Three years ago, our journey began in the historic halls of Oxford, fuelled by curiosity, ambition, and a vision to make a difference.
The birth of Little Place Labs
We all know that Oxford and the Executive MBA experience can take us to incredible places. For some, it might mean landing their dream jobs; for others, pivoting into new sectors, cities, or countries. For our group, it has taken us to space.
Soon after our program journey commenced, a few of us space lovers ran into each other. Over the next few months, amid the late-medieval walls and countless pints of Guinness, we shared our deep aspirations of using space-tech and solutions to change the world for the better.
In early 2021, we participated in the Gravity Challenge 03, a global innovation program organized by Deloitte and Amazon (AWS) for innovators to build space-based solutions for real-world problems. After months of hard work, we made an important step towards our mission as we were selected as the Challenge Champion. As I explored in my previous blog post, this victory was the catalyst for establishing Little Place Labs.
A leader in space edge computing
Since then, we have emerged as a prominent player in space edge computing. Our mission has always been clear: to push the boundaries of technology and create solutions that have a meaningful impact. Today, our global team of 15, spanning the US, Canada, the UK, and India, showcases our growth and the diverse talents driving our success.
Expanding our footprint
Our journey has taken us to new heights—literally! We are honored to be a contractor for the US Air Force, where we develop solutions that contribute to global safety and security. In early 2023, our product successfully ran as part of an in-orbit mission, marking a significant milestone.
We are proud to be part of top space communities such as Techstars, AWS Space, NSIN (National Security Innovation Network), Catalyst Campus, and Starburst. These partnerships have not only validated our work but also opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Committed to solving the world's challenges
Our mission goes beyond technology. We are deeply committed to addressing some of the world's most dire challenges. Our participation in the Wildfire XPrize Challenge, through a global partnership team, exemplifies our dedication to creating solutions for one of the most destructive natural disasters. Additionally, our involvement in ESA's research work highlights our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
Cherishing our Oxford roots
Our roots at Oxford remain close to our hearts and continue to inspire our journey. We actively engage with and contribute to various Oxford initiatives, particularly as a member of the Oxford Space Initiative. The support from the Entrepreneurship Centre's Oxford Seed Fund, now one of our investors, has been pivotal in our growth. These connections not only remind us of our beginnings but also fuel our drive to stay true to our mission and values imparted by Oxford.
Looking ahead with passion and purpose
As we look to the future, our vision remains clear: to solve the world's problems and make our 'little place' a better place for all. We are driven by curiosity, hunger, and a steadfast focus on our purpose. The next chapters of our journey promise to be filled with new challenges, innovations, and milestones.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Happy birthday, Little Place Labs.
More background
You can hear more from Bosco and Gaurav about the work of Little Place Labs in a recent webinar Space-tech and entrepreneurship at Little Place Labs.
Bosco also collaborated with our Oxford Space Initiative team for this Oxford Answers article - Pathways to Space: A case study of the UAE.
