UCL Team Wins UK Heat of Act In Space 2026 as Surrey Hosts Global Innovation Challenge for the First Time

Surrey took centre stage in the UK space innovation landscape as the county hosted the UK heat of Act In Space 2026 for the very first time.

Held at Surrey Research Park on 30–31 January, the 24‑hour global hackathon brought together students, researchers and industry mentors to tackle real-world space challenges in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French Space Agency (CNES), Act In Space is a unique global competition designed to stimulate space entrepreneurship and support new commercial innovations. This year’s UK event was organised collaboratively by the University of Surrey and the Space South Central cluster, with support from UCL and several industry partners.

UCL Team IRONSTAR Wins UK Heat With Space Debris Insurance Concept

The winning team, IRONSTAR, after taking first place in the UK heat of Act In Space 2026 hosted at Surrey Research Park.

A standout moment from the competition was the victory of UCL team IRONSTAR, made up of MSc Space Science and Engineering students Sundaresh Sundaragopal, Pietro De Rigo Piter and Vasil Pachedzhiev. Their winning concept proposed an innovative approach to insuring against the growing risk of space debris, a challenge of increasing concern across the global space sector.

Their idea aligns with a rapidly expanding market for novel approaches to space sustainability, particularly in light of escalating in‑orbit collision risks highlighted across industry reports and technological initiatives. For example, global datasets show that orbital debris has become one of the most pressing threats to spacecraft operations.

As national winners, Team IRONSTAR will represent the UK at the Act In Space global finals in Bordeaux, France, in April 2026, competing with teams from more than 70 countries for the chance to win a zero-gravity flight and access to ESA Business Incubation support.

Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice‑Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), praised the team’s achievement, noting the impact of their work and UCL’s commitment to nurturing space entrepreneurship.

“It’s immensely rewarding to see our space students making such an impact at this global competition. UCL is committed to supporting space entrepreneurship and working with our space partners to open up new opportunities for budding space entrepreneurs.”

A Showcase of Surrey’s Space Strength

The event brought together around 75 participants, joining a global network of competitors across more than 90 locations working simultaneously on space‑technology challenges set by ESA, CNES, Airbus and other major organisations.

Teams were supported by expert mentors and judges from across the space ecosystem, including:

• Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)
• isardSAT
• Actica Consulting
• Venner Shipley
• Airbus Space and Defence
• Lodestar
• UKspace

This support reinforced the region's position as a hub of space excellence and highlighted the depth of expertise within the Space South Central cluster.

Dr Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District and Lead at Surrey Research Park, said:

“It was an honour and privilege to host the UK heat of ActInSpace 2026 and fly the flag for the UK and put Surrey on the global stage. This competition perfectly captures the essence of Surrey Research Park; bringing together innovators and world-class experts, developing cutting-edge skills and providing an innovation hub for businesses and a launchpad to the future."

Surrey Teams Also Recognised for Innovation

Alongside the national winners, several University of Surrey teams earned commendations from judges: OpenOrbit Labs, awarded a six‑month incubation package with SETsquared Surrey for their real-time space debris detection concept. Design in Defence, awarded delegate packages for the upcoming SpaceComm conference in London, enabling direct engagement with leading industry figures. Event Horizon, receiving a tour of SSTL to deepen their exposure to operational Earth observation mission design. Team TBD, recognised for innovation in modular lunar manufacturing, awarded a visit to national space facilities at Harwell.

These successes highlight the strength and diversity of space innovation emerging from the South Central region.

A Launchpad for the UK’s Next Space Entrepreneurs

Act In Space 2026 has showcased not only the creativity of young UK innovators but also the strength of the collaboration between universities, industry and regional partners—including Space South Central—whose collective efforts are accelerating the growth of the UK space sector.

With Team IRONSTAR now preparing to represent the UK on the global stage in April, Surrey’s role in hosting this year’s competition has reinforced its position as a cornerstone of the national space innovation ecosystem.