Expression of Interest – SECP Grant Programme
We are excited to submit this Expression of Interest for the Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP), with a transformative initiative designed to unlock the latent potential of North-East England’s precision manufacturing and engineering SMEs. Our programme directly aligns with SECP’s mission to accelerate space sector innovation and commercialisation.
Led by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and Durham University’s Space Research Centre, our proposal delivers a high-impact Space Readiness Assessment and Capability Development Programme. This initiative will empower SMEs to translate their core competencies into viable space applications, bridging the knowledge gap and integrating them into the national space supply chain.
Through immersive workshops, facility visits, and strategic interviews, we will capture each company’s unique capabilities. Our team will then craft tailored roadmaps and provide collaborative support to help develop products and services particularly for those businesses who have aspirations to pivot into the space sector with already space-relevant capabilities. We will also identify and engage potential customers to validate and accelerate market entry.
This programme is designed to deliver measurable outcomes within SECP’s sprint timeline and aligns with UKSA priorities including In-Orbit Manufacturing, Earth Observation, and Space Data Architecture. We are confident this initiative will catalyse commercial success and long-term growth for participating SMEs.
Speak to Lisa Mullen: Lisa.Mullen@durham.gov.uk or Prof Antanu Chaudhri atanu.chaudhuri@durham.ac.uk