Key Takeaways:
- The #T-TeC Technology Contest aims to promote innovation in the space sector among young generations
- The contest invites students, PhD candidates, and young researchers to submit innovative solutions in various areas of the space sector
- Participants can submit their ideas and projects within three macro-areas: Space Exploration, Space Domain Awareness, and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions
- The contest offers cash prizes, pre-incubation programs, and funding opportunities for the creation of a demonstrator ("Proof of Concept")
- The seventh edition of #T-TeC will close on February 20, 2026, with the winners announced in April 2026
Introduction to the #T-TeC Technology Contest
The #T-TeC Technology Contest, organized by Leonardo and Telespazio, is a unique opportunity for students, PhD candidates, and young researchers to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions in the space sector. The contest aims to promote technological development and innovation in the space industry among younger generations, enhance their ideas and insights, and work with them to imagine the technological solutions that will shape the future. By providing a platform for young talent to share their ideas, the contest seeks to inspire the next generation of STEM talent and turn brilliant ideas into successful start-ups.
Objective and Scope of the Contest
The #T-TeC Technology Contest has a clear objective: to promote innovation in the space sector and support the growth and development of ideas from the project’s early stages through to full maturity. The contest is open to students, PhD candidates, and young researchers from universities worldwide, and participants can choose to submit their ideas and projects within three macro-areas related to sustainability in Space and on Earth. These areas include Space Exploration, Extra-terrestrial Exploitation & In Orbit Servicing; Space Domain Awareness for the protection of space and ground infrastructures; and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions for Earth and other celestial bodies. By focusing on these areas, the contest seeks to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the space industry and encourage innovative solutions that can make a real impact.
Awards and Opportunities
The #T-TeC Technology Contest offers a range of awards and opportunities to participants. In addition to cash prizes reserved for the winner of the "Idea" category and the top three in the "Prototype" category, Leonardo and Telespazio will offer participants opportunities to participate in pre-incubation programs, such as the ESA BIC Turin, ESA BIC Lazio, or Technology Transfer Lazio. Furthermore, the possibility will be evaluated to fund the creation of a demonstrator ("Proof of Concept") to test one of the proposals directly in the laboratory, potentially in collaboration with the Space Business Catalyst of Thales Alenia Space. These opportunities provide participants with valuable support and resources to help them develop their ideas and turn them into successful start-ups.
Previous Editions and Impact
The #T-TeC Technology Contest has a proven track record of success, with over 500 students and researchers from 75 universities in over 20 countries participating in the previous six editions. The contest has confirmed its role as an enabler for the incubation and acceleration of start-ups, supporting the growth and development of ideas from the project’s early stages through to full maturity. By providing a platform for young talent to share their ideas and connect with industry experts, the contest has helped to inspire the next generation of STEM talent and promote innovation in the space sector.
Upcoming Edition and Deadline
The seventh edition of #T-TeC will close on February 20, 2026, which is the final deadline for submitting proposals. In the following weeks, the jury will review the projects and announce the winners, who will receive their awards in April 2026. With its unique opportunities and awards, the #T-TeC Technology Contest is an exciting opportunity for young talent to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions in the space sector. Whether you are a student, PhD candidate, or young researcher, the contest is a chance to make a real impact and shape the future of the space industry.
