isProject Space for V4 is an initiative supported by the International Visegrad Fund, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the space industry among the Visegrad countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia). Its main goal is to create a platform that connects small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, startups, and other stakeholders, fostering the development of the space economy in the region. The ambition is to encourage cross-sector collaboration and engage traditional industries as well. Project partners include Partnermi projektu sú organizácie INOVATO (SK), Design Terminal (HU), JIC (CZ), ABGI (PL) a VýťahConf. (SK).
In the past, the space industry was seen as distant and exotic. Today, however, it brings new opportunities in agriculture, energy, telecommunications, transportation, security, and even healthcare. These technologies have the potential to support the growth of various sectors across Central Europe.
Presentation of Space Ecosystems in the V4 Countries through Online Trainings
As part of the Space for V4 project, a series of practical trainings was organized by project partners, focusing on presenting the functioning, plans, and future of the space ecosystem in the V4 countries. These trainings offered participants not only theoretical insights but also hands-on experience and examples of companies successfully operating in the space sector.
This article highlights the Slovak contribution to the initiative.
Slovakia: A Space for Startups, Small Businesses, and Traditional Industries
At the beginning of the online meeting, Anna Čaplovičová from INOVATO introduced the activities of the association, the topics the cluster focuses on, and the background of the Space for V4 project.
Igor Žáček continued by introducing and inviting attendees to the VýťahConf, conference, which will take place on April 24, 2025, in Bratislava. This conference is focused on connecting the space industry with other sectors and is aimed primarily at professionals outside the space sector. The goal of the event is to demonstrate how space technologies can serve as a competitive advantage for companies and innovators in various fields. Conference program will include presentations by international speakers from organizations such as ESA, NATO, and the startup ecosystem, as well as a pitching competition for startups. Thematic blocks will cover software, hardware, investments, and networking. This comprihensive event is part of a broader effort to integrate Slovakia into the global space ecosystem and support innovation in the region. Partners of the Space for V4 project will also be featured at the conference.
Michal Brichta from Slovak Space Office – Slovak Space Industry shared insights into the wide range of activities aimed at supporting the development of the space sector in Slovakia. He discussed the support for students through initiatives like ESA CANSAT, which allow young people to practically engage in space research. For entrepreneurs and innovators, he introduced Spaceport_SK – Slovak Space Office, which offers mentoring, expert advice, and support for startups. Additionally, he provided updates on the preparations for establishing the ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) in Slovakia, a significant step towards connecting Slovak companies with the European Space Agency and the entire EU space ecosystem. More details in the video.
Henrieta Dunne introduced the newly established Eastern Slovakia Space Cluster, which aims to develop the regional innovation ecosystem focused on the use of space technologies. The cluster is dedicated to connecting the business, research, and education sectors and plans to operate actively both nationally and internationally. A priority is collaboration with universities, research centers, and international partners, with the goal of strengthening Slovakia’s position in the European space landscape.
The conclusion of the training session featured presentations from two Slovak companies, GROUNDCOM and ENTROPI SPACE, which have successfully established themselves in the space technology sector. Igor Paulíček presented the origin and direction of GROUNDCOM, a company specializing in the development and operation of communication systems for small satellites, including solutions for bidirectional data transfer between satellites and ground stations. Their technologies are applied in telecommunications, Earth observation, and research. The company focuses on international collaboration and expanding its presence in the global market. Igor Sovčík from ENTROPI SPACE presented the OTACHKA project – an innovative microgravity simulation device enabling scientific, educational, and industrial experiments under microgravity, zero gravity, as well as the gravitational conditions of the Moon and Mars.
Collaboration beyond borders
The Space for V4 project offers a concrete example of how to effectively connect activities and strengthen collaboration between organizations in partner countries. Its main contribution is the creation of a space for sharing inspiration, connecting ecosystems, and mapping potential for future joint initiatives in the field of space technologies. It demonstrates that these technologies are no longer the exclusive domain of major players – they offer opportunities for small businesses, startups, and researchers to use them for the development of their products and services. For more information, check out the video or visit the project website.
Are you operating in the space economy or want to become part of it? Add your information to our database and increase your visibility to potential partners from V4 countries. Filling out a short form will open new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
TEXT: Anna Čaplovičová, Natália Stašíková, INOVATO
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The project is co-financed by the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia through the Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to promote the ideas of sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe. visegradfund.org
