Kyriaki received the MEng degree in Electrical Engineering from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and a second M.Sc. degree in Microlectronics from the Department of Informatics, University of Athens, Greece, in 2000 and 2002, respectively. In 2007, she received her Ph.D. degree on Optoelectronics for the work with the Institute of Microelectronics, National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos,” Greece, on the design of laser optical systems and optical system electronic interfaces. She then joined the “Imager and Pixel Design Team” of imec, Belgium, and was charge of the characterization of high-end CMOS image sensors and contributing to the design of photodetector arrays. In 2014, she joined the Opto-electronics Section of ESA as Opto-electronics Engineer. Currently, as the Head of the Optoelectronics Section since 2020, she is managing the Section’s contributions to ESA Payload technology developments for Earth Observation and Science Missions and she is responsible for the coordination of the R&D activities in the fields of detectors, lasers, optical communications, photonics, lidars and quantum technologies.
Please note, preferably register only one person per company for best possible networking.
Join us for this EPIC Technology Meeting on Photonics for NewSpace – Optical communication, during the ESA Industry Days! This exclusive event focuses on the forefront of NewSpace, with a dedicated emphasis on optical communication. In Session 1, we’ll gather end-users and integrators to discuss the challenges and evolving needs in this vital sector. Gain valuable insights into the pragmatic aspects of “doing business with ESA” and collaboration opportunities. In Session 2, companies will showcase their innovative solutions for NewSpace, ranging from quantum key distribution to advanced optical components, including integrated photonics. Explore how these advancements are revolutionizing space missions by enhancing data transmission and enabling secure communications. Join this event as we chart the course for the future of space technology at the intersection of photonics and space communication.
All participants biographies, photos and company descriptions are available HERE.
Kyriaki received the MEng degree in Electrical Engineering from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and a second M.Sc. degree in Microlectronics from the Department of Informatics, University of Athens, Greece, in 2000 and 2002, respectively. In 2007, she received her Ph.D. degree on Optoelectronics for the work with the Institute of Microelectronics, National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos,” Greece, on the design of laser optical systems and optical system electronic interfaces. She then joined the “Imager and Pixel Design Team” of imec, Belgium, and was charge of the characterization of high-end CMOS image sensors and contributing to the design of photodetector arrays. In 2014, she joined the Opto-electronics Section of ESA as Opto-electronics Engineer. Currently, as the Head of the Optoelectronics Section since 2020, she is managing the Section’s contributions to ESA Payload technology developments for Earth Observation and Science Missions and she is responsible for the coordination of the R&D activities in the fields of detectors, lasers, optical communications, photonics, lidars and quantum technologies.
Roger received his Ph.D. from the University of Southampton in 2000. He is currently the Head of the CubeSat Systems Unit in the Projects Office of the Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering & Quality at the European Space Agency. He has been pioneering the use of CubeSats in the Agency since 2008, first as hands-on education tools for universities, then in the last decade leading technology in-orbit demonstration missions aimed at advancing their state-of-art and diversifying their mission utility for various applications.
Vanshika is currently engaged with the European Space Agency (ESA) in developing advanced optical communication systems. She has been working in this role since March 2023. Vanshika also holds a position at GMV in the same capacity, focusing on free space optical communication systems for ESA/ESOC. Prior to her current roles, she worked as a Research Assistant at Fraunhofer IOF from December 2021 to February 2023, contributing to research in optical technologies. Vanshika holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from HSB Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences and a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering from SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies.
Giuseppe has been leading the Φ-lab Division to ‘accelerate the future of Earth observation’ since June 2020. He holds a PhD degree in robotics and artificial intelligence, along with a Master’s degree in executive general management. After a few years in AI and robotics research at PoliMi and IDSIA, he joined the space industry and devoted 25 years to contributing to global innovation, holding multiple executive and managerial roles, such as Vice President of Strategy, BD and Sales at Teledyne e2v, Programme Director at OHB, BU Manager at Media Lario Technology, AIPAS Board Member, Research Programme Manager at TNO. Throughout his career, his primary focus has been on advancing the global space industry by harnessing transformative innovations in both technology and business models as catalysts for success.
Sandra works as Industrial Policy Officer in the SME section of ESA’s Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Procurement. The SME section implements the Agency’s SME Policy and associated SME Initiative programme which is intended to facilitate the involvement of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in ESA’s R&D activities and programmes. It also encourages innovation, spin-in and spin-out from space sectors. Prior to her work in the SME Office, Sandra supported ESA’s Gaia mission as Information Manager in the Science Directorate. She started her career with the Agency in the Directorate of Human Spaceflight and Operations. Sandra holds a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Leiden University, The Netherlands.
Jason joined Iridian in 2006 and has over 20 years of experience working with thin film optical filters. He has developed filter specifications together with Iridian’s customers to optimize solutions for a wide range of technical and commercial needs in applications such as telecom, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, 3D entertainment, and IR remote sensing. Recently, as Product Group Manager of Aerospace and Specialty Optics, his focus has been on optical filters for use in satcom (optical intersatellite link filters and solar rejection windows) and earth observation including multi spectral filter arrays. Jason has an MSc in Physics from McMaster University.
Jean worked 6 years in the optronics industry as a Technical Sales Engineer for defence and space applications.
A role he combined with a Product Manager’s hat for Optical Ground Support Equipment dedicated to the qualification of satellite’s optronics payload.
18 months ago, he joined Cailabs as Business Development Manager in the TILBA division focusing on Free Space Optical Communications.
His perimeter of action is Europe, I endeavour as much as I can to put partnerships in place and meet the commercial demand so as to contribute to the emergence of the upcoming laser communications market.
Joël is an expert in optics and photonics, holding a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences and Microtechnology from Université de Franche-Comté. He joined EXAIL's modulation solutions division in 2016, focusing on space and photonics as a Project Manager, where he also provided technical expertise in the qualification of electro-optical modulators and opto-electronic subsystems for space applications. Since 2022, Joël has been part of EXAIL's photonics division, specializing in free-space optical assemblies for terrestrial and space applications. His responsibilities include managing product qualifications, manufacturing processes, and overseeing projects in the field.
Thomas is a proven expert in photonics, quantum technologies and space with more than 20 years of professional experience. He was co-founder and CTO/Managing Director of eagleyard Photonics GmbH (now part of Toptica Photonics AG). With his accumulated experience from involvement in more traditional space missions such as GAIA, CATS, CAL and EXO Mars, he moved into the New Space sector, which deals with satellite communication services. At Rivada Space Networks, he leads the sales activities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with a focus on government services and critical infrastructure. He holds a PhD in physical chemistry (Humboldt University of Berlin).
François achieved an Engineering Degree at ENSAM Arts & Metiers school in Paris followed by a master’s degree in Material Science at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. François started his career at SAFRAN Electronics & Defense where he occupied several Project Leader functions before leading a team of 40 Engineers and PhDs for the electro-optical advanced studies programs and the development of portable electro-optic equipment product range. François then had the opportunity to Manage a growing deeptech SME at NIT. These experiences have given François a solid experience in managing innovation in the electro-optics field.
Heinz-Wilhelm has been leading the Institute for Optical Sensor Systems at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) since 2014. He has over 24 years of experience at DLR. Heinz-Wilhelm holds a Habilitation in Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy from the University of Stuttgart and completed his PhD in Physics at the University of Bonn. He also completed the preliminary medical examination (Physikum) in Human Medicine at the University of Bonn.
Ghaya, professor at Télécom Paris of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris since 2012, her research focuses on cutting-edge topics in communications. In particular, she has worked on MIMO/Massive MIMO systems, coding and security for physical layer network coding, and spatial multiplexed fiber optic communications (SDM). Her research work has resulted in over 100 publications in international journals and conferences, and the filing of more than 50 patents. Ghaya embarked on the entrepreneurial adventure, and founded MIMOPT with a colleague and her PhD, to push their findings beyond the boundaries of the scientific laboratory and transform them into industrial solutions. True to her path of excellence, in January 2020 Ghaya was named “Chevalier dans l'ordre des Palmes Académiques”, in October 2023 Ghaya was awarded the prize for best pitch at the “Network X” trade show, in November 2023 the Intellectual Property prize in the DeepTech category at the annual Intellectual Property seminar, in December 2023 the “Créatrice d'avenir” Initiative Ile de France award and in September 2024 the “Women Tech EU” Prestigious Grant.
Erik has a Master of Science in applied physics from the University of Tromsø, Norway. He has been a scientist at the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment since 1998 except from 4 years working for NATO NC3A in the Hague. He has been working in the field of maritime remote sensing, different radar applications, ground-based air and space observation and, recently, providing technical support to several defense procurements in the area of sensor for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Korsbakken is now PO Emerging Space and Radar Technologies at EDA and has been working with EDA CapTech Space since September 2022.
Bob currently serves as CEO of Laser Light Communications.
He is also the Senior Managing Director at Marble Arch Partners. He was CEO of TerreStar Corporation (formerly Motient Corp.) from 2006 to 2008, and CEO of TerreStar Global and TerreStar Networks, from 2005 to 2008. He led these firms into the emerging field of hybrid mobile satellite and terrestrial communications, raising over $1B in private investment. He is a former senior executive with Deutsche Telekom and Bell Atlantic International (now Verizon). He was appointed by President Reagan as Chief Legal Officer of the Department of Commerce and Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce and chaired the Reagan Administration policy working group that privatized commercial space transportation.
Steevy leads the Advanced Photonics Research at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), where he has been driving innovations in the Directed Energy Research Centre since 2022. Previously, he served as Lead Researcher in Lasers, Photonics, and Optoelectronics at the same institute, contributing significantly to research and development in these fields. Prior to joining TII, he was a Senior Fellow Scientist at CERN, focusing on high-precision time and frequency dissemination. Steevy earned his Ph.D. in Optical Communication, Photonics, and Non-linear Optics from Télécom Paris (2010), where he specialized in supercontinuum generation for OCDMA applications. His educational background also includes a Doctoral Program in Management from École nationale des ponts et chaussées and a Research Master's Degree in Electronics, Electrical, and Automated System Engineering from ISAE-SUPAERO.
- Alessandro Papa, Head of Space Office at Italian Navy General Staff
- Alice Autuori , Product Manager at Cycle
- Andy Gillooly , Business Development Manager at Fibercore
- Anna Mauro , PhD Candidate at Politecnico di Torino
- Anna Pogrebna , CFO & Strategy Manager at Menhir Photonics
- Antoine Boudet , Senior Development Engineer at Helia Photonics
- Bastian Gronloh , CEO at RUPHOS - Rugged Photonics Systems
- Benedetta Valerio , Marketing and Application Engineer at Single Quantum
- Benoît d'Humières , Partner at TEMATYS
- Bob Brumley , CEO at Laser Light Communications
- Boris Eichhorn , New Business Development Manager at SCHOTT
- Chen Orenshtein , Space Application Engineer at Acktar
- Christopher Vasko , Optical and Quantum Innovation Engineer at ESA
- Clemens Dicke , Head of Sales & Technology at son-x
- Clement Raigner , Sales Engineer at EXAIL
- Daniel Vasseur , Vice President Sales & Market Development EMEA LATAM - Managing Director SCHOTT France at SCHOTT
- David Rogers , Director at Nanovation
- Davinder Basuita , Business Development at Glenair
- Dominic Schulz , Head of Photonic Strategy and Marketing at Fraunhofer HHI
- Eamonn Murphy , Senior Engineer at ESA
- Eric Wille, Head of the Optoelectronics Section at ESA
- Ernesto Ciaramella , Professor at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna
- François Coursaget , General Manager at New Imaging Technologies (NIT)
- Ghaya Rekaya , Co-founder and CEO at MIMOPT
- Giuseppe Borghi , Head of ESA Φ-lab Division at ESA - European Space Agency
- Guillermo Gonzalez De La Llana , Optoelectronics Area Manager at Alter Technology
- Gus van der Feltz , Senior Business Developer at FSO Instruments
- Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers , Director of the Institute at DLR
- Hubert Moser , Senior Director Engineering at Flawless Photonics
- Ignacio Hernan Lopez Grande , Postdoctoral Researcher at ICFO
- Igor Krestnikov , Product Manager at Lumics
- Jan Vermeiren , Business Development Manager at Caeleste
- Jason Palidwar , Director of Business Operations at Iridian Spectral Technologies
- Jean Menguy , Business Development Manager at Cailabs
- Jelena Pesic , Director of Optical Strategy at Nokia
- Jiri Pavlik , Chief Executive Officer at STRATOSYST
- John Macarthur , Senior Researcher at Fraunhofer UK Research
- Joost ter Haar , Optical Engineer at Demcon Focal
- Kemal Shafak , Head of Timing Technology at Cycle
- Keval Dattani , Founder at Space Power
- Kévin Cognée , Scientist at TNO
- Kyriaki Minoglou , Head of the Mechatronics and Optics Division at ESA - European Space Agency
- Luca Maggio Tanasi , Laser Specialist at ALITE
- Lukasz Abramek , Business Development Manager at LASER COMPONENTS
- Marc van Dijk , Business Developer at Demcon Focal
- Marc-Antoine Potagnik , Business Development Manager at OptoSigma
- Marco Abbarchi , CSO at SOLNIL
- Markus Schütz, Development Engineer at TOPTICA eagleyard
- Martin Eichelberger , Business Development at Glenair
- Martin Nunez , CTO at CORACTIVE
- Martin M. Roth , Scientist at Leibniz-Insitut für Astrophysik (AIP)
- Maroun Massabki , General Manager at Optech
- Minh Chau laurent Luong, Sales at Materion Balzers Optics
- Najib Hatoum , Account Manager at VIAVI Solutions
- Ohad Harlev , Chief Vision Officer at Laser Light Holdings
- Olivier Gass , Product Sales Manager - Optics & Photonics at Ansys
- Paulus Van Dijk , Vice President Strategy and Innovation at LioniX International
- Philippe Cognet , European Sales Director at IDEX Optical Technologies
- Ramon Navarro , CEO at Tiny Telescope
- Régis Grasser , Technical Officer, Photonics at Bertin Technologies
- RIchard Baker, Business Development at OFS Fitel
- Robert Molenaar , Managing Director at Molenaar Optics
- Roger Walker , Head of the CubeSat Systems Unit at ESA - European Space Agency
- Ronald Broeke , CEO at BrightPhotonics
- Sandra Vogt , Industrial Policy Officer at ESA - European Space Agency
- Sarah Jann , Head of Sales at IHP Solutions
- Sergio Rodrigues , Bid Manager at Cailabs
- Shi Li , Principal Application Engineer at VPIphotonics
- Steevy Cordette , Director of the Photonics group at Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
- Stefan Jakobs , Managing Director at Optics Balzers
- Stephen Najda, Grant Writer at Helia Photonics
- Steven Coltman , Sales Director at First Light Imaging
- Thomas Laurent , Director of Sales at Rivada Space Networks
- Thomas Paul , Vice President Aerospace at Huber+Suhner
- Tim IJsselstein , Business Development Manager at PI Physik Instrumente
- Tom Seccull , Applications Specialist - Astronomy & Quantum at Oxford Instruments
- Tony Barthelemy, Sales Manager at 2B LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES
- Veronica Spirito , Communication Systems & Technologies Engineer at ESA
- Vanshika Agrawal , Free Space Optical Communication System Engineer at ESA - European Space Agency
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