Course Overview:
This masterclass will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of space entrepreneurship. It will help the participants to examine the convergence of technological innovation, policy, and investment that is driving the New Space economy. Participants will understand the commercialization of space technologies and develop viable business ideas and models for ventures operating in Earth orbit and beyond. The masterclass will emphasize critical thinking, innovation, and the practical application of entrepreneurial principles in the unique context of the space industry.
Course Objectives:
- To understand the Foundations of the Space Economy (incl. the transition from government-led exploration to commercial space ventures).
- To identify and Evaluate Emerging Market Opportunities in various space sectors (e.g., satellite services, launch systems, space tourism, in-space manufacturing, planetary exploration, etc.)
- To apply Entrepreneurial Frameworks to Space Ventures (Lean Startup approach to conceptualizing and designing a viable space-based enterprises)
- To navigate the Regulatory and Legal Environment (International and national space laws, and licensing requirements)
- To evaluate current and emerging space technologies and understand their implications for venture development and scalability.
- To develop realistic strategies to secure funding (e.g., venture capital, angel investors, government grants, and public-private partnerships)
- To evaluate Risk and Sustainability in Space Business including technical, financial, and ethical challenges
Upon the completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- Analyze the global space economy and identify key market opportunities
- Understand regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and government partnerships in space
- Assess risks and technical challenges unique to space-based ventures
- Develop business plans for space-related products or services
- Evaluate the impact of space entrepreneurship on society, sustainability, and the future economy
Course Outline:
- Introduction to the New Space Economy
- Space Entrepreneurship, Business Models and Market Segments (incl. Space tourism, in-space manufacturing, asteroid mining, etc.)
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Space (Case studies e.g., SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Planet, Blue Origin, Boeing, Virgin Galactic, Space Ventures)
- Utilizing Space Technology in a New Way
- Policy, Law, and Regulation (International space law - Outer Space Treaty, ITU, etc.)
- Funding Space Ventures (Government funding, Private equity, VC, crowdfunding, Incubators, accelerators, etc.)
- POCD Framework
- The current economic climate and its impact on the space sector
- Sustainability & Ethics in Space (Space debris mitigation, Planetary protection, Equitable access, etc.)
- Future Visions (e.g., Moon and Mars settlements)
Delivery Method:
In-Person Classes
Target Audience Level:
Graduates and Mid-level professionals interested in commercial space opportunities.
Trainer's Profile/Brief:
Dr Riz Pirzada has diverse professional experience, working in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East with some of the leading international and multinational organisations. His wide-ranging career spans working with multinational bank-insurance groups; higher education institutions including the Russell Group universities; international development sector organisations; international non-governmental organisations; local authorities; and the food and beverage industry. Dr Riz's professional work as a practitioner, expert, and learner-centered trainer, also include delivering engaging seminars packed with insights, fun, and real-life stories. He has also successfully delivered several nationwide projects and programmes and has successfully implemented capacity-building initiatives for the stakeholders, both internal and external, and the partnering agencies. Dr Riz is working closely with industry, community, and civic organisations on their strategic skills development initiatives, driving sustainable growth.
Dr Riz's PhD (Entrepreneurship) is from Aston Business School (UK), part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of 'triple-crown' accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. He is also a 'Chartered Banker' and holds MBA in Banking and Finance. Dr Riz has the SFHEA (Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy) membership, which is awarded to professionals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and effective practice experience of leading and influencing the learning and teaching practices of peers, colleagues, mentees, and the wider stakeholders in the higher education community.
