Cluster networking event comes to East Sussex for the first time

This week we brought our monthly free space industry networking event to East Sussex for the first time, kindly hosted by Newhaven-based Surrey NanoSystems.

Each month, the cluster hosts Orbit South Central events around the region, bringing together people from the space sector and related fields to network, hear from industry and spark ideas and partnerships.

Billed as an ‘ExtraOrdinary’ Orbit South Central, July’s event was the first to take place outside the cluster’s geographical area, and the first larger-scale external event hosted by Surrey NanoSystems at their East Side Business Park premises. 

Space South Central’s Business Development Manager, Dan Smith, explained: “Currently, not every part of the UK is covered by a UK Space Agency regional space cluster and it’s important to connect innovative, inspiring businesses with potential clients and collaborations – which is what our Orbit South Central events are all about!

“Surrey NanoSystems has its roots in the Space South Central region, and this ExtraOrdinary Orbit South Central event gave attendees a rare, behind-the-scenes insight into their state-of-the-art facilities and pioneering innovations.”

Surrey NanoSystems started as a University of Surrey spin-out, specialising in developing high-performance nanomaterials and coatings used in a range of sectors including space, aerospace and automotive.

Best known for creating Vantablack – one of the darkest substances ever made and capable of absorbing up to 99.965% of visible light – Surrey NanoSystems now has a global reach, with organisations including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Airbus using its products.

Following a welcome and introduction from Space South Central’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Dr Liz Clutton, there were presentations from Surrey NanoSystem’s R&D Manager, Alexander Darnley, on Vantablack, and Applications Scientist, James Whitfield,  unveiling Ansys Speos, new light simulation software that designs and validates optical parts, lighting systems, and sensors.

Ansys Speos models how light interacts with lenses, materials, and environments, and simulates human vision and camera sensors to predict illumination, image quality, glare, defects, and system performance before physical prototyping.

Also on the speaker line-up was Chris Freemantle, New Business and Proposals Manager at Portsmouth Aviation talking about the family-run firm’s latest innovations in its 100-year history.  Chris was followed by Zoe Paget from Airbus Defence & Space introducing the company’s Fit4Space programme, including top tips for SMEs planning to pitch for business from larger organisations like Airbus.

Speakers for Extraordinary Orbit South Central July: Alexander Darnley (Surrey NanoSystems), Jamie Whitfield (Surrey NanoSystems), Zoe Paget (Airbus Defence & Space), Chris Freemantle (Portsmouth Aviation Limited), and Dr Elizabeth Clutton (Space South Central).

After the presentations, groups of guests representing organisations including East Sussex County Council, Newhaven Enterprise Zone, SaxaVord Spaceport and Porche Digital toured the company’s facilities - the only place in the world where Vantablack is manufactured.

James Whitfield, Applications Scientist at Surrey NanoSystems, led guests on a tour of the facilities.

Lisa Pickering, Product Manager at Surrey NanoSystems, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to build meaningful connections, exchange insights, and uncover new collaborations.

“Being part of the Space South Central cluster is hugely valuable as it creates a strong, supportive network that drives innovation and helps us all move faster together.”

Book your FREE place at a future Orbit South Central event here[LOD1] .

‍If your business is interested in hosting a future Orbit South Central, please get in touch with our Business Engagement Officer, Victoria May-Chamberlain, at victoria.may-chamberlain@port.ac.uk.