Scot’s Entrepreneur Included in UK Space Agency Accelerator

Graham Turner

11 April 2023, 11.06am

From simulations and sustainability to propulsion and a circular space economy, four innovative entrepreneurs are amongst those welcomed to the UK Space Agency’s accelerator programme this year.

Aiming to develop a thriving ecosystem of high-growth space entrepreneurs in every corner of the UK, the Explore programme has selected a cohort with very different backgrounds and areas of expertise.

These four have joined other participants for the agency’s first Explore programme as they take their first commercial steps into the UK’s flourishing space industry.

The entrepreneurs are Nic Ross founding CEO of Niparo, Myles Harris founding CEO of Space Health Research, Ashley Johnson founding CEO of Applied Atomics and Portia Bowman, founding CEO of Growbotics Space Ltd.

Having always had a love for space, Edinburgh based Nic Ross followed his dreams completing a PhD in Astrophysics at Durham University. After hearing more about space sustainability, Nic founded his own space sustainability business, Niparo, in 2020 and since graduating has focussed entirely on its success.

The other candidates, based throughout England include Myles Harris, founding CEO, Space Health Research based in London; Ashley Johnson, founding CEO, Applied Atomics, also based in London and Portia Bowman founding CEO of Growbotics Space Ltd based in South East England

Chris McQuire Head of Local Growth at the UK Space Agency, said: “The UK space industry is growing, and it is essential for us to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, and equip them with that vital knowledge that will stay with them throughout their careers. This is where the accelerator comes in, providing brilliant opportunities to entrepreneurs through resources and exposure to industry professionals.

“We wish our new cohort the best of luck throughout their accelerator journey and look forward to seeing the unique offerings they bring to the industry.”

With the UK Government’s National Space Strategy focussing on unlocking growth, the UK Space Agency Accelerator gives entrepreneurs support to grow a sustainable space business for the future. The accelerator has three programmes – Explore, Leo and Geo – to attract a variety of entrepreneurs to the space sector.

From nurturing a business idea to supporting seasoned entrepreneurs, each accelerator programme provides intensive business support. This includes 1-2-1 mentoring with growth and commercialisation experts to group action learning – the programmes aim to ensure the UK’s space sector is at the centre of global space entrepreneurship.

The UK Space Agency Accelerator is currently accepting applications for its Leo and Geo programmes until 21st April. A live Q and A webinar on the two programmes is taking place on Monday 17 April with Mike Stephens, CEO at Entrepreneurial Spark.

If you are an entrepreneur with a space business, or are using space technology in another sector, find out more and apply now at www.ukspaceaccelerator.co.uk

Applications for the next Explore cohort will open in June.