Tenics Software Engineering GmbH: Transforming Aeronautics and Space with Agile Software Solutions

In the heart of Bremen, the City of Aerospace, Tenics Software Engineering GmbH is making its mark as a pioneering force in the aeronautics and space industry. Founded by Dirk Roßkamp, tenics is one of the latest incubatees of ESA BIC Northern Germany, drawing on the region’s rich heritage in space technology and its thriving startup ecosystem. With a commitment to enhancing embedded systems and software development for high-tech industries, tenics is set to become a key player in the next generation of space exploration and software solutions.

A Vision Born from Experience
Tenics Software Engineering GmbH was founded in 2021 by Dirk Roßkamp, a seasoned software engineer with over a decade of experience in the aeronautics and space sector. Before founding tenics, Dirk worked at OHB System AG , one of Europe’s leading space companies, where he played a crucial role in managing software projects for various space missions. His work at OHB highlighted a significant need in the industry: the development of flexible, high-quality software that could be seamlessly integrated into complex products like satellites.

Recognizing this gap in the market, Dirk launched tenics with the vision of creating a company that could deliver agile, reliable software solutions tailored to the unique demands of aeronautics and space as well as embedded systems. Starting as a one-person operation, Dirk quickly expanded tenics into a team of four experts, each bringing their own specialized skills to the table. Together, they focus on delivering embedded software that is not just a part of the product, but a critical element that drives the entire system’s performance.

What Sets Tenics Apart?
At its core, tenics specializes in providing software engineering services that are essential for the success of complex projects in the aeronautics, space, IoT, medical technology, and automotive sectors. Their expertise lies in the development of embedded software for systems where reliability and precision are paramount.

What sets tenics apart is their agile approach to software development. Traditional engineering practices in industries like aeronautics and space can often be slow and cumbersome, leading to delays and increased costs. tenics addresses these challenges by implementing lean software processes that enhance both, speed and quality. By breaking down complex technical requirements into manageable tasks, tenics delivers software solutions that meet the highest industry standards, ensuring that projects stay on time and within budget.

One of the standout offerings from tenics is their work on developing a reusable onboard software engine for satellites. This innovative product aims to streamline the satellite development process by providing companies with a well-tested, ready-to-use software solution. In an industry where time-to-market and reliability are critical, tenics’ solution will significantly reduce the time it takes for companies to get their satellites ready for launch.

The Role of ESA BIC Northern Germany
When Dirk Roßkamp discovered ESA BIC Northern Germany while exploring startup support options in Bremen, he recognized the incubator as an opportunity to accelerate tenics’ development and expand their reach within the aeronautics and space industry.

Through ESA BIC Northern Germany, tenics has received EUR 50,000 in funding, which has been instrumental in advancing their projects, particularly the development of their reusable onboard software engine. The support from ESA BIC Northern Germany comes with no equity requirements, allowing tenics to maintain full control over their direction and growth.

In addition to financial backing, ESA BIC Northern Germany has connected tenics with leading technical experts who provide invaluable feedback and guidance. This access to top-tier expertise has helped ensure that tenics’ software solutions meet the rigorous demands of the aeronautics and space industry, further solidifying their reputation as a reliable partner for high-tech projects.

“We really like the opportunities for networking and it’s great to share ideas and explore different paths with the other startups. The workshops and the support that ESA BIC Northern Germany offers are also really great, for example help from the business side with things like marketing, networking effects and so on,” explains Dirk.

A Shift in Space Technologies
As Tenics continues to grow within the ESA BIC Northern Germany ecosystem, the company is focused on developing a reusable onboard software engine for satellites. This product aims to streamline the satellite development process by providing companies with a ready-to-use, well-tested software solution. In an industry where time and reliability are critical, tenics’ offering could significantly reduce the time it takes for companies to get their satellites ready for launch.

“Nowadays, it has become increasingly easy and cost-effective to launch objects into orbit. This also makes it viable to use commercial hardware for certain satellites, as the cost of launching a replacement is not prohibitive, if a satellite fails. Consequently, there is currently a shift in the hardware architecture that companies are adopting, particularly for Low Earth Orbit missions and satellite constellations. We are seeing a growing use of modern technologies, such as ARM-based processors and real-time Ethernet bus architectures. The older generation of software typically used in space companies does not support these technologies and would require companies to rewrite their existing software”, says Dirk. “In recent years, we have observed a similar increase in software complexity and changes in hardware architecture in other sectors, such as the automotive industry, where several companies have struggled to adapt to new technologies and development processes”, Dirk continues.

With the increasing affordability of launching satellites, companies are looking for software solutions that can keep pace with these changes. tenics is positioning itself to meet this demand, leveraging its expertise and the support of ESA BIC Northern Germany to bring this innovative product to market.

A Bright Future, with Support from the ESA BIC Northern Germany
With the support of ESA BIC Northern Germany, tenics is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the aeronautics and space industry. The combination of financial backing, technical expertise, and business support provides a strong foundation for the company’s growth. As they continue to innovate and develop new solutions, tenics is poised to become a key player in the space and embedded systems sectors.

For tenics, joining ESA BIC Northern Germany is more than just an opportunity for growth; it’s a chance to be part of a larger community of innovators who are shaping the future of space exploration and technology. With a clear vision and the right support, tenics is ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow and contribute to the next generation of space missions.

#SPACEmeetsData

Find out more about tenics on their website.

About ESA BIC Northern Germany

The Incubation Centre of the European Space Agency in Northern Germany (ESA BIC Northern Germany) is headquartered jointly with the Bremen aeronautics and space industries association at the Bremer Innovations- und Technologiezentrum BITZ as well as the Digihub Industry – two of the largest innovation and technology centres for high-tech companies and startups in the German federal state of Bremen. The ESA BIC Northern Germany brings new startup opportunities to the region and thus strengthens the aeronautics and space sector in the German federal state of Bremen. AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V. supports the incubatees with its network, public relations work and targeted coaching not only during the incubation period, but also afterwards as alumni. STARTHAUS Bremen & Bremerhaven is the central point of contact in the Bremen startup ecosystem and supports the startups on all issues relating to business development and financing. The ESA BIC Northern Germany is managed by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO), an international networking and branding company for the European space programmes that also manages ESA BIC Bavaria with three locations in southern Germany.

Since 2021, ESA BIC Northern Germany has also been offering its service to space-related startups in Schleswig-Holstein. The Technikzentrum Lübeck with GATEWAY49, AviaSpace Bremen and AZO jointly operate this extension of ESA BIC Northern Germany. As of June 2024, ESA BIC Northern Germany also offers its services to space-related startups in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The Innovation Port Wismar with AviaSpace Bremen and AZO jointly operate this extension of ESA BIC Northern Germany. There are also plans to extend ESA BIC Northern Germany to the northern German federal states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Berlin-Brandenburg.

Technical support of the ESA BIC Northern Germany, is offered by Fraunhofer IFAM, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence DFKI, Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar Research AWI, Bremen University, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity ZARM, TH Lübeck, University Lübeck,  , Life Science Nord, Airbus Group, ArianeGroup, AES Aircraft Elektro/Elektronik System, Dräger, DSI Aerospace, Possehl, and OHB.