Space-Comm Expo Scotland 2024: How Can Fintech and SpaceTech Come Together?

The inaugural Space-Comm Expo Scotland will be the largest space industry event ever held in Scotland and will take place at the SEC Glasgow from September 11-12, 2024. Hosted by Will Whitehorn, the former President of Virgin Galactic and current Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, this event promises a fantastic lineup of keynote speakers from various sectors, including government, aerospace, defence, and academia. Among the speakers, Nicola Anderson, CEO of FinTech Scotland, will offer her reflection on the growing intersection between space technology and financial technology.

A Showcase of Scotland’s Space Industry Prowess

Space-Comm Expo Scotland is set to shine a spotlight on the nation’s dynamic space sector, which has become one of the fastest-growing in Europe. With over 150 space companies and 80 aerospace companies, Scotland supports nearly one-fifth of all UK space sector jobs and builds more small satellites than anywhere else in the world, second only to California. The event will feature more than 100 exhibitors and is expected to attract over 3,000 attendees, including representatives from government, industry clusters, academia, and commercial enterprises.

Keynote Speakers and Industry Leaders

The Expo’s impressive roster of speakers includes notable figures such as Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency; David Parker, Space Exploration Director at the European Space Agency; and Professor Malcolm Macdonald, Chair of Applied Space Technology at the University of Strathclyde. The opening address will be delivered by the Lord Provost of Glasgow City Council, Jacqueline McLaren.

Nicola Anderson’s presence is particularly noteworthy for the fintech cluster. As CEO of FinTech Scotland, Anderson has been driving innovation and collaboration within Scotland’s financial technology sector. Her participation shows the critical role fintech plays in supporting and enhancing space technology ventures. A previous initiative between FinTech Scotland and Space Scotland highlighted how data from satellites can be used to enhance propositions in the financial sector such as supply chain management, measuring carbon impact of various assets or better handling of insurance claim management to name a few.

Exploring the New Commercial Space Age

The speaker programme at Space-Comm Expo Scotland will cover a wide range of topics, including spaceports, launch capabilities, satellite manufacturing, downstream data, AI, cyber security, space law, investment, skills development, and space sustainability. These discussions come at a pivotal time in the commercial space age, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges the industry faces.

Anticipated Outcomes and Collaborations

Kevin Scullion, International Trade Specialist at Scottish Enterprise, expressed high hopes for the event, anticipating further collaboration between Scottish, UK, and international partners. The Expo is expected to foster discussions on trade opportunities and strengthen ties within the global space community.

Supported by key organisations such as the UK Space Agency, Scottish Enterprise, and FinTech Scotland, the Space-Comm Expo Scotland will be an unmissable event for anyone involved or interested in the space industry. With a world-class programme of content, product demonstrations, panel sessions, and 1-2-1 networking opportunities, it offers a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and business development.

Space-Comm Expo Scotland will be held from September 11-12, 2024, at the SEC in Glasgow. Registration is free, and those interested in attending can sign up at space-comm-scotland.co.uk. For information on exhibiting, email spacecomm@hubexhibitions.co.uk.