Thu, 12 February, 2026
We were delighted to host a conference on behalf of Space East alongside Harwell and Westcott at TWI Cambridge. The event, ‘Ox-Cam Constellation: Connecting Cambridge Space Capabilities,’ which took place on 11 February, 2026, showcased the capabilities and created collaboration opportunities for the Oxford and Cambridgeshire space sector.
Bringing together public, private and academic organisations, the event was the second of a series of three events designed to strengthen cluster relationships and position the region as a leading centre for space innovation.
TWI Director of Technology, Malcolm Lee
The day opened with a welcome speech from TWI’s Director of Technology, Malcolm Lee, before a programme of talks from experts from Space East, the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority, the University of Cambridge, Plextek, Supersharp Space Systems, CAPA, Harwell, the Satellite Apps Catapult, UKSA, and TWI.
TWI’s Space Sector Business Development Executive, Dr Abbasi Gandhi provided information about our role as the European Space Agency (ESA) Technology Broker for the UK and how we are helping non-space sector organisations to ‘spin in’ to the sector. In addition, TWI’s Senior Industry Sector Manager for Space, Vito Di Pietro offered an overview of our capabilities in support of the space sector. Attendees were also given a tour of the facilities at TWI Cambridge.
From Left: Dr Abbasi Gandhi (Business Development Executive- TWI), Malcolm Lee (Director of Technology, TWI), Stuart Catchpole (Regional Director, Space East), Vito Di Pietro (Senior Industry Sector Manager - Space)
The wide ranging event covered topics including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital and deep technologies, agri-tech, and clean tech, with discussions including the alignment between the space and defence sectors, SME engagement in the space sector, STEM skills, and funding.
Speaking on the event, Malcolm Lee said, “It was great to host the OxCam Constellation and Space East Cluster at TWI. One of the things that makes TWI distinctive is our ability to bring together the ‘network of clever minds’ and solve our Members' really challenging technical issues; including for a number of customers in the space sector. Space East's mission to ‘join the dots’ across industry, government and academia is very similar and it was really interesting to join some of the presentations and networking opportunities the day provided.”
To find out more about our work as the ESA Technology Broker UK, please visit the dedicated website, here:
https://www.esa-technology-broker.co.uk/
To find out more about our support for the space sector, please email contactus@twi.co.uk.