BIG data was the theme of an event called Next Tech Wave held at The Innovation Centre on Basing View.

It was organised by SETsquared – Europe’s top university business incubator– and the UK Space Agency, bringing together some of the south’s leading space related big data SMEs to explore opportunities for start-ups developing new infrastructure, software and services.

Big data has a £10billion global market, including next generation opportunities within the internet of things, retail and health research sectors.

Newly appointed Adrian Braine, entrepreneur in residence at SETsquared’s Basingstoke hub and panel chair, said: “Many companies wouldn’t necessarily think of the space sector as an answer to help them with developing technology, but we wanted to show what working with the sector can do for businesses.”

On the panel of speakers was Tim Vallings of Rezatec, Sam Adlen from Satellite Application Catapult, Leo Valberg, from nquiring minds (OK) and John Morton from Democrata.

Simon Bond, Innovation Director at SETsquared, said: “It’s very exciting for us to have big data companies in the area who are utilising location and earth observation data from space.

“There are some great chances for business here, especially as far as big data analytics go. It gives us access to new sources of information including sensors, website visits, open data and satellite-sourced information and imagery.”

SETsquared’s hub at Basing View launched at the end of last year is expected to bring £20 million of investment to Basingstoke as well as support 20 new high growth companies over the next few years.

Adrian has been tasked to support SETsquared’s activity in Basingstoke and help to turn the Basing View hub into a vibrant tech community.

His appointment follows the news that the first three businesses, RazorSecure, Xscalo and Spry Fox Networks, have joined SETsquared, with Evergreen joining as a fourth member being signed up by Adrian in his first weeks.

Prior to joining SETsquared as an entrepreneur in residence, Adrian was involved as a mentor for start-ups.

Adrian said: “I have a long history with start-ups and SMEs in the electronics, software and semiconductor industries where I have held director-level business management, marketing and product development roles, so I feel well equipped to cover all areas of SETsquared’s fantastic offerings.

“My first impressions of working within the Basing View hub have been very positive. There’s a lot to do and it’s great that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is so motivated to redeveloping this area of the town to turn it into a tech centre.

“We’re working with some exciting companies at the hub and I can’t wait to add more.”