Beyond Earth: From TU Wien freshman to global space-tech entrepreneur
Gußhausstraße 27-29 - EI 9 Hlawka HS - ETIT
27-29 Gußhausstraße 1040 Wien AustriaWhat does it take to build a space-tech startup from the ground up? For Moritz Novak, co-founder and CEO of GATE Space, it’s all about cutting-edge propulsion technology, smart funding strategies, and staying focused on what really matters.
As a TU Wien alumnus and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Moritz has helped shape GATE Space into one of Austria’s most promising deep-tech ventures. Since spinning off from TU Wien in 2022, the company has developed patented propulsion systems, secured three ESA contracts, grown to a 20-person international team—and is now preparing for its first space mission in 2026 aboard a SpaceX rocket.
In this talk, Moritz will share the story behind GATE Space: how they entered the global space industry, raised early funding, built test infrastructure, and attracted international attention. He’ll also offer a founder’s perspective on what it takes to survive and thrive in one of the world’s most challenging and competitive tech sectors.
The speaker will share insights on:• Opportunities in the growing space industry — and how startups can take part• Smart funding strategies for deep-tech startups: navigating VC, ESA and grants
• Staying focused when resources are tight — what really matters in the early phase• Building a European space-tech startup — and taking it global