by Sophie Jenkins
Leicester UK (SPX) Jan 23, 2024
In a notable advancement for the agri-tech sector, the UK Space Agency has recently endorsed Messium, an agri-tech start-up, by accepting it onto its exclusive Geo Accelerator program. This move highlights the UK's commitment to fostering innovation in agricultural technology, particularly in the realm of reducing global agricultural waste.
Messium, established in May of the previous year, is at the forefront of an effort to revolutionize the agricultural industry. The company is focusing on decreasing global agricultural waste, a significant challenge in modern agriculture. By reducing pesticide use and optimizing fertilizer and water usage, Messium aims to introduce new efficiencies in farming practices.
The UK Space Agency's Geo Accelerator program is an elite, six-month initiative tailored for high-growth potential space companies in the UK. Messium's inclusion in this program is a testament to its potential and the innovative approach it brings to the sector. According to Vishal Soomaney Vijaykumar, the Chief Technical Officer of Messium, this opportunity is a stepping stone for the company to evolve into a major UK space champion. He expresses gratitude towards the UK Space Agency for their confidence in Messium, and looks forward to the collaborative growth and development that being part of the UK Space Agency and Space Park Leicester ecosystems will foster.
Participation in the Geo Accelerator program grants Messium in-depth collaboration with experts from the UK Space Agency and access to a range of support services. These include entrepreneurial growth and technical commercialization enablers, funding opportunities, and integration into the wider space sector network. The program also offers access to the UK Space Agency's national Trajectory events and complimentary UKspace start-up membership.
Messium's journey so far includes being accepted into the European Space Agency - Business Incubation Centre for the United Kingdom (ESA-BIC UK) program at Space Park Leicester. Space Park Leicester, a pioneering science and innovation park linked with the University of Leicester, represents a significant hub in the UK's space industry.
Additionally, Messium has initiated a partnership with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency through the InCubed program. This joint effort is co-funded by the UK Space Agency and focuses on providing farmers with live updates on crop nitrogen status, aiming to enhance crop yields and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Vinay Patel, Head of Commercial and Innovation at Space Park Leicester, shared his enthusiasm for Messium's recognition by the UK Space Agency. He highlighted Messium's application of machine learning and high spectral resolution image analysis in agriculture, which enables farmers to precisely manage their crops, leading to optimal results and minimal waste.
Portia Bircher, Business Support and Growth Manager at the UK Space Agency, also expressed delight in welcoming Messium to the next Geo cohort. She underscored the agency's commitment to supporting businesses like Messium, which are driving innovation using Earth Observation data. Bircher noted the strategic placement of Messium at Space Park Leicester, the home of the National Earth Observation Centre, which is ideally suited for a company leveraging Earth Observation technologies.
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