Dear everyone,
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the invitation.
Standing here today, it's funny to think that the first Tech Barbecue was held in 2013, with a total of 300 guests.
A lot has happened since then.
And I believe that this development reflects the great interest in entrepreneurship, technology, and – most importantly some might argue – barbecue events in general.
Who can disagree?
Space as part of the solution
For millennia, we have looked up and gazed at the shimmering night sky. And for just as long, space has been beyond our reach.
But not beyond our imagination.
Every day space is getting a little closer.
Thanks to better rockets and other major technological breakthroughs, it is becoming easier, cheaper, and safer to move in space with satellites or spacecraft.
Today's event is largely about the potential of space. We could call it... the realm of possibilities.
To me there is no doubt that Denmark should be part of exploring and utilizing this realm.
In order to solve the problems of today and tomorrow, we must look towards space in search of answers.
Space technology can make life on Earth better, greener, and safer.
This applies on the large geopolitical stage, where conflict and uncertainty are forcing us – the nations of the EU – to seek a higher degree of independence in areas such as critical infrastructure and secure communication.
And it applies to climate, environment, and biodiversity. More and more extreme weather phenomena are ravaging coasts, forests, and land areas, with major consequences for all living beings across the planet.
Here, we can use space technology and satellite data to optimize and streamline the green transition across a range of major sectors like agriculture, transport, and construction.
It is obvious, that Denmark must help find solutions to the major global crises.
In order to do that, we must involve Danish companies in the space sector, a sector where the global space economy as a whole is facing a potential tripling by 2035.
The Danish Space Strategy
This government wants to prioritize space.
If we wish to avoid falling behind in the next chapter of the space race, it requires investments in research, innovation, and the development of emerging Danish companies within the space industry.
And it requires a strong common direction across sectors.
Therefore, the government is currently working on a new strategy for research and innovation in the space sector.
The strategy will help focus Danish collaboration and strengthen the entire ecosystem within the space sector, both nationally and internationally.
And it will help ensure that the society as a whole is benefitting from our investments and hard work.
Fortunately, we are already in a very strong position in the space sector. We have extremely competent researchers, good universities, and ambitious startups and companies. But if we want to continue making our mark on the big stage, we need to collaborate with our international allies and partners.
Especially the European Space Agency, ESA.
ESA gives us access to greater research capacities, more resources, and competencies that a small country does not possess on its own.
ESA's Danish incubation center is a great example of how ESA is working purposefully to foster small and medium-sized enterprises in Denmark. And there are several examples of how the two-year incubation process has been extremely useful.
At DTU Space, they have developed a particularly sensitive X-ray camera that, in addition to being used in space telescopes, also can be used to detect breast cancer much more effectively.
And the company Atla.ai in Aarhus has successfully used satellite data to ensure that wind turbines and solar panels are placed in areas where they can be most effective, thereby contributing to the green transition.
I would like to extend a big thank you to the Danish Industry Foundation.
With a substantial grant of 25 million DKK, you are supporting Danish entrepreneurship and technology development in the space sector.
This is a great example of collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Something that we need more of.
I would also like to thank the skilled people at ESA BIC DK who work steadfastly every day – all the way from Aalborg to Lyngby – to put Denmark on the star map.
Your efforts are highly appreciated!
I am looking very much forward to presenting the space strategy later this year, and to cooperating even more with you in the future.
Exciting times lie ahead – in the realm of possibilities.
Thank you very much for your time!