What 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
About the PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged series
The PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged, organized by the Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) at TU Wien, enables the audience to learn firsthand from experienced founders, investors and innovators, and get inspired by their success (and failure) stories. Our guest speakers share their international experiences, dos & don’ts and lessons learned during an inspiring talk. Afterwards, the participants can ask all the burning questions during an interactive Q&A.
After the session, the attendees have the opportunity to network and mingle with like-minded people while enjoying beverages provided by TUW i²c.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the TUW i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by TUW i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.
