Highlights from the #98 Pioneer Tomorrow: Insights Unplugged
At the 98th episode of the Pioneer Tomorrow talk series at the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Moritz Novak, TU Wien alumnus and CEO of GATE Space, shared his journey from launching small rockets with the TUW Space Team to building one of Austria’s most promising deep-tech ventures.
Since spinning off from TU Wien in 2022, GATE Space has developed patented satellite propulsion systems, secured three ESA contracts, grown to a 20-person international team, and is now preparing for its first SpaceX mission in 2026.
Highlights from the Stage
- Founder’s perspective: Moritz Novak shared insights on entering the global space industry, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
- Opportunities in the space sector: He explained how startups can take part in the next trillion-dollar industry and Austria’s potential as a strategic location.
- Testing and iteration: GATE Space’s success relies on relentless testing and in-house validation. With no alternatives available, the team built Europe’s most advanced commercial test facilities for chemical propulsion systems.
- Focus and persistence: Moritz emphasized the importance of prioritizing what really matters during the early, resource-constrained phases of a deep-tech startup.
What comes next?
#99 Pioneer Tomorrow: Insights Unplugged
Thursday, November 13 · 6 – 8pm CET
Factories of the Future: Women Leading the Next Wave of Industrial Innovation
Maria Zahlbruckner, CEO and Co-Founder of factorymaker and TU Wien alumna, will explore how AI and digital transformation are shaping the factories of tomorrow — and the role female founders play in leading this change.