I’m honored to be selected by The Karman Project as one of 35 Kármán Pioneers from over 400 global applicants across 77 countries. Additionally, 15 exceptional professionals were chosen as Kármán Fellows, forming an inspiring community of 50 globally recognized space leaders and change-makers. I can’t wait to start working with them!
This recognition greatly enhances my efforts as a space ecosystem builder focused on Central and Eastern Europe (#CEE). Together with Obuda University, Obuda University – Space Lab, Global Space Enablers Network (GSEN), INFOTÉR, Magyar Innovációs Szövetség, International Space University, and my corporate partners BTS Space, HungaroFlow Consulting Ltd., Stradamus Zrt., DATelite, C3S Electronics Development LLC, I will continue fostering cross-border and multi-sectoral collaboration among startups, investors, governments, industries, academia, agencies and nonprofits.
Historically, CEE countries played a significantly larger role in space research, science, and engineering, sharing groundbreaking knowledge globally. Now, close collaboration is crucial to reclaim this competitive edge and reintegrate our region into global innovation networks.
“Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that never has been.” – Theodore von Kármán (the Hungarian scientist, for whom the border between the Earth’s atmosphere and the outer space – the Kármán line – was named)
As a pioneer named after him, my transformative purpose is to leverage insights and networks from this program to drive sustainable space innovation and international collaboration, benefiting both our region and the world.
Special thanks for your nominations: Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, Orsolya Ferencz, Johann-Dietrich Wörner and Bob Richards.