Canada's reputation as a leader in space robotics is built on decades of public investment and groundbreaking missions. In an era of new federal mandates for greater efficiency and fiscal restraint, a critical challenge is to bridge the gap between space-based breakthroughs and terrestrial applications. This is vital to ensure that public investment generates maximum return for the entire Canadian economy. For the robotics ecosystem, this represents a significant opportunity to access cutting-edge, publicly-funded technology and to contribute its own innovations to the future of space exploration.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is pleased to host this in-person roundtable consultation. This session is designed to gather early input from leaders in the Canadian robotics innovation ecosystem, using the CRC Symposium as a timely platform to engage with a cross-section of the ecosystem, identify synergies, and explore the potential for new partnerships. This consultative roundtable is an opportunity to collaboratively explore how to improve and expand technology transfer (TT), fostering a two-way flow of innovation that strengthens both our space program and our national economy.

Structure (90 minutes)

• Overview of CSA’s TT role and activities: A brief presentation by CSA staff on the agency’s TT role, activities, including its goals and existing programs.
• Open discussion on barriers, opportunities, and mechanisms for TT in the space and robotics sectors: A moderated conversation to explore the challenges and successes of technology transfer in the space and robotics sectors.
• Exploration of spin-off and spin-in opportunities between space and non-space technologies: A collaborative discussion on the potential spin-off applications where space technologies can create new value in non-space industries, and to consider spin-in opportunities where terrestrial technologies can be adapted to enhance future space missions.
• Feedback and recommendations from participants: A final round-up to summarize key themes and gather feedback, which will help to inform the CSA's future TT strategies.

This roundtable is designed to facilitate a dialogue that will directly contribute to the CSA's strategic planning. The insights gathered will inform key CSA stakeholders, with the goal of producing:

• A Deeper Understanding of TT Challenges: A prioritized list of the main challenges hindering effective technology transfer and commercialization between the space and non-space sectors, from the perspective of the broader robotics community.
• Identified Themes for Collaboration: A summary of potential synergies and collaborative themes that could form the basis for future partnership opportunities between different organizations (SMEs, academia, large industry, non-profit and government).

Insights for a more agile and connected TT approach: A summary of feedback and a clear set of recommendations that will help the CSA improve its technology transfer