Advances in Satellite to Ground Connectivity Workshop

This event explores the future of satellite to ground connectivity, with a focus on  technical challenges, highlight UK-led advancements, and promote collaboration across academia, industry, and government to build a resilient, secure, and innovative communications ecosystem. Key themes include photonics, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and the development of deep tech skills to support long-term economic growth and national security. 

This event is generously sponsored by CGI UK a global leader in IT and business consulting. The event is also organised with the support of the Federated Telecoms Hubs.

Agenda

Time | Topic | Speaker

13:30-14:00 | Arrival / Refreshments | All

14:00-14:05 | Welcome and Roadmap presentation | Tales Gaspar, Programme Manager Satellite and Spectrum, techUK

14:05-14:15 | TITAN Keynote | Professor Harald Haas, FTH Co-Director & TITAN Telecoms Hub Director, University of Cambridge

14:15-14:25 | Sponsor Keynote | Afonso Nunes, Lead SME, Presale Consulting, CGI

14:25-15:10 | Panel Discussion and audience Q&A | CGI (CHAIR)

Dr Andrew Vick, Head of Disruptive Technology, STFC 

Dr Gerald Bonner, Principal Researcher, Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics

Dr Alex Koehler-Sidki, Director of Quantum Technologies, Lumino Technologies

15:10-15:35 | Research Presentations | Dr Iman Tavakkolnia, University of Cambridge (TITAN)

Dr Kyle Bottrill, University of Southampton (TITAN)

Dr Ning Wang, University of Bristol (JOINER)

Dr Martyn Fice, University College London (HASC)

Dr Richard Rudd, Plum Consulting/University of Sussex (ARTES)

15:35-16:35 | Lab tours [20-minute lab tours] | 2 Groups

16:35-16:40 | AOB and Close | Tales Gaspar, Programme Manager Satellite and Spectrum, techUK

The agenda is subject to changes ahead of the event.

Who should attend? 

• Industry professionals in space, telecoms, and quantum technologies 

• Researchers and academics in photonics, cybersecurity, and communications 

• Policymakers and government stakeholders 

• Startups, scale-ups, and investors in deep tech 

• Anyone interested in the future of secure satellite communications and UK tech leadership 

Share inputs to the optical communications roadmap 

Attending this event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the latest advancements in Free Space Optics (FSO) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), two technologies that are shaping the future of satellite to ground connectivity. Participants will learn about the UK’s strategic direction in satellite communications and how national initiatives are positioning the country at the forefront of secure and efficient space-based technologies. 

The event will also serve as a platform for cross-sector collaboration, bringing together experts from industry, academia, and government to contribute to the development of a resilient UK tech ecosystem. Attendees will hear about upcoming demonstrator missions and explore how integrated efforts in photonics, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity are driving innovation. 

Importantly, the insights and discussions from this event will directly inform the UK’s satellite connectivity roadmap, which is set to be published by the end of the year. By participating, stakeholders can help shape the future of space communications and ensure the UK maintains a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving field.