At the 55th International Paris Air Show, the European Space Agency (ESA) reinforced its commitment to commercialising space by co-hosting the newly launched Paris Space Hub alongside CNES and aerospace industry partners. The hub served as a platform for over 300 startups from 48 countries to showcase innovations and forge business connections.
ESA presented its Strategy 2040 and Technology Roadmap, underlining its long-term vision for European competitiveness in the space sector. Key commercialisation initiatives were highlighted, including the ScaleUp programme and ESA Business Incubation Centres (BICs), which support early-stage ventures across Europe. Five French-based startups pitched innovations ranging from neuromorphic edge computing to robotic space stations, with follow-up introductions facilitated by ESA and CNES to alumni companies such as SpaceLocker and RIDE! Space.
ESA also hosted “The After” investor forum, where 36 startups—including seven from Asia—pitched to over 50 investors. This event forms part of ESA’s growing Investor Network, which now includes more than 70 members.
Three companies—Space Cargo Unlimited, RIDE! Space and Infinite Orbits—shared their commercialisation journeys, demonstrating how ESA’s support helped them transition from concept to market. These stories illustrated the tangible impact of ESA’s initiatives, such as the ESA Marketplace, the PUSH competition and the BIC network.
ESA’s presence at the Paris Air Show exemplified its role as a catalyst for European space entrepreneurship, investment and international collaboration.
