Keynote Speakers & Special Guests

The Space Education Summit 2026 brings together international leaders, academics, industry experts, and policymakers who are shaping the future of space education, innovation, and the space economy.

Keynote Speakers

• Claude Nicollier – First Swiss Astronaut | Human Space Exploration: Rise of the Commercial Space Economy
• Akhil Rao – Former NASA Chief Economist | Space as a Driver of Economic Impact
• Dominique Foray – EPFL & University of St. Gallen | Future of the Space Economy

Panelists & Special Guests

• Niels Eldering – European Space Agency | How Business Schools are Impacting Space Education
• Rene Olie – Rotterdam School of Management | Business Education & Space
• Andreas Wittmer – University of St. Gallen | Education Innovation
• Nuno Carvalho – Universidade de Aveiro | Future of Space Education
• Alexandre Silva – Universidade do Minho | Academic Leadership
• Paulo Garcia – Universidade do Porto | Space Research
• Fernando Lau – Instituto Superior Técnico | Satellite Technology
• Coronel Pedro Costa – Portuguese Air Force | National Space Operations
• Pedro Penedos – Nova School of Business & Economics | Space Program Leadership
• Pedro Gamboa – Universidade da Beira Interior | Research & Innovation
• Frederico Grilo – Universidade de Évora | Applied Space Studies
• Raphael Roettgen – E2MC Ventures | Investment Landscape