Valencia, July 10, 2025 – The Region of Valencia is taking a significant step forward in positioning itself as a hub for space and defense technology with the celebration of INNOESPAI 2025, the aerospace innovation forum held today in Valencia.
The event, organized by the Espai Aero CV platform and funded by the Generalitat Valenciana, took place at the Sésame HR and brought together leading companies, government institutions, and sector experts to address the key challenges and opportunities shaping the European space and defense ecosystem.
Space as a key dimension of security
Throughout the first (of five roundtables), one message has become clear: Space is no longer a purely scientific domain. It is now a critical geostrategic asset. As Juny Crespo, Country Operations Manager at ICEYE, stated, “Space is militarized. No national or regional defense strategy is conceivable without access to space.”
This reality is driving a profound transformation across the sector, where innovation, technological sovereignty, and industrial capacity are becoming increasingly essential.
Dual-use technology: regulatory and production challenges
One of the central themes of the first discussion has been dual-use technology—solutions with both civilian and military applications—which are key to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. According to Antonio Bedmar, CEO of Abiónica, “The challenge is twofold: ensuring the responsible use and control of sensitive information, and scaling production to meet growing demand under increasingly tight timelines.”
Bedmar emphasized that Europe must commit to true strategic collaboration, eliminating administrative redundancies and building an industrial fabric with a long-term vision.
Rapid access to space: the logistical challenge of the 21st century
From the business perspective, Francesc Casas, Public Affairs Manager at PLD Space, made the company’s mission clear: “We consider ourselves a transport company. Through our own launcher, just like logistics firms manage cargo, we manage payloads to space. But to do that, we need to develop our own launcher.”
Their ambitious goal: to place payloads in orbit within just 48 hours—a milestone that could revolutionize space logistics in Europe.
Observation capacity and strategic autonomy
Colonel Jaime S. Mayorga, Head of the Defense Programs Department at the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), who moderated the panel, summarized its main conclusions: “We need to improve our observation capabilities, develop robust dual-use technologies, and ensure sovereign access to space.”
Valencia, an emerging ecosystem for the aerospace industry
With more than 120 organizations integrated into the Espai Aero platform, the Region of Valencia is building a competitive ecosystem capable of leading innovation in satellites, reusable launchers, smart sensors, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials.
At Invest in Valencia, we actively support the attraction of tech-driven and industrial companies looking to become part of the Valencian aerospace and defense ecosystem. Investing in Valencia means choosing a dynamic environment rich in talent, advanced infrastructure, and strong institutional support.
👉 Want to know more about why Valencia is the right place for your aerospace and defense business development?
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