Portugal is making big moves in the European space game. The European Space Agency (ESA) picked Instituto Superior Técnico to head one of two new space startup centers in the country for the next three years. At the same time, the Pedro Nunes Institute (IPN) in Coimbra will run the other center, building a national network that really helps Portugal's space innovation scene.
This isn't just about making new startup spots. It shows Portugal is sticking to its plan to focus on science, innovation, and being in charge of its own tech. Space is super important for the economy now, hitting things like communications, energy, climate tracking, defense, how we get around, data, and AI. By getting better in this area, Portugal is putting money into being self-reliant economically and having a good spot in Europe.
The ESA BIC Tagus+, based in Oeiras, will be managed by Técnico through the Association for the Development of Instituto Superior Técnico, along with partners like Taguspark, Técnico Venture Lab, the Azores School of the Sea Incubator, the Municipality of Oeiras, CEiiA, and Vieira de Almeida. In Coimbra, ESA BIC Centro+, run by IPN, is bringing in local partners to make sure it covers a lot of ground and lines up with what the area is good at.
Together, these two centers can back up to 12 startups a year, with almost €2.8 million in funding. Besides the money, the program gives access to expert advice, lab equipment, international connections, and a direct route into ESA’s supply chains.
This new step is built on a strong past. From 2014 to 2024, ESA BIC Portugal supported over 60 companies, and many are now doing well in tough international markets. Going to two centers means a big jump in size, reach, and getting involved in the European innovation world.
The timing is also important. In July 2024, iSTsat-1, the first satellite made completely in Portugal, launched into space after being built at Técnico’s campus in Oeiras. It was a real link between school research, hands-on engineering, new businesses, and the world market.
By improving its space innovation setup, Portugal is making a place to keep talent, get investments, and create good jobs in a key area for the 21st century. Instead of just using tech, the country is setting itself up to make valuable solutions—showing it's serious about its tech future.
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