Nikolaj – International Institute for Astronautical Sciences

Profile

Name	Nikolaj
Nationality	chilean
Bio	I am an Industrial Engineer and Biotechnology Engineer from Universidad Federico Santa María, currently pursuing a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence. With over 10 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams, I have specialized in innovation, sustainability, and the development of new business models across various industries, including finance, mining, energy, and health. My professional journey has involved implementing agile methodologies to drive internal innovation processes and optimize commercial management with global suppliers and partners. As the Social Impact and Sustainability Manager at Caja La Araucana, I lead initiatives focused on reducing educational disparities in Chile. My work has centered around connecting educational institutions with international programs, such as those of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), to provide students early access to scientific resources and knowledge. Astronomy has always been a personal passion of mine, fueling my desire to make science accessible to more people. I own a Celestron Nexstar 8SE telescope, which I use for regular astronomical observations. This deep interest in space has shaped my professional aspirations and my commitment to bridging the gap between education and science in Chile. In recognition of my dedication to space and science, NASA has officially designated me as the Host for the 2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge in Santiago, Chile, which will take place on October 5-6. This event serves as a global hackathon, where participants work together to create innovative solutions for space exploration challenges. Being part of this event allows me to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts and scientists, bringing my childhood dream of becoming an astronaut closer to reality. In addition to my work in astronomy and science, I have been a speaker at prestigious institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and have received several awards, including a UK Government Fellowship for innovation. My passion for space and innovation continues to drive my career as I work to inspire others to explore the universe and pursue scientific discovery.
Academic Background	Academic Background: Industrial Engineering from Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María Biotechnology Engineering from Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (in progress) from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez Diploma in Mining Management from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Leader in Innovation Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), focused on innovation, technology scaling, intellectual property, and technological commercial management Distinctions and Invitations: Invited Speaker at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), presenting innovations in the treatment of particulate matter and toxic gases in underground mining Recognized Speaker at the Seminar on Innovation and Mining Development (SIDMMA), contributing to discussions on sustainable mining practices Invited Speaker at the Young Miners Seminar, sharing insights on emerging technologies in the mining sector Recipient of the UK Government’s Leaders in Innovation Fellowship Program, awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, recognizing your contribution to technological innovation Awarded multiple scientific research grants from CORFO, focused on the development of innovative technologies in industries such as biotechnology and energy Patents: Atmosphere Purifying Device: This patent involves a device designed to collect particulate matter from the atmosphere, contributing to improved air quality and safety in industrial settings. Multiple patents related to environmental technologies applied in industrial projects, recognized and supported by CORFO Scientific Publications and Research: “Purification and Characterization of Saxitoxin from Mytilus chilensis of Southern Chile”: This publication in Toxicon Elsevier focuses on the extraction and purification of saxitoxin, a potent neurotoxin, from Chilean mussels, contributing to the understanding of biotoxins and public health safety. Participation in a FONDEF project related to the purification of saxitoxins, conducting research at the Instituto de Salud Pública in Chile, and responsible for managing the laboratory’s liquid chromatography equipment (HPLC). Career Highlights: Managed innovation processes and developed new business models across sectors such as finance, mining, energy, and health, including international commercial relations with the United States, Europe, and Asia. Spearheaded the open innovation processes at Caja Los Andes, developing partnerships and implementing new technologies in collaboration with leading international firms. Directed Life Genomics SPA, focusing on the development of environmentally sustainable technologies for the mining and thermoelectric industries, and forged strategic alliances with global companies such as Roche and MyGen.
Professional Interests	My professional interests lie at the intersection of science, technology, and education, with a particular focus on astronomy and space exploration. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for the sciences and a deep commitment to democratizing access to scientific knowledge, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. One of my key goals is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience in space sciences, ensuring that students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to engage with astronomy and space exploration from an early age. I believe that science education should not be a privilege reserved for a few but a right accessible to all. By providing access to scientific resources, hands-on learning experiences, and exposure to the latest advancements in astronomy and space technologies, I aim to inspire young minds and empower them to pursue careers in these fields. As a passionate astronomy enthusiast, I am dedicated to creating opportunities for students to explore the cosmos, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder about the universe. I believe that early exposure to science can ignite a lifelong interest in STEM fields and open doors to future careers in space exploration and other scientific disciplines. To this end, I have been actively involved in leading initiatives that connect educational institutions with programs from organizations such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and NASA. These programs provide students with access to cutting-edge scientific knowledge and opportunities to participate in real-world scientific projects. By facilitating these connections, I strive to reduce educational inequalities and ensure that students from all backgrounds can benefit from the same opportunities. My work with Caja La Araucana has allowed me to further this mission by leading projects that aim to bring science closer to students in vulnerable communities. I am particularly focused on integrating astronomy and space sciences into school curricula, providing students with both practical experiences—such as astronomical observations—and theoretical knowledge that will help them understand and engage with the world around them. Ultimately, my vision is to make science education more inclusive, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers who will drive innovation and progress in the years to come. By breaking down barriers to scientific knowledge and creating opportunities for all students to participate in the wonders of space exploration, I hope to contribute to a future where everyone, regardless of their background, can reach for the stars.
Certifications	Open University Student
Affiliations with IIAS-Sponsored Organizations	Space for all Nations