Keynote - Space Forge: Six impossible things before breakfast: Growing a space start-up

Gain valuable insights and motivation to venture into the dynamic space sector. Delivered by Josh Western of Space Forge, a visionary speaker with expertise and passion for space exploration and entrepreneurship, this address will ignite a sense of excitement and possibility, leaving businesses eager to explore opportunities beyond Earth's atmosphere. Discover the untapped potential of the space industry, learn about emerging trends and innovations, and unlock strategies to position your business for success in this rapidly evolving frontier. Get ready to embark on a journey of inspiration and discovery as we delve into the limitless possibilities of the business of space.

Speaker Information

Josh is the CEO and Co-Founder of Space Forge, an innovative in-space manufacturing company. By harnessing the unique advantages of the space environment, Space Forge aims to create semiconductors that are 10 times more efficient than those produced on Earth. This ambitious goal is made possible through Space Forge’s cutting-edge infrastructure—a microfactory operating in space, with the capability to return to our home planet, the ForgeStar.

Before founding Space Forge, Josh worked extensively in the space industry. His experience spans roles at the UK Space Agency and Thales Alenia Space, where he contributed to business development and ensured that UK technologies were well-represented at the European Space Agency.

Josh will walk through the highs and lows of growing a space company. He often describes the story of Space Forge as a series of near-death experiences, but that as long as those experiences get further and further apart then something must be working. Space Forge has gone from a garage on the outskirts of Bristol to a 50+ person strong company in 3 years.