Partners

GISIG – Geographical Information Systems International Group Association

GISIG is a European non-profit SME association specialising in geospatial technologies and applications. With multidisciplinary expertise in GIS tools and domains such as land planning, risk management, and climate adaptation, GISIG promotes technology transfer from research to industry.

Over the past 30 years, GISIG has coordinated and participated in numerous EU education, research, and innovation programmes. It has played a leading role in large-scale skills initiatives in the Earth Observation and geo-information sectors, including alliance-building and sectoral partnerships under the Pact for Skills. The association also supports thematic networks, dissemination, and capacity-building activities, including e-learning and digital skills development for SMEs.

QUASAR – Human Capital

QUASAR is a strategic consultancy focused on human capital development in high-technology sectors, particularly aerospace. Through its Innovation Centre, the company analyses the organisational and workforce implications of technological disruption, fostering stronger alignment between academia, industry, and evolving labour market needs.

QSR is actively engaged in European aerospace skills ecosystems, contributing to industry associations and sectoral skills initiatives. The company develops and delivers methodologies to attract, develop, and retain specialised talent, undertaking projects in needs analysis, traineeships, international mobility, behavioural and technical training, and organisational performance improvement. Its strong industry network supports policy engagement at local, national, and European levels.

Instituto Pedro Nunes

Instituto Pedro Nunes is a Portuguese innovation and technology transfer organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between science, technology, and industry. Operating through six specialised laboratories — materials, automatics, informatics, geotechnics, corrosion, and phytopathology — IPN combines research and technological development with consultancy and advanced services. It also supports entrepreneurship through incubation and acceleration programmes and delivers specialised training as a certified VET provider.

With around 130 staff members, IPN manages more than 60 R&D projects annually and participates in over 170 dissemination activities each year, contributing actively to national and international innovation networks. It hosts ESA BIC Portugal and has extensive experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies across the full innovation cycle.

Fondazione E. Amaldi

Fondazione E. Amaldi (FEA) is the foundation of the Italian Space Agency and the Hypatia Research Consortium, born to foster technology transfer and accelerate the growth of the New Space Economy. 

Positioned at the crossroads of applied research, market readiness, and strategic investment, FEA brings together a unique blend of technological expertise, financial insight, and outreach capabilities to support innovation from lab to market. Leveraging its role as ESA BASS Ambassador for Italy, member of the ESA Space Solutions Network, and coordinator of cross-border innovation projects, FEA serves as a key enabler of capacity building, mentorship, and ecosystem engagement.

Eupportunity

Eupportunity is a multidisciplinary consultancy with extensive expertise in European affairs. Its team includes former advisers from the European Parliament, Commission, and Council, as well as senior representatives from EU associations, public administrations, and the private sector.

The organisation specialises in communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities, including the development of policy recommendations and targeted outreach to EU-level policymakers. Eupportunity also supports business sectors in designing tailored strategies, drawing on its internally developed EU monitoring system. This system enables in-depth analysis of legislative developments, funding opportunities, and external cooperation initiatives involving third countries.

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Founded in 1925, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the largest university in Greece and one of the largest in South-eastern Europe. With 11 Faculties and 41 Schools, it serves more than 64,000 undergraduate and 10,000 postgraduate and PhD students, including a strong international community.

The university participates in thousands of national and European projects, with significant experience in education, training, and lifelong learning initiatives. It has been active in the Erasmus Programme since 1987 and was awarded the Diploma Supplement Label by the European Commission. AUTh is widely recognised for its academic excellence, international engagement, and strong research infrastructure.

VSB-Technical University of Ostrava

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is a leading Czech university with a strong portfolio of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes, and active participation in European projects, particularly in the automotive, digital, green, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

As a key Erasmus+ partner, it brings expertise in AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Through platforms like FIP-AI@VSB-TUO, the university promotes innovation, industry collaboration, and skills development aligned with EU priorities.

European Digital SME Alliance

European DIGITAL SME Alliance (DIGITAL SME) is the largest network of ICT small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe, representing over 45,000 digital SMEs through 30 national and regional associations. Based in Brussels, it actively shapes EU digital policy and contributes to areas such as AI, ICT standards, digital skills, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. DIGITAL SME co-coordinates the Digital Large-Scale Skills Partnership under the Pact for Skills and has a strong track record in digital skills development through EU-funded projects like ARISA, CHAISE, Digital4Security, Digital4Sustainability, and SMARCO. It also serves as the Secretariat for the European Digital Skills and Jobs Platform.

bavAIRia Ev

Since 2006, bavAIRia e.V., a non-profit association with more than 360 members active in aeronautics, space, and space applications, has been mandated by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs to manage the Bavarian Aerospace Cluster.

bavAIRia promotes innovation, technology transfer, and cooperation among industry, SMEs, academia, and public institutions across the aerospace sector. The association hosts the Bavarian Drone Coordination Office (BayKD), serves as the German ESA Business Applications Ambassador, and represents Bavaria in European networks and initiatives such as NEREUS, DETA, and the S3P Space Platform.

Covering both the aeronautics and space sectors, bavAIRia supports cross-sector collaboration by connecting aerospace stakeholders with industries such as automotive, defence, mobility, and advanced manufacturing. Through its activities, the association facilitates the transfer and adoption of innovative technologies across industrial domains and application areas.

bavAIRia has extensive experience in European, ESA, and national projects, particularly in the fields of space applications, Earth observation, GNSS, and downstream space technologies. The organisation actively supports business development, international cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and the adoption of space-enabled solutions across multiple industrial sectors. In addition, bavAIRia is an active partner in the EU-funded SpaceSUITS project and a member of the Space4Geo Alliance, contributing to skills development, innovation ecosystems, and cross-sector collaboration within the European aerospace and space sectors.