UCMK (University Campus Milton Keynes), in conjunction with the Satellite Applications Catapult, will host “Space for You!” which welcomes the Milton Keynes business sector to see how experts and space start-ups make real uses of space technologies, whilst inspiring participants to become ‘astropreneurs’.

Taking place at UCMK’s Avebury Boulevard campus, on Wednesday 25 June, “Space for You!” is part of the MK:Smart project, which is working to develop innovative solutions to support economic growth in the city.

Dr Paul Sant, Associate Dean of UCMK, said: “I am delighted that UCMK is playing a part in promoting the opportunities the space industry has to offer.

“It’s a great time to join the sector, as it’s providing unprecedented opportunities for developers and entrepreneurs thanks to innovative new business models, reduced launch costs and advancements in technology.

“I’d also like to think that the growth of the space industry will lead to a greater awareness amongst the general public of the role space technology plays in day-to-day life, ranging from satellite communications to GPS and weather data.”

At the centre of the MK:Smart initiative will be the leading-edge MK Data Hub, which will collect and manage vast amounts of data relevant to city systems – such as about water and energy consumption, and transport – from a variety of data source, including satellite technology.

To help support this work, UCMK – part of the University of Bedfordshire – will offer a new course, BSc (Hons) Data Science, from September 2014. The course is one of a small number in the UK that explicitly addresses the challenges coming from organisations using Big Data.