On April 15, 2025, the OPTICS AND SPACE workshop took place at the Technology Centre Prague. Its goal was to connect representatives of the Czech optical industry with the space technology ecosystem. This collaboration aimed to provide information on opportunities for innovation, technology transfer, and the potential for cooperation within the European Space Agency (ESA) programs.
The event was attended in person by nearly 40 participants, mostly members of the Czech Optical Cluster, with an additional 14 participants joining online. The workshop began with an introductory session focusing on various ESA-supported initiatives. Discussions covered the role of the ESA Technology Broker and support available for startups through incubation programs. Participants interested in learning more about this segment were invited to contact Anna Ruščák, ESA Technology Broker, via email at ruscak@tc.cz, by phone at +420 722 259 950, or on LinkedIn. 
The second part of the workshop showcased real-life examples from companies and institutions active in the field of space technologies. Notable contributions included presentations by companies such as NETWORK GROUP, s.r.o., CRYTUR, spol. s r.o., the HiLASE Centre, TOPTEC, Rigaku Innovative Technologies Europe s.r.o., and asphericon s.r.o. These examples provided participants with concrete insights into the intersection of optics and space applications.
The workshop also served as a valuable networking platform, enabling participants to share their experiences and establish new collaborations between experts and companies in optics and space technologies. A key takeaway from members of the Czech Optical Cluster was that while space heritage might not be a decisive factor for their investors, there was a strong willingness to tackle challenges and offer cost-effective solutions. This mindset exemplifies the innovative spirit of the Czech Republic—a country rich in inventors who excel at solving technical challenges and enhancing capabilities, ultimately leading to significant cost savings.
The success of the OPTICS AND SPACE workshop is a testament to its potential in fostering further development and innovation in optical and high-tech solutions for the space industry. There is optimism that this initiative will pave the way for future advancements and consortia that could redefine the role of optics in space research and technologies.
A detailed program of the workshop is available for those interested:Pozvanka_Optika-a-space
