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Satellite Futures Summit 2026

Join techUK for the launch of our new report, Satellite Data for Sustainable Growth, at the Satellite Futures Summit 2026. Leaders from industry, government and academia will explore how satellite data and AI can boost productivity, strengthen national resilience and support the UK’s net zero and environmental goals. Expect discussion on policy, open data standards, investment and the UK’s position in the global space economy.

10 November 2026
13:30 - 17:30 GMT
London
ConferenceTelecoms and SpaceFree
Satellite Futures Summit 2026

About this event

The future of UK industry depends on the rapid and purposeful adoption of satellite-based intelligence. As the commercial space economy expands, it presents a generational opportunity for the UK to anchor high-value activity domestically, particularly in areas such as data analytics, satellite services, and roll out of digital infrastructure across sectors. With the right conditions in place, early-stage innovation can attract investment, scale into global platforms, and create a self-reinforcing cycle of growth across the UK economy. 

At the same time, the volume of Earth observation data now entering the market far exceeds the capacity of traditional analytical methods to extract value. AI is therefore becoming the critical enabler, transforming raw satellite data into actionable intelligence across sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, finance, and sustainability reporting. Unlocking these benefits at scale will require supportive policy frameworks, open data standards, and investment in talent and innovation. 

Satellite Data for Sustainable Growth: Report Launch

This techUK event marks the publication of a new report on space data for sustainable growth, bringing together leaders from industry, government, and academia to explore how satellite-enabled data and AI can drive productivity, strengthen national resilience, and support the UK’s long-term sustainability ambitions. 

Why join techUK’s Satellite Futures Summit 2026? 

This session will convene a broad range of stakeholders to examine how multiple sources of space data combined with AI can deliver tangible sustainability benefits, while also addressing the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to support innovation and adoption. 

Building on the findings of the report, discussions will explore the role of satellite data in shaping future-ready infrastructure, supporting smarter spectrum use, and enabling more efficient, data-driven commercial adoption of innovative use cases. 

This is a key opportunity to engage with experts across the space ecosystem and contribute to shaping the future direction of the UK’s space and digital strategy. 

Here’s what to expect: 

  • Gain first-hand insights from the newly published report on how space data can drive sustainable growth and support national priorities, including net zero and environmental resilience. 

  • Explore how satellite data, combined with AI, is enabling smarter resource management, improving environmental monitoring, and supporting climate-focused innovation. 

  • Join discussions with industry, academia, and government on the frameworks needed to unlock the full potential of space data, including governance, standards, and investment priorities. 

  • Hear from leading organisations on satellite market developments, licensing, and access, and how these will shape the UK’s position in the global space economy. 

Agenda

  • 13:30 - 14:00

    Arrival & Networking

  • 14:00 - 14:10

    Opening Remarks

    • Matthew Evans, Chief Operating Officer & Director, Markets Programmes, techUK
  • 14:10 - 14:30

    Keynote Speech

    • Charlie Candy, Chief Revenue Officer and UK Managing Director, Planet
  • 14:30 - 15:30

    Panel: Satellite horizons – connectivity pathways and market access

    The satellite connectivity market is entering a decisive period, with major spectrum decisions due in 2027, shifting UK policy and funding priorities, and new European regulation reshaping access to neighbouring markets. This panel brings together operators, the regulator and market analysts to explore the pathways for satellite connectivity – from LEO constellations to direct-to-device services – and what the UK must get right to secure its position in the future satellite market.

    • Simon Rose, Head of Science & Technology, Technical Strategy and R&D UK, Airbus Defence and Space Limited
    • Elizabeth Quintana, Ofcom
    • Rui Zuo, Eutelsat
    • Iuri Struta, Research Analyst, S&P Global
  • 15:30 - 16:00

    Break

  • 16:00 - 16:45

    Panel: Space data and AI for a sustainable future

    Space-derived data is moving from niche capability to critical infrastructure for climate, agriculture, resilience and national security. This panel explores where space data is creating real commercial and public value, how advances in AI and edge processing are changing what can be delivered and how fast, and what is needed – from secure data handling to investment and skills – for the UK to lead in a sustainable space data economy.

    • Serah Lister, Government Commercial Authority
    • Dr. Jonathan Lancelot, Senior Lecturer, University of the West of England Bristol
    • Andy Norris, Head of Geospatial Intelligence, SAC
  • 16:45 - 17:00

    SME & Start Up Showcase

    • Phil Mclachlan, DCat
    • Yusuf Ibrahim-Zai, CATALYST Earth
  • 17:00

    Closing Remarks & Networking Reception

Speakers

Matthew Evans

Matthew Evans

Chief Operating Officer & Director, Markets Programmes

techUK

Simon Rose

Simon Rose

Head of Science & Technology, Technical Strategy and R&D UK

Airbus Defence and Space Limited

Charlie Candy

Charlie Candy

Chief Revenue Officer and UK Managing Director

Planet

Elizabeth Quintana

Ofcom

Sponsors

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Event contacts

Lucas Banach

Lucas Banach

Programme Assistant

Tales Gaspar

Tales Gaspar

Senior Programme Manager - Spectrum and Satellite