Become a Mentor in the Copernicus Accelerator Programme

To foster user uptake in the European Union Earth observation (EO) programme Copernicus and spur the development of commercial space applications using EO data, the European Commission has launched Copernicus Accelerator. This one-of-a-kind programme is focused on providing a tailored business coaching service for up to 40 finalists in the Copernicus Masters competition.

The organisers of the Copernicus Accelerator are now looking for high-level professionals to support outstanding entrepreneurs in turning their promising ideas into reality, successfully entering the market, and achieving measurable progress toward their established objectives. Mentors and mentees will be able to determine the focus of the coaching and be matched according to their needs and expertise. The customised business development coaching service is worth EUR 5,000 and will be remunerated to mentors at the end of the programme.

Copernicus Accelerator will kick off with a boot camp in Madrid on 24 October 2016 in line with the prestigious Copernicus Masters Awards Ceremony, which will give mentors the chance to interact with industry stakeholders, renowned institutions, ambitious startups, and forward-thinking peers. Each mentor will work with a maximum of two participants for approximately six to eight months. Mentors and mentees will be fully supported throughout this period, at the end of which they will be required to deliver a report highlighting the impact and outcomes of the mentoring process.

Professionals with proven experience in Earth observation, ICT, mobile industry, or one or more topics of interest connected with the 2016 Copernicus Masters Challenges are invited to apply to become a mentor in the Accelerator database by 16 September 2016.

For further information regarding the Copernicus Accelerator programme, please visit the programme´s website and read the Terms of Participation.