 1.5.2023 - 30.4.2025
Project coordinator: University of Vaasa
Project partners: VUAS
Funding: EU – European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) & European Social Fund (ESF) (2021–2027), Regional Council of Ostrobothnia
Budget: 72 368 €
Contact person in VAMK:
Jari Ratilainen, Project Manager (Design Centre MUOVA)
tel. +358 207 663 325, jari.ratilainen@vamk.fi
Project website: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/research/projects/orbit-ostrobothnian-regional-space-business-and-innovation
Project Description
The ORBIT project (Ostrobothnian Regional Space Business and Innovation) is developing an operating model for the development and commercialisation of new innovations related to the emerging space economy in Ostrobothnia. The project aims to grow, strengthen, and support the space innovation ecosystem in the region while improving the competitiveness of local companies. ORBIT promotes and creates companies that produce new products and services for the space and data economy. The project will implement a New Space Innovation Funnel operating model, making the Vaasa region and Ostrobothnia a national innovation hub for the new space economy.
The three-stage ‘funnel’ process involves both selection and development, refining ideas into commercial products or services. Various support services are provided at each stage. Working closely with companies in Ostrobothnia, ORBIT acts as an innovation accelerator for the space economy, promoting local innovation and growth while supporting the establishment of ESA BIC West Coast Finland in the region. The project’s outputs will improve the region’s innovation capabilities in the space and data economy and raise awareness of the new business and growth opportunities available.
Goals
The ORBIT project aims to strengthen employment opportunities in the space and data economy sectors, support continuous learning, and foster innovation through participatory design and a digital learning environment. Its goal is to grow the regional space innovation ecosystem, support local companies, and increase collaboration between higher education institutions, research organizations, and industry.
Results
The project will strengthen the space economy innovation ecosystem and participation in it throughout the Ostrobothnia region. Its measures will increase the impact of the region’s growing innovation ecosystem, enhance research and innovation capabilities in both higher education institutions and businesses, and promote the commercialisation of new space-related products and services.
