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Hera Lands at the International B2B Software Days 2025

Corporate Projects · May 2025

This week, something cosmic touched down in Vienna — and it wasn’t just another keynote. At the International B2B Software Days 2025, hosted at one of Vienna’s most iconic green venues, our Executive Producer Markus Mooslechner introduced the Hera Space Companion: a radically new way to experience space, storytelling, and science.

What is the HERA Space Companion?


It’s your direct line to space. Literally. Our project, which was built by Impact AI, powered by Microsoft, and created in partnership with ESA – European Space Agency, the Hera Space Companion is an interactive platform that lets anyone — anywhere — chat in real time with Hera, the spacecraft currently on a planetary defense mission with NASA.

Want to know where Hera is right now? What it’s seeing? What’s next? You can ask.
The companion delivers real-time updates from the spacecraft studying the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system, the site of the first-ever attempt to deflect an asteroid.

Why does this matter?


Because space missions aren’t just for scientists. The Hera Space Companion is designed for everyone — from students to space enthusiasts — to engage with cutting-edge science in a human, personal, and even fun way. It’s the next step in science communication: interactive, intelligent, and inspiring.

“HERA and the Human Touch: Why AI Without a Story Is Just a Tool”

That was the title of Markus’ talk, and the message was clear: technology on its own doesn’t change the world. Stories do. Without narrative, without emotion, without context… even the smartest tools miss the mark. And Hera is one of our special projects built on that exact idea.

Hera is more than just a space mission of the European Space Agency. It’s part of the first planetary defense test in human history, where ESA and NASA are working together to better understand how we might protect our planet from asteroids. But beyond the science, there’s something deeply human about the mission. And that’s what Markus brought to the Software Days audience.

A man stands on stage presenting in front of a large screen displaying Ready for Prime Time at SWDays25. Flags, chandeliers, and classical statues decorate the ornate room, blending tradition with the innovations of the Digital World.

In a sea of AI tools, software solutions, and futuristic concepts, his keynote was a reminder: the tech matters — but the why matters more. It’s the stories behind innovation that drive connection, trust, and change.

A Green Event With Big Impact

We were also impressed by how the organisers — FFG, WKO/Advantage Austria, UBIT, the Vienna Business Agency, TU Wien, VÖSI, and the Enterprise Europe Network — ran the entire event using green event principles. It was hosted at one of Vienna’s most impressive venues, with sustainable practices in mind. The evening reception at the historic Melker Stiftskeller was the perfect way to wrap up two exciting days of ideas and connections.

From planetary defense to business innovation, #SWDays25 showed us that the future of digital business is about more than just technology. It’s about collaboration, storytelling, and the human touch.

We’re proud that Hera was part of the conversation.

Two people stand on a stage with a red curtain backdrop, one holding a microphone and the other holding a tablet. The large white letters and numbers reading SWDays25 are partially visible behind them, highlighting the events role in the digital world.