The Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines, Jorge Paradela, and the Vice Minister of University, Research and Innovation, Lorena Garrido, have participated in Seville in the inauguration of New Space & Solutions, an international event where the space and satellite industry come together to provide solutions to citizens, emphasizing the commitment of the Andalusian Government to innovation, digitalization, and industrial modernization in the aerospace sector, which will have a budget of over 120 million by 2025 through various public aid programs and actions, with the aim of continuing to contribute to its capacity to transform the Andalusian economy.
Thus, during the opening of this event, which will take place at the PCT Cartuja until March 21st with the purpose of showcasing all the leading national companies, multinationals, universities, institutions, and experts working to position the Andalusian aerospace industry at the top worldwide, the Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines has stated that «space is a driver of progress; the aerospace industry is experiencing a stimulating period full of opportunities, especially in Andalusia, with double-digit annual growth in revenue and employment.»
To consolidate Andalusia’s position as a reference aerospace region, the Andalusian Government is deploying a clear roadmap through the Aerospace Strategy based on promoting talent, innovation, disruptive technologies, and strengthening value chains. «We want Andalusia not only to participate in the New Space revolution but also to be a key player in the development of high-impact space projects.»
To achieve this, he has detailed, various incentive calls have been launched, programs promoting digitalization, industrial modernization, and the promotion of high-value-added sectors. «Our vision is clear: to build a solid business ecosystem capable of competing in a global market and generating opportunities.»
He has noted that until April 15th, the call from his department to promote the development of 100% Andalusian satellite systems with a budget of 16 million in grants is open. In addition, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines will launch a new incentive program for the experimentation and manufacturing of 100% Andalusian commercial drones, with a budget of 15 million, scheduled for the second half of 2025; and a decree to boost the new mobility industry and the network of vertiports in Andalusia. In addition, there are another 17.3 million from the Just Transition Funds to promote sector decarbonization through the Net Zero Jerez Hub, he pointed out.
Paradela emphasized that the space sector is expanding rapidly, driven by technological development, the accelerated race for telecommunications sovereignty, and the expansion of the New Space. «According to TEDAE estimates, the economic impact is undeniable: every euro invested in space generates a return of three.» Space drives R&D, strengthens the industry, promotes qualified employment, and bridges the gap between industry and academia, he added.
«Space represents one of the best industrial opportunities available to Andalusia today, with strategic investments, regional government support for companies, and a future vision aligned between administrations and the sector,» he concluded.
On her part, the Vice Minister of University, Research, and Innovation highlighted that the New Space & Solutions lands in a region where the aerospace tradition «is well established,» and in this regard, she recalled that in Andalusia, according to data from the Andalusia Aerospace Cluster, the sector generates more than 14,400 jobs and accounts for 1.2% of the regional GDP. Therefore, «it is relevant that the future of the sector is addressed from here,» a segment that invoices almost three times more than fifteen years ago, generates twice as much employment as a decade ago, and leads the ranking of Andalusian exports.
Over 72 million to promote innovation
In this way, she stressed that the University Department supports innovation in this area with over 72 million through projects like SpaceInnova Andalucía, a Public Innovation Procurement (CPI) program that will receive 20 million from FEDER funds, and for which a new preliminary market consultation has recently been carried out, as well as supporting the University of Seville (US) in the construction of the Innovation Center for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Urban Air Mobility, with 20 million from the Andalusia FEDER 2021-2027 Program. The Government also participates in the Certification and Experimentation Center for Unmanned Aircraft (CEUS) in the municipality of Moguer (Huelva), for which «we have allocated 17 million and are present in its governance.»
Likewise, Lorena Garrido recalled that the regulatory bases are already published to encourage new pathways in the development of aircraft that contribute to reducing noise and pollution in a line to which we will allocate 15M€ from FEDER funds in line with the Clean Aviation initiative. Additionally, she emphasized that the aerospace sector can also access incentives from innovation clusters, worth 10 million, and those aimed at innovation in the business fabric, with 11.4 million, included in the ‘InnovAndalucía’ initiative, which includes aid of 59 million from FEDER funds to promote business and technological innovation.
Finally, the Vice Minister of University also expressed her satisfaction that this event has placed research at the center of the agenda, so researchers from different centers, our universities, and other academic institutions will present their findings on the situation and uses of space. In this regard, she highlighted the location of the Spanish Space Agency in Seville, which «has strengthened Andalusia’s potential in this sector and has made it the testing and decision-making center for space,» she concluded.