We recently celebrated the first anniversary of the Space Business Catalyst. Based at our Toulouse and Turin facilities, this initiative led by Thales Alenia Space’s Innovation Cluster supports the emergence of new market segments, technologies and players to apply a sustainable approach to the space sector.
Rounding out the activities of the Innovation Cluster, operating since 2014, the Space Business Catalyst has been applying its expertise to a range of missions over the past year, from support for in-house initiatives and ventures to startup acceleration, strategic monitoring of the entire startup ecosystem and investments through Thales Corporate Ventures.
A unique industry accelerator from concept to operation
The Space Business Catalyst has become a partner of choice for startups, offering personalized technical and commercial support. Introduction to a network of buyers and sales staff, use of the FabLab and its rapid prototyping tools and privileged access to industrial resources — these are just some of the benefits Thales Alenia Space makes available to selected startups, so they can turn their innovative ideas into reality and develop complete solutions.
Building on its success so far, with a dozen projects under way, the Space Business Catalyst has adopted two new startups in 2024: AIKO, which develops orbital AI solutions, and Space DOTS, which aims to simplify the qualification of materials and small components in orbit and make the process faster and cheaper.
Having started out with Space Locker (standard interfaces for modular space infrastructure), the SBC is continuing its support with 3IPK (blockchain technology for space data integrity), Orbital Matter (3D printing in space) and Space Cargo Unlimited (biotech in microgravity). The accelerator welcomes startups from all over the world, leveraging Thales Alenia Space’s broad geographic footprint.
REV1 ©Space Cargo Unlimited
Developing in-house initiatives
Thales Alenia Space has also been promoting intrapreneurship for several years. In line with this vision, the Space Business Catalyst helps develop “ventures” — intrapreneurial projects to create new product lines and strategic partnerships. One such venture led to the advent of space edge computing, for example, culminating in a first demonstration on the International Space Station in 2023, funded by Microsoft.
Alongside startups, ventures are a great way to explore and foster new opportunities. They illustrate Thales Alenia Space’s strategy to be at the forefront of innovation in space and related markets.
Space Edge Computing © Thales Alenia Space
A key player in space innovation
Over the past year, our Space Business Catalyst has gradually become established as a leader in space innovation. The Demo Day on June 12 was a chance for over 70 experts, institutional players and investors to see demonstrations of the projects we’ve been supporting and discuss the next steps for scaling them up.
The SBC played a central role at the Assises du NewSpace conference in Paris and Deep Tech Momentum in Berlin. It will also sponsor Finspace, the iconic startup competition at World Space Business Week in September.
Through its various activities, the Space Business Catalyst is already shaping the space disruptions of tomorrow.
If you’re a startup and would like to help build a sustainable future with Thales Alenia Space through the Space Business Catalyst, please get in touch: spacebusinesscatalyst@thalesaleniaspace.com.