The Coimbra Invest Summit (IS) 2024, a key event that gathers entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore innovative solutions for regional growth, dedicated an entire session to one of the most promising and transformative sectors for the region—space technology—marking the 10th anniversary of ESA Space Solutions Portugal.
With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional economic growth, the panels explored how the Centro Region of Portugal is positioning itself as a key player in the global space economy. The theme, “from Coimbra to the world,” aptly captured the ambition and vision for this sector, driven by a thriving ecosystem of startups and institutional support.
A Region Poised for Growth: Coimbra’s Space Ambitions
The opening panel, titled “Coimbra IS Space – Space, an Emerging Sector in the Centre Region,” set the tone for the discussions. It showcased how the space sector is seen as a strategic area for Coimbra and the broader Centro region, with its potential to become a major hub of innovation and development.
Miguel Fonseca, Councillor of Coimbra Municipality, articulated the city’s long-term vision for embracing space technology as a catalyst for innovation in multiple industries. In his remarks, he stated that “Coimbra has all the elements to become a leading space hub—our academic expertise, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and strategic location are key advantages that position us for success.”
Fonseca emphasised how the integration of space technologies can drive advancements in environmental monitoring, digital transformation, and public services, supporting the city’s ambition to lead not only in Portugal but internationally.
Sophie Patrício from the Centro’s Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDRC) echoed these sentiments, stating “the space sector serves as a vital driver of the digital economy, delivering data and insights that can transform industries like agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. For the Centro Region, this translates into job creation and positions us as a leader in technological advancement.”
Patrício emphasized the significant socioeconomic advantages that space technologies offer, particularly in fostering high-skilled job opportunities and establishing the region as a hub for technological innovation.
Fostering Innovation Through Entrepreneurship
The role of regional incubators and accelerators in supporting space-related startups was a key topic during the discussions. Luís Matias, coordinator of the Pinhal Interior Integrated Territorial Intervention (IIBTPI), stressed the complexity of the challenges faced by the region, particularly in light of climate change, and how space technologies can provide innovative solutions.
He explained that geospatial data plays a crucial role in collecting, analysing, and processing information that can support decision-making across various sectors, from urban development to disaster management. His remarks highlighted the region’s readiness to embrace space-based technologies as a strategic tool for addressing these pressing challenges, including the need for sustainable practices in the face of a changing climate.
10 Years of ESA Space Solutions Portugal: Key Metrics and Achievements
This year’s summit also marked a significant milestone for the ESA Space Solutions Portugal, celebrating 10 years of fostering space-related entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, ESA BIC Portugal has supported 65 startups, generating over 237 highly qualified jobs and attracting more than €26 million in private investment. These startups have collectively achieved €6.4 million in sales, illustrating the growing importance of the space sector in Portugal’s economy.
Furthermore, ESA Spark 4 Business Portugal has provided €807.5K in funding to 33 companies, accelerating the commercialisation of space data and technology across various industries, from agriculture, construction, surveillance, water, delivery, to critical infrastructure management.
Meanwhile, the ESA Spark 4 Tech Portugal programme has supported three companies with €90K in funding to address industrial challenges, emphasising the role of space innovation in solving problems both on Earth and beyond.
These achievements underscore the transformational role that space-related entrepreneurship has played in Portugal’s economy. The startups nurtured by these programmes not only contribute to local growth but also advance space technologies with wide-reaching applications, from surveillance and water management to traffic control and connectivity solutions.
“The Portuguese Space Revolution – Are We Ready?”
The second panel of the afternoon featured an inspiring talk from Ana Pires, a researcher at INESC TEC (Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science) and an astronaut-analog, who offered insights into Portugal’s readiness to embrace the space revolution.
Drawing on her experience in space exploration research, Pires emphasised that the revolution in space exploration has already begun, with Portugal playing an increasingly important role. She added, “it’s a pride to be Portuguese and witness the strides we’ve made in the space industry. While we are still an emerging space nation, our potential is enormous.”
Ana Pires is the first woman and the second Portuguese national to complete the astronaut-scientist course of the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (PoSSUM – Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere), supported by NASA’s flight opportunities.
Her call for increased gender diversity in the space sector was particularly powerful: “Revolutionising the space industry also means creating space for women in the field. There are still too few women working in the space industry, and we need to build critical mass by sharing the stories of women who have transformed and revolutionised space exploration.”
She highlighted the importance of educating younger generations, particularly women, about the possibilities within the space industry. Pires concluded that the next frontier for Portugal is to not only contribute to the global space economy but to lead by fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and bold exploration.
Pires also spoke about various analog missions she participated in, including one in the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah desert, which positions her as a candidate for future space exploration missions. Additionally, Ana was the leader and commander of the first analog Lunar mission in Portugal, the CAMões mission. This international project consisted of seven people, conducted in the Gruta do Natal, a lava tube located on Terceira Island, in November 2023.
Showcasing Innovation: Startups Graduating from ESA BIC Portugal and ESA Spark 4 Business Portugal
During the session, attendees also had the opportunity to see presentations from startups graduating from ESA BIC Portugal, including TeroMovigo and VirtuaCrop, which showcased how space technology is transforming diverse sectors.
Machiel Bos, CTO of TeroMovigo, shared insights on the company’s specialisation: “Our company focuses on hardware solutions for geo-applications, leveraging drone and satellite technology in our services.” The CTO highlighted the critical role that support from ESA BIC Portugal played in the company’s development, stating “ESA BIC Portugal’s support has been instrumental in enabling us to bring advanced geo-technological solutions to market, paving the way for innovative applications across industries.”
Tiago Morais, from VirtuaCrop, presented their application for agriculture, which allows farmers to take photos of soil using only their mobile phones to receive an automatic analysis report. “No sensors or additional services are needed. Just a phone camera,” explained. “We aim to bring artificial intelligence to agriculture because we see it as a sector in urgent need of significant technological advancement, and we’re dedicated to making that contribution.”
The session also spotlighted companies supported by the ESA Spark 4 Business Portugal program, showcasing their innovative use of space technology to tackle practical challenges across diverse sectors.
Among them was LS Engenharia Geográfica, a pioneering company in the geomatics sector. Specialising in the acquisition and editing of geospatial information using satellite imagery, LS Engenharia Geográfica developed an information system to facilitate the management of water resources, including small reservoirs, at regional and national scales. Although they were unable to attend the event, their innovative contributions were recognized among the standout projects supported by ESA Spark 4 Business Portugal.
Pedro Resende, Co-Founder of OWLplaces, emphasised the company’s pioneering approach in leveraging satellite Earth observation data from both European Union and North American space programs. This data allows OWLplaces to assess the environmental impact of construction and real estate assets at a global scale. By providing detailed insights, OWLplaces supports cities and buildings in their efforts to decarbonize and restore natural ecosystems. “Our clients rely on our data to strategically plan, measure, and report progress on their decarbonization, net-zero, and broader environmental goals for any property worldwide,” Resende shared.
Raquel Magalhães, Co-Founder and COO of Connected, shared the company’s ambitious vision: “We are fully committed to developing an integrated IoT connectivity service on board Earth observation satellites. Since 80% of our planet lacks communication coverage, we need to rely on space infrastructures to reach those areas.” Founded in 2023, Connected aims to make connectivity accessible for all, driving a new generation of IoT-based business models and helping to close the digital divide worldwide.
Machiel Bos, CTO of TeroMovigo, also shared insights into their focus on advanced geo-technology solutions, further demonstrating the impact of ESA Spark 4 Business Portugal’s support for startups innovating with space technologies. With the support of Spark 4 Business, they used drones to monitor the sealing of radioactive wastes from uranium mines.
Space: A Strategic Sector for Portugal
The summit’s closing session, “Space, a Strategic Sector for Portugal,” brought together prominent voices from the national and international space communities, reinforcing the growing importance of space as a cornerstone of Portugal’s economic future.
Inês Plácido, representing the European Space Agency, emphasised how Portugal’s integration into European space initiatives has bolstered the country’s position in the space sector. She remarked, “Portugal’s active participation in European space initiatives enhances Portugal’s ability to innovate and collaborate. Its dynamic academic institutions and increasingly stronger space industry drive Portugal’s advancements in space exploration and applications.”
Echoing these sentiments, Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency, emphasised Portugal’s aspirations in space exploration. He stated “we are working to establish Portugal as a reference point in space technologies and these ten years have been an extraordinary journey”.
He commended the ESA Space Solutions Portugal initiative, recognizing that the past decade has witnessed transformative growth among Portuguese space startups, some of which now have a significant global presence.
Additionally, he highlighted that “the ESA is an instrument of inclusion, enabling the sector to grow in Portugal like never before,” underscoring ESA’s crucial role in fostering development and innovation within the country’s space industry.
Jorge Pimenta, Innovation Director at the Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) and Coordinator of ESA Space Solutions Portugal, wrapped up the session by stating, “the past decade of ESA Space Solutions Portugal has unveiled remarkable opportunities, and I am optimistic that the coming years will bring even greater advancements.” Pimenta’s remarks underscored the critical role that space entrepreneurship will continue to play in driving Portugal’s economic growth and technological innovation.
The Future of Space Innovation in Coimbra and Beyond
The Coimbra Invest Summit 2024 demonstrated that the Centro Region is well on its way to becoming a key player in the global space economy. With the continued support of programs like ESA Space Solutions Portugal and the development of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, Coimbra is positioning itself as a leader in space innovation.
With support from institutions like the European Space Agency, the Portuguese Space Agency, ANACOM, and others, along with the entrepreneurial efforts of innovative startups, Coimbra is poised to play a significant role in the global space economy.
The Coimbra Invest Summit 2024, celebrating 10 years of ESA Space Solutions Portugal, coordinated by the Instituto Pedro Nunes, highlighted the region’s readiness to lead in this new frontier, where space technologies will fuel not only scientific discovery but also tangible, Earth-bound applications that will benefit industries and communities across Portugal and beyond.
