Kvarken Space Center organized its first Spring Seminar at the University of Vaasa on 7 May, bringing together researchers, students, and people interested in the growing role of space data. The seminar provided a platform to discuss how Earth Observation and space-based data can be utilized in research, innovation, and the development of new business opportunities, particularly in the Vaasa region.
Space data is not something distant or purely technical. It is increasingly part of everyday solutions in areas such as energy systems, environmental monitoring, and support for decision-making. During the seminar, these themes were explored through ongoing work and research activities from the University of Vaasa and partners within the Kvarken Space Center network.
The aim of the event was to bring people together around a shared topic, share ongoing work, and open up discussion on what kind of new cooperation could grow from it in the future.
Insights from Copernicus and KvarkenSat to current projects
The seminar programme reflected this broad perspective on space data. We heard from Professor Ali Arslan about Kvarken Space Center’s renewed strategy and the EU Copernicus Earth Observation programme, as well as an update on KvarkenSat presented by Project Researcher Kannan Selvan, who is taking on the task of leading the process of restarting our satellite development program to establish an in-house pipeline for satellite missions, utilizing our unique facilities and research for the 2U-sized cube satellite.
During afternoon several ongoing projects related to space data were showcased, including AuroraSpace & SpacEconomy presented by Project ManagerJohanna Haveri, TRUST & Nordic Energy Capital presented by Assistant Professor Elham Ahmadi, InnoWind presented by Project Manager Camilla Wahlberg, and WSTAR – Wasa Zero Emission Data Centre presented by Project Researcher Pradeep Bonda. Together, these projects showed the range of ways space data is already being explored and applied in the region.
New space courses, collaboration and what’s next
It was also particularly encouraging to see students taking part in the seminar and engaging in the discussions. As a positive development, the University of Vaasa will offer five space data related courses during the upcoming academic year, further strengthening education and expertise in this field.
We would like to thank all speakers, our partners Jari Ratilainen from Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK), Peter Björk and Hagar Elbarbary from Hanken School of Economics in Vaasa, and everyone who joined the event.
Looking ahead, we are hoping to continue these conversations at Space Wednesday during Wasa Future Festival on 12 August, as well as at the upcoming Kvarken Space Center networking event for businesses, researchers, and students on 4–5 November. Save the dates, more information coming up soon!
