Talking Space: Founders, Funders, Leaders, and Innovators

Talking Space: Founders, Funders, Leaders, and Innovators is a panel discussion organised as part of The Future of Tech is Female 2026, bringing together women leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Europe's space ecosystem to explore how ambitious ideas become successful space ventures.

Moderated by Claire O'Sullivan, ESA Business Incubation Centre Belgium Lead, the discussion will bring together Annekatrien Debien, Dr. Stella Tkatchova and Dr. Berfu Göksel, offering complementary perspectives from entrepreneurship, investment, innovation and the wider space industry.

Through their experiences, the speakers will explore the challenges and opportunities of building businesses in the space sector, from accessing financing and commercialising innovation to navigating the market and building strategic partnerships, our speakers will share insights, experiences, and practical perspectives on what it takes to succeed.

The panel will be followed by networking drinks, giving participants the opportunity to continue the discussion, exchange ideas and connect with entrepreneurs, innovators and space industry professionals.