Bradford professor prepares to launch Space Tech Assembly

Businesses from this region and beyond can partake in ‘astronomical opportunities’ outlined at the forthcoming Space Tech Assembly in March, according to the University of Bradford professor who is set to open the event. 

The conference, organised by Space Hub Yorkshire, the UK Space Agency-funded regional space cluster, will examine how space tech is evolving and how industry can benefit. 

Experts from the space sector will be joined by UK industry leaders for a day of discussions on a variety of topics that showcase a full range of business opportunities in this exciting and emerging sector. 

Professor Ifiok Otung, Director of the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI, will deliver a keynote speech at the Space Tech Assembly (hosted by the University of Leeds’ Nexus innovation centre) on March 19 as part of UK Tech Week 2025. 

He said: “I’m thrilled to have been invited to deliver the opening keynote speech for what is a truly significant conference for this region. Space technology – and in particular the expansion of space infrastructure in low earth orbit – is going to bring astronomical opportunities (literally). This conference aims to show how industry can integrate with that to achieve better results. 

“An example might be putting a data centre into space or using the kind of AI techniques that we are developing here at Bradford. The applications of this growing space-tech sector extend from finance to farming and beyond.” 

What will be discussed? 

The networking session will include a number of presentations, including:  

• How earth observation data is Transforming AgriTech & Empowering Sustainability 

• Investment into Yorkshire – Attracting Foreign Direct Investment and Shaping the Region’s Future 

• How Space is Shaking Up the Financial & Professional Services Sect 

• Challenges and Capabilities of Earth Observation in 2025 

Glenn McCauley, Co-founder and Board Member of Space Hub Yorkshire, said: “With local businesses such as Leeds-based Filtronic winning significant contracts with the likes of SpaceX, it might not be well known yet, but the space sector in Yorkshire is booming. 

“Our latest conference will illustrate how space technologies are disrupting some of our more traditional sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and finance and will show our businesses how they can capitalise on these opportunities to drive revenues and regional economic growth. 

“Space Hub Yorkshire is delighted that such a leading expert as Professor Otung is available to join us and open our event.” 

  

What is Bradford space centre? 

The Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI was launched in 2022 thanks to a £3.37m investment (£2m from alumni Dr Murthy Renduchintala and £1.37m from the University), with the aim of providing a pathway for students interested in space and technology to gain the skills necessary to enter these professions, in addition to conducting world-leading research. It also offers £10,000 scholarships to qualifying students. 

For the latest in programmes and entry requirements, visit their webpage.

 

Who is Professor Ifiok Otung? 

Professor Ifiok Otung is a Chartered Engineer, Professor of Space Engineering, and Director of the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI at the University of Bradford. 

He holds a PhD in Satellite Communications from the University of Surrey, UK. He is sole author of several major textbooks used in top universities around the world, including Communication Engineering Principles 2E and Digital Communications Principles and Systems. 

He has trained over 500 graduate engineers at MSc and PhD levels and contributed to around 200 technical outputs in journals and conferences. His research interests are in space technologies, wireless communications, and signal processing.