ELEVATE 2023, a thought-provoking conference in Monte-Carlo to leave a positive footprint for the next generation

ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space & Sustainability Conference celebrated remarkable success in its 2nd edition, focusing on sustainability.

The ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Conference, the premier event in the space industry, has concluded its highly anticipated 2nd edition, marking an astounding success that has once again reaffirmed its status as the must-attend event for space professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the globe. Over 1,300 attendees jointed together for this three-day event.

The conference, held from October 17 to October 19, 2023 at the exquisite Grimaldi Forum, saw a gathering of key industry players, visionaries, and experts, creating an unparalleled platform for knowledge sharing, think tank, networking, and collaboration. 

With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the conference explored the cutting-edge advancements, challenges, and opportunities in space exploration and technology.

Key highlights from the 2nd ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space Conference, with a particular focus on sustainability, include:

Diverse Speaker Lineup

ELEVATE featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including astronauts, scientists, entrepreneurs, and government officials who highlighted the importance of sustainability in space exploration. 

Their thought-provoking presentations and discussions captivated the audience, shedding light on the latest breakthroughs and future directions of the space industry, with a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible practices.

Inspirational Keynotes

Attendees were inspired by keynote presentations, where prominent figures in the space sector shared their insights on sustainability and eco-conscious space endeavors. These influential voices included speakers such as:

• Colonel Ron Garan, former NASA Astronaut
• Michel Tognini, CNES and ESA Astronaut and head of the European Astronaut Centre of the European Space Agency
• Doct. Carlo Viberti, History-first Private Engineer-Cosmonaut, SpaceLand
• Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, Managing Director at ispace
• Nicholas Frankl, Radian Aerospace Aadvisory Board & Axiom Space investor / consultant
• Per Wimmer, Space advocate and Future Space Traveller
• Sergey Gugkaev – ClearSpace-1 mission
• Arttu Luukanen, Senior Vice President, Space & Defence
• José Mariano López Urdiales, CEO of Zero 2 Infinity
• Luca Rossettini, CEO of D-Orbit
• Arnaud Longobardi, President of Stratoflight
• Emaad Paracha, University of Toronto (SuperBIT team)
• Anfisa Anikushina, Investment Management at Skyrora
• Dr Nathalie Hilmi, Section Head of Environmental Economics of the Scientific Center of Monaco (Centre Scientifique de Monaco)
• Julian Erik Harbeck & Anton Johann Grosse Siestrup from TU Berlin
• Antonio Del Mastro, Mars Planet
• Olivier Camp, CEO of Climatopolis
• Jérôme Lassus, Director of Strategy at Climatopolis
• Isabelle Peeters, Member of the Supervisory Board, Carlson Investments 
• Karl Karlson, General Partner at Sway Ventures
• Jeremy Teboul, Investor at Promus Ventures
• David Shilling, Future space traveller
• Alan Offer (Monégasque student)
• And many more…

Sustainable Space Exploration

The conference featured dedicated sessions and panels that addressed sustainable space exploration, emphasizing responsible resource utilization, waste management, and long-term environmental considerations both in outer space and here on Earth.

Space Startup Showcase

Startups showcasing innovative, sustainable solutions took center stage, with a focus on eco-friendly space technologies, renewable energy sources, and responsible materials for space missions.

Networking Opportunities

ELEVATE provided ample networking opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow professionals committed to sustainable space practices, fostering dialogues on eco-conscious approaches and green innovations.

Elevating Space Education

The conference emphasized the importance of space education and sustainable practices in space endeavors, encouraging the next generation of space enthusiasts to prioritize ecological responsibility in their ambitions. Over 850 local students attended the conference to learn and be inspired by the speakers.

The team of ELEVATE Monte-Carlo actively supports sustainability efforts in space exploration, research, and outreach, while also educating and promoting green space practices.

Sustainability Commitment

ELEVATE reiterates its commitment to advancing sustainability in the space industry, emphasizing the responsible use of space resources and the preservation of space environments for future generations.

This year’s conference focused on sustainability, introducing a pioneering mission to clear Earth’s orbit of debris, ensuring a safer celestial neighborhood for future generations.

Additionally, we showcased how humankind can now produce food without straining Earth’s resources: “Food Out of Thin Air”.

Activities

Parallel to the insights from former Astronauts, space industry professionals, and those poised to be the next generation of space travelers, ELEVATE also featured interactive, sensory and immersive experiences for the attendees.

Guests were able to attend exclusive workshops, like crafting a rocket capable of soaring 10km skyward, or to indulge in some Astronaut ice cream for a unique cosmic culinary treat.

Every person on the planet, young and old alike, has wondered about our place in the universe. For the brave and curious ones, ELEVATE offered the chance of feeling the weightlessness of the International Space Station through an immersive experience.

Since the experience was fully immersive, attendees felt a sense of weightlessness similar to what astronauts feel… 

The experience featured realistic and intuitive navigation, helpful advice from Mission Control, and compelling and visceral science-related content.

Mercedes Project Mondo G x Moncler

ELEVATE also showcased a unique installation, a Mercedes-Benz and Moncler voyage.

Thanks to their long and successful brand histories, Mercedes-Benz and Moncler are constantly pushing the boundaries of their respective luxury segments. By combining their expertise and innovative design approaches, these two pioneers are reaching new heights on this joint expedition.

At the heart of Mercedes-Benz lies a deep commitment to luxury and pioneering spirit. Through a joint expedition with Moncler, these core values are brought together in a unique collaboration that celebrates discovery and the fusion of two worlds.

The theme “Art of Imagination” is an inspirational message to dream big and to explore their own firsts: breaking new ground, put the impossible in reach, and discover without limits. 

The collaborative art piece PROJECT MONDO G marks Moncler’s first automotive partnership. The car was a great spectacle for the entering guests.

Commenting on the success of the 2nd ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space Conference, Zsolt Szemerszky, Founder at ELEVATE, stated: 

“We are thrilled with the outstanding success of this year’s conference, where sustainability took a prominent role. ELEVATE continues to lead the way in advancing the space industry while emphasizing environmentally responsible practices. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, partners, speakers, and attendees for their enthusiastic commitment to sustainability.”

The 2nd ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space Conference, with its sustainability focus, was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors and co-operating partners, including Carlson Investments, Climatopolis, Lanteri Partners Group, My Yacht Group, News.mc, Champagne Claudia Cherki, IMF.rockets, Carlo, and the dedicated efforts of its organizing team.

Stay tuned for ELEVATE 2024!

For more information on the ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space Conference and its sustainability initiatives please visit www.elevatemontecarlo.com.