Poland’s space ecosystem is developing dynamically, with a diverse network of companies, research institutions, and government initiatives driving innovation. As part of the “Space for V4” project, a detailed mapping of the country’s space sector was conducted to identify key stakeholders, collaboration opportunities, and emerging trends. This article presents the findings of the ecosystem mapping, highlighting Poland’s strengths, challenges, and potential for further growth in the space industry.
KEY ORGANIZATIONS
1. Polish Space Agency (POLSA): Established in 2014, POLSA coordinates national space activities, fosters partnerships between industry and research entities, and facilitates access to European Space Agency (ESA) programs.
KEY ACTIVITIES: National Space Program: A strategic framework aimed at advancing Poland’s space capabilities.
Increased ESA Contributions: Poland has augmented its contributions to ESA, enhancing opportunities for domestic entities.
• More Information: Home – POLSA – Polska Agencja Kosmiczna
2. ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Poland: Supporting startups in the space sector, ESA BIC Poland provides technical expertise, business development support, and funding opportunities, with locations in Warsaw and Rzeszów.
KEY ACTIVITIES: Supports startups in the space sector by providing technical expertise, business development support, and funding opportunities.
• More Information: ESA Business Incubation Centre Poland
3. Industrial Development Agency (ARP): Playing a pivotal role in supporting industrial development, including the space sector, ARP offers financial instruments and investment support, collaborating with ESA to implement programs like ESA BIC Poland.
KEY ACTIVITIES: Collaboration with ESA: ARP collaborates with ESA to implement programs like ESA BIC Poland, fostering innovation and commercialization in the space industry.
• More Information: Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A. – Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.
4. Space Technology Cluster: This cluster brings together various stakeholders to promote innovation and collaboration in developing space technologies in Poland, supporting innovative ventures in the Eastern region.
KEY ACTIVITIES: Support for Innovative Ventures: Assists in the development of entrepreneurship in Eastern Poland’s space sector.
• More Information: Klaster Technologii Kosmicznych
5. Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation: A leading research institution focusing on aviation and space technologies, it offers support for R&D projects, including a Rocket and Satellite Propulsion Laboratory Center.
KEY ACTIVITIES: Rocket and Satellite Propulsion Laboratory Center: Provides infrastructure and expertise for developing propulsion technologies.
• More Information: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
6. Polish Space Industry Employers Association (ZPSK): ZPSK is an organization representing Polish companies and institutions in the space sector. Its mission is to support the development of the Polish space industry by collaborating with public administration, international organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA), and promoting Polish space technologies on international markets.
KEY ACTIVITIES: Monitoring ESA and EU funding opportunities: ZPSK assists its members in accessing ESA programs and EU grants. Fostering international cooperation: The association promotes Polish companies in international space projects. Building sectoral competencies: Through workshops, training sessions, and industry meetings, ZPSK supports technological and organizational development for its members.
• More Information: Space – Polish Space Industry Association
7. Space Technology Centre (Centrum Technologii Kosmicznych): The Space Technology Centre (CTK) is part of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, dedicated to advancing innovative space technologies. It specializes in developing satellite systems, propulsion technologies, and space exploration solutions. The center plays a vital role in Poland’s space research and industry by collaborating with academic, industrial, and international partners.
KEY ACTIVITIES: Development of space technologies: Focus on satellite systems, propulsion, and space exploration. R&D projects: Involvement in European Space Agency (ESA) and Horizon Europe projects, among others. Support for commercialization: Aiding the transformation of research outcomes into market-ready products and services.
• More Information: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
8. Space Technology Park in Zielona Góra: The Space Technology Park in Zielona Góra is a key hub for innovation in the space sector in Poland. It focuses on fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions to advance space-related technologies. The park provides infrastructure, expertise, and support for startups and established companies working in the space industry.
KEY ACTIVITIES: Research and Development: Supporting projects in satellite technology, remote sensing, and space exploration. Business Incubation: Offering facilities and mentoring for startups in the space sector. Collaborative Projects: Working with national and international partners, including the European Space Agency (ESA).
• More Information: Zielona Góra institutions to build Space Technology Park in Nowy Kisielin | Polish Science
SPACE RELATED GRANTS
Polish entities can leverage below programs to obtain financial support for their space-related projects, fostering innovation and technological advancement in the sector.
1. Horizon Europe Program
Horizon Europe is the EU’s framework program for 2021–2027, supporting research and innovation, including space-related projects.
• Example Projects: In 2021–2022, 49 space research projects received funding under Horizon Europe, with Polish entities participating in 10 of them.
• More Information: Horizon Europe – European Commission
2. ESA Spark Funding Program
A three-year program by the European Space Agency (ESA) offering non-refundable funding for creating and commercializing products and services utilizing space technologies.
• Availability in Poland: The program has been launched in Poland, enabling local entities to apply for financial support.
• More Information: Spark Funding – ESA Broker
3. National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR)
NCBR supports innovative projects in the space sector through competitions like “Fast Track – Space Technologies,” providing grants for cutting-edge solutions.
• Example: Astronika received funding from NCBR for a project under this program.
• More Information: Kosmiczne rozwiązania Made in Poland. Astronika z grantem od NCBR – Narodowe Centrum Badań i Rozwoju – Portal Gov.pl
4. European Space Agency (ESA) Programs
As an ESA member state, Poland participates in both optional and mandatory programs, granting domestic entities access to funds for developing space technologies.
• Funding: In 2023, the Ministry of Development and Technology increased Poland’s contribution to ESA, allocating a total of EUR 360 million for programs supporting the national space sector.
• More Information: esa-star Publication
5. ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Poland
The incubator supports startups in the space sector by providing assistance with business plans, company formation, and securing additional funding.
• Goal: To support 35 startups in their incubation process over five years.
• More Information: ESA Business Incubation Centre Poland
SPACE RELATED-VC FUNDS in POLAND
Overview of VC funds operating in Poland that have shown interest in collaborating with the space industry:
1. Space Bridge Fund
Space Bridge Fund is a venture capital fund focusing on financing innovative projects with high technological potential in the space sector. It aims to bridge the gap between early-stage ideas and market-ready solutions. https://www.spacebridgefund.com/en/home-english/
2. OTB Ventures
OTB Ventures is a leading venture capital fund in Central and Eastern Europe, specializing in investments in innovative technology companies, including those in the space sector. They have expressed interest in supporting space-related startups. https://otb.vc/
3. Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A. (ARP)
The Industrial Development Agency (ARP) is a state-owned entity that has been actively supporting the Polish space sector. Since 2014, ARP has been a shareholder in Creotech Instruments S.A., the largest Polish company producing and supplying space technologies. In 2019, ARP added PIAP Space sp. z o.o., a company specializing in space robotics systems, to its portfolio. https://arp.pl/en/
4. PFR Ventures
PFR Ventures manages several funds that provide repayable financing to innovative companies in the SME sector through financial intermediaries, including VC funds. While not exclusively focused on the space sector, they offer support to high-tech ventures. https://pfrventures.pl/en
5. Iron Volf Capital
Iron Wolf Capital is an early-stage VC fund from the Baltics investing in teams with a global mindset creating disruptive technologies. Based in Vilnius and London we invest in smart people with innovative ideas and global aspirations. Our sights are firmly set on funding the most promising and ambitious startups in the region. https://www.ironwolfcapital.com/
6. Expeditions Fund
We are early-stage, specialist, concentrated, research driven private investment firm backed by a close-knit community of sophisticated LPs. We offer founders capital, operational support and privileged access to top global network and know-how. https://expeditionsfund.com/
Other important links:
National Space Program for 2021-2026
The National Space Program (Krajowy Program Kosmiczny, KPK) is a strategic document developed by the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) to support the growth of Poland’s space sector. It outlines priority investment areas and actions for the years 2021-2026 and beyond.
The program focuses on research and development, education, and commercialization of space technologies, emphasizing satellite systems, space robotics, and applications based on space data. Its initial budget was set at PLN 248.5 million, aiming to increase the participation of Polish companies and institutions in international space projects, including those under the European Space Agency (ESA).
The KPK is a crucial element in building Poland’s competencies in the space industry and integrating the country into the European and global space sectors. https://www.gov.pl/attachment/935b6f52-92ed-41f4-9dc6-fb502c609a84
The presented article was prepared as part of the pilot project “Space for V4,” within the ecosystem mapping segment conducted in each V4 country. The project aims to create a platform for fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in the space industry, research, and business across the V4 region.
TEXT: Pawel Kwiatkowski, Anna Čaplovičová
FOTO: pixabay.com