Turin hub of European space innovation

The initiative focused on strategic vertical segments: space research, satellite systems, telecommunications and Earth observation. The program saw the participation of 15 startups selected from a pool of 74 international applications (of which 20 Italian)confirming the centrality of the Turin district in the spatial ecosystem of the continent.

The acceleration program and the role of dpixel

SpaceFounders was born in 2025 as a joint project between the ASI, the CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) and the Bundeswehr University of Munich. THE’the objective is to provide emerging companies with consolidation tools through mentoring, workshops and specialized masterclasses.

Within this frame, dpixel holds management responsibility for the Italian participation until 2027. The division coordinates the flow of national applications, the communication of the “batches” and the operational organization of bootcamps and DemoDays in Italy. During 2025, the path included masterclasses focused on sales strategies, equity stories and financial due diligence, culminating in three physical events in Monaco, Toulouse and Turin.

Visions and scenarios: the future of the Space Economy

The event hosted the contribution of Paolo Ferri, astronomer with a forty-year career at ESA (European Space Agency) and key figure of the Rosetta mission. In his speech, Ferri traced a line of continuity between the legacy of the Apollo program and the challenges of modern startups, urging them to combine market demands with technological vision.

He spoke on the importance of international cooperation Matteo Coletta, Head of Sector – New Space Economy & Study Centre di ASI: “The European collaboration underlying the SpaceFounders project represents a fundamental tool in building a competitive and innovative Space Economy for all of Europe. Through accelerator programs like SpaceFounders, we give startups the tools to consolidate cutting-edge ideas and generate new solutions for the market, strengthening the entire value chain.”

Coletta also underlined how ASI’s commitment is aimed at creating a solid ecosystem to drive technological leadership and sustainable development in the sector.

Turin point of reference for Open Innovation

The DemoDay at the Turin campus of the ESCP Business School highlighted the area’s ability to attract investors and industrial partners. According to Clelia Tosi, Head of Fintech District, cross-sector collaboration is the driving force of the aerospace sector: “It represents a unique opportunity for discussion with key players in a strategic sector for Europe such as aerospace. With the Space Tech Night, Turin confirms itself as a point of reference for the sector, nurturing an ecosystem made up of startups, innovative SMEs, large industries and academic centres.”