The European space sector is going through a period of transformation and growth. The development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, among others, has opened new opportunities for EU Space entrepreneurs and start-ups. As a result, initiatives like CASSINI have been launched to support these projects and create an ecosystem that offers tailor-made support.
CASSINI is the European Commission’s initiative to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs in the space industry, including New Space, from 2021-2027. The initiative is open to all areas of the EU Space Programme, and covers both upstream (e.g. nanosats and launchers) and downstream (e.g. products/services enabled by space data). The initiative includes a €1 billion EU seed and growth fund, hackathons and mentoring, challenges and prizes, a business accelerator, as well as partnering and matchmaking.
Led by the European Commission (DG DEFIS) and the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), this initiative is designed to nurture start-ups and established companies, providing them with the resources and networks needed to thrive in the competitive space industry. Entrepreneurs and space enthusiasts can benefit from a wide range of support, with CASSINI offering comprehensive technical and commercial support to facilitate their success, accelerate their growth and attract more private investors.
CASSINI Matchmaking supports European space innovation by connecting ambitious start-ups and SMEs with investors and major corporations. By facilitating these connections, it establishes future partnerships, stimulating growth and innovation within the European space industry. If you are an entrepreneur or a start-up leveraging EU Space data and services, take this opportunity to move your project forward.
Build on the success of the many companies that have already benefited from these initiatives, such as Arkadia Space, Orbital Matter and Dreamwaves: https://www.euspa.europa.eu/newsroom-events/success-stories/where-are-they-now
CASSINI at the European Rover Challenge 2024
Meet the European Commission and EUSPA representatives during the 10th edition of ERC, in Krakow.
On Friday 6 September join Justyna Redelkewicz, Consumer, Environment and Entrepreneurship Manager at EUSPA, for an opening keynote at 14:00 CEST titled ‘From dust to stars, the new space entrepreneurship made in Europe’.
Following this presentation, join Tomas Jonsson, CASSINI Team Leader at the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space at the European Commission, for the round-table discussion ‘Space exploration as a catalyst for innovation on Earth’.
More information
Learn more about CASSINI Matchmaking Initiative: https://www.cassini.eu/matchmaking/
About EUSPA: https://www.euspa.europa.eu/opportunities/for-startups