Down to Earth Commercializing Space Technologies for a Sustainable Earth

Jonkoping International Business School, Umbilical Design and Googol in collaboration with Tillväxtverket, have launched Down to Earth - a project that will result in exciting new jobs and contribute to sustainable economic growth. This Swedish-driven international consortium will involve space agencies, companies, and universities to develop sustainable new applications, solutions and companies in construction, heavy industries, automobiles, sports, entertainment, healthcare, medicine, IT, education, energy and urban development to innovate innovation processes.

Down to Earth is a bold 10-year project that targets current and global challenges: energy, health care, transportation, water, climate change, mega cities and innovation in large and small companies. We will exhibit the first concepts at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, the ultimate launch platform as China has enormous interest in space and expects 70+ million visitors. The project will enable Swedish companies to brand themselves as "sustainable innovators" under the theme of "High Tech Innovation for Sustainability." Our Space Innovation Module will show how space missions deal with scarce resources (energy, water, air and living space) and how innovations in lighter, smarter, durable and sustainable space technologies (IT, materials, design, etc.) can be creatively applied to new products and services. Down to Earth is heir to the Apollo Project, which catalyzed the computer, semiconductor and telecom industries and unleashed innovations in fuel cells, water purification, freeze dried foods, and imaging.

Swedish ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang, who recently completed his second space mission at the International Space Station, says: "The first time I readabout the Down to Earth project I immediatelyfound it very exciting. A challenging project aiming at gathering the best ideas and partners from the whole world (and space) to find solutions and develop methods to meet the global environmental- resource- and climate problems. I wish the best of luck to the Down to Earth project"

Down to Earth will inspire young people, stimulate public discussion and creative thinking about how best to apply space technologies to meet challenges on earth. Together, we will answer the question "Why space?" with the answer: "Because the earth depends on it."

"Your idea of Space and Sustainability is very interesting. Space technology is very hot in China since the Chinese Space ship successfully launched into Space two years ago. Creating something linking Space technology and Sustainability under the Swedish Expo pavilion shall make a good attraction. I support your idea." Eddie Chen, Executive Director, Chief Representative for Greater China Invest in Sweden Agency.

Down to Earth Contact:

Cecilia Hertz, Managing Director and Founder, Umbilical Design
cecilia.hertz@umbilicaldesign.se Mobile: +46 70 5754651

Professor Niclas Adler, Managing Director and Dean, JIBS
niclas.adler@jibs.hj.se, Mobile +46 761181901

Dariush Ghatan, Founder and Managing Director, Googol
dariush.ghatan@googol.se Mobile: +46-70-606 86 96