9:00 – 9:30
Registration & Welcome Coffee
9:30-9:45
Opening Remarks
10:00 – 11:00
Shaping the future of European Earth Observation
High-level opening panel
This high-level opening panel will gather key stakeholders to discuss and explore the evolution of the European Earth Observation industry and the crucial role of EO across a variety of sectors, including opportunities to come and future evolution, especially in light of the new European Commission’s priorities and the 2025 ESA Ministerial Council.
11:00 – 11:30
Coffee Break & Networking
11:30 – 12:15
Nature Restoration in Action: Unlocking Earth Observation for Effective Implementation
The Nature Restoration Regulation entered into force in August 2024, but there is still significant work to be done to prepare ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts to meet the ambitious targets of the regulation. This session will aim to understand how Earth observation can support the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation, and support Member States in overcoming hurdles for the drafting and monitoring of measures in their National Restoration Plans. The panel will bring together different stakeholders from public and private sectors to discuss how EO can best contribute to the NRR.
12:15 – 13:00
Earth Observation and Carbon Markets: Navigating the Value Chain
The voluntary carbon markets are creating new business models and opportunities. Earth observation can support actors accross the carbon removal value chain in providing valuable information to carbon project developers, verifying carbon removals, and more. This panel will delve into the complex ecosstem in the carbon markets domain, with speakers discussing key opportunities for EO and potential opportunities as this dynamic sector evolves.
13:00 – 14:30
Lunch Break
14:30-15:15
Earth Observation in Support of the Future of European Defence
The EU stands at a critical juncture as regards its defence investment and capabilities. This panel will delve into the role for EO in supporting defence capabilities, in light of the evolving geopolitical context and other rapid policy developments both at the EU and Member State levels. This panel will discuss a path forward for Earth Observation in support of the future of European defence, highlighting policy priorities and potential mechanisms for ensuring EO data and services can be best utilised in fostering European defence ambitions.
15:15 – 16:00
Earth Observation for Civil Security: Bridging Innovation, Access, and Preparedness
The session will discuss the role of Earth observation in civil security. Given the changing geopolitical context and an increased need for reslience and disaster response in light of the climate crisis, this discussion will address shifting needs of civil security stakeholders, the impact of dual-use considerations, and the role of technology in meeting new demands. Finally, the panel will address future funding priorities to ensure EO continues to support a resilient and secure Europe.
16:00 – 16:30
Coffee Break & Networking
To finalise the first day of EXPANDEO 2024, we will host, for the first time ever, a live pitching session for the Start-up of the year Award. The five finalists will take turns in pitching their solution and the EXPANDEO in person audience will then cast their vote to determine the winner who will be announced at the Award ceremony shortly after.
16:30 – 17:15
Joining the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem – pathways to success in the Earth Observation Data Services Landscape
Discover the benefits, opportunities, and practical aspects of becoming part of the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE). This panel discussion will explore how organizations — from startups to institutional players — can leverage free core services and seamlessly scale their operations using commercial offerings from CREODIAS and the wider CDSE ecosystem. Key topics will include the latest developments within CDSE, its positioning in the global Earth Observation data landscape, and practical aspects of the onboarding process — from initial access to delivering services within the ecosystem.
Join us to learn how CDSE can support and accelerate your EO goals.
17:15 – 18:00
Startup Showcase: The Pitch-Off
To finalise the first day of EXPANDEO 2025, we are thrilled to bring back the EARSC Start-Up Award live pitching after last year’s resounding success. Five finalists will take the stage to showcase their solutions, and the EXPANDEO audience will vote to crown the winner—to be revealed at the Award Ceremony soon after.
18:00 – onwards
EARSC AWARDS Ceremony
9:00 – 9:30
Registration & Welcome Coffee
9:30 – 10:30
AGM (only for EARSC Members)
10:30 – 11:00
Coffee break & Networking
11:00 – 11:15
Opening Keynote
11:15 – 13:00
Strengthening Africa-EU Collaboration in Earth Observation
In light of the recently signed “Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme”, this session will aim to explore ongoing institutional partnerships, the EO private sector landscape in Africa, and avenues for collaboration between the European and African EO downstream sectors with key representatives from the European and African institutional and private sector.
12:00 – 12:45
Beyond 2030: shaping the future of sustainable development
This panel will explore the role of Earth Observation in monitoring progress, data-driven policymaking, and national reporting. Key stakeholders will discuss the impact of EO on SDG tracking, existing data challenges, and integration into post-2030 sustainability frameworks. The session will also address barriers to data harmonization, institutional collaboration, and technology adoption.
12:45 – 14:15
Lunch
14:15 – 15:00
Adapting to Climate Change: EO-based solutions for local and regional authorities
More info coming soon
15:00 – 16:00
PCP WISE Stakeholder Session and Open Market Consultation
More info coming soon
16:00 – 16:05
Closing remarks
16:05 – 17:00