University Challenge
From the Lecture Hall to the Board Room

The Galileo Masters University Challenge addresses students and research associates with a background in aerospace and GNSS-specific courses of study, in particular with the aim of fostering the transformation of bright ideas into commercial ventures.

The Finalists

Discover the TOP 3 submissions to the University Challenge below.
Please note, that finalists are presented in an alphabetically order of their submission title.

DAPS – Disaster Assistance Prediction Service

Bernhard Franz, DAPS

DAPS is a sustainable, socially responsible, GNSS-driven logistics service for disaster assistance. It combines high-resolution satellite imagery, digital elevation models, road network datasets, historical pattern analysis, and AI-assisted hazard map generation to mitigate logistical impasses during and after natural disasters. Its AI computes comprehensive predictions of debris quantities and removal periods using comparative GNSS data on disaster-affected areas, environmental factors like available personnel and debris density, and historical statistical data. Precise predictions of clean-up efforts can be deciding factors in global supply chain management because they save time, money, and most importantly, lives. In combination with forecast-based action made possible by the EU Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (for example), fast responses and precise timetables can be established to aid disaster-stricken areas.

EO Trekker – An Immersive Playground for Environmental Guardianship

Caragh King

EO Trekker looks to engage and connect people to their immediate living environment through their own smart devices. Its novel, GPS-activated AR interface and cloud service enable users to attach relevant information to specific areas to help raise awareness of local environmental concerns and share knowledge about known places of interest. These labels can include text, images, videos, and interactive 2D/3D models. The solution acts as a public, co-curated environmental monitoring platform in the cloud where users can receive geo-tagged images, videos, drone-footage, and audio clips on their own devices via Galileo’s accurate GPS .

When in range of location-specific points of interest, EO Trekker will notify the user and engage them with on-screen AR information, games, and tasks to help gather real-world data for scientific research and educational purposes.

This interactive AR app is open to all who are interested in enjoying the outdoors and safeguarding it for present and future generations.

Space Leaders of Tomorrow

Adrian Saez Garcia, SEAC Business School

SEAC Business School is an international business school that delivers a global business education programme in the space sector through multiple partnerships, including with ESA’s Business Incubation Centres (BICs). By embracing a modern, 100%-online model that makes space education accessible to anyone in the world, it seeks to empower the space leaders of tomorrow. SEAC Business School’s method, which improves on the traditional education approach with top lecturers from the space Industry and small class sizes, creates new business projects based mainly on GNSS data. Students are exposed to a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced business world. They join an international community of lecturers and peers and get the chance to establish an important network of connections, potential business partners, and friendships that will enrich their lives both personally and professionally.

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The Challenge

High-quality GNSS education is a driver of innovation, a means of enhancing companies’ competitiveness, and a valuable opportunity for international cooperation. To bridge the gap from GNSS research and academia to entrepreneurship, the Galileo Masters University Challenge addresses students and research associates with a background in aerospace and GNSS-specific courses of study, in particular with the aim of fostering the transformation of bright ideas into commercial ventures.

In addition, the Galileo Masters University Challenge seeks to reach out to any young researchers working in areas of potential applications, be they prospective automotive engineers, logistics providers, game and other mobile application developers, or health promoters. The competition heightens the exposure and credibility of student innovations on a global level while establishing links to the world of business. The evaluators will focus on creativity and market needs rather than the technological perfection of the business ideas submitted.

Rewards 2021

Cash Prize

EUR 1,000 for the winner of the Challenge

1st Place

Incubation with Alpha Build in Munich

The winner will receive 3 months’ incubation with professional software development support and 12 months’ intensive company-building support.

1st place

Company-building workshops

Series of 8 on-campus workshops to prepare the 2nd runner-up for seed investment. Creation of a solid pitch deck and advice on negotiations with potential investors.

2nd place

Advisory workshop

The 3rd runner-up gets to participate in an advisory workshop on company building and creating a pitch deck. Opportunity to be introduced to a potential investor.

3rd Place

Mentoring by GRACE

A selected submission by GRACE shall receive 10 hours of technical / business / professional development mentoring.

Promotion & Marketing by GRACE

Complimentary interview and promotion on the Hyper Connected Futures Network (HCFN) website for one entry chosen by GRACE.

Additional Rewards

Extra EUR 10,000 cash prize if your concept gets selected as Galileo Masters 2021 Overall Winner

Chance to win one of six tailored Galileo Incubation prizes worth up to EUR 62,000 each

Evaluation Criteria

The competition heightens the exposure and credibility of student innovations on a global level while establishing links to the world of business. The evaluators will focus on creativity and market needs rather than the technological perfection of the business ideas submitted.

About the Partner

Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO)

AZO has established a global network for innovation and entrepreneurship. AZO supports product innovation and company foundations in the field of commercial space applications along the entire value chain – from the idea all the way to market entry. The company has extensive experience in organising innovation competitions such as the Galileo Masters, the Copernicus Masters (Earth observation), the StartupWorld Awards (laser photonics and robotics), as well as the INNOspace Masters (New Space Economy), app developer camps and conferences, and manages ESA BIC Bavaria.

Alpha Build Institute

The Alpha Build Institute researches impact factors for the establishment and expansion of young companies and transfers the knowledge gained directly to startups. The company specialises in crafting compelling new businesses for companies based on the profound research and identification of validated business opportunities – in the field of corporate venturing as well as in the startup environment.
The Alpha Build Institute is the world’s first institute dedicated to exploring all necessary activities in the field of company building. It is part of a global network of leading innovation clusters with acknowledged research institutions and entrepreneurial practitioners in different DeepTech areas.
In addition to the local Munich innovation network, Alpha Build’s worldwide company-building ecosystem embraces all reputable research institutions for entrepreneurship and technology.

Munich Business School

For 30 years, Munich Business School, a state-accredited and German Council of Science and Humanities-accredited private university for business in Munich, has been offering globally minded, entrepreneurial personalities an inspiring and international academic environment to develop into the responsible leaders of tomorrow.
Students lay the foundation for their career with the Bachelor International Business and focus on their individual preferences with one of the Master’s programmes, such as the Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Experienced professionals can advance their career with the MBA in General Management, and the icing on the cake is the DBA doctorate programme. In addition, Munich Business School offers executive education for the professional development of specialists and managers.

GRACE

GRACE, Nottingham Geospatial Institute’s business engagement unit, assists organisations, businesses, start-ups and individuals to take advantage of satellite navigation, positioning, geospatial and location based technologies. We provide services that include technical and business consultancy, training and education, testing and validation, as well as knowledge exchange and technology transfer.

Hyper Connected Futures Network (HCFN)

HCFN provides a forum to engage, collaborate and connect to new suppliers, clients and partners. The hyper connected future is becoming a reality for all of us. It is a future of ubiquity and inclusivity where everything is connected and where things that need to communicate, can communicate. Our mission is to a build a global business network to create a hyperconnected future that supports the development of inclusive connected communities.