In 2023, the European Space Agency (ESA) awarded contracts worth €9.9 million to Irish companies primarily focused on industrial activities. Industrial co-funding of €2.2 million further supported these enterprises.
Throughout the year, 25 companies, including three newly space-active businesses, were supported in developing products and technologies across sectors including telecommunications, earth observation, and space exploration.
This is according to a report by Enterprise Ireland entitled ‘Space Activities in Ireland 2023’ which highlights the growing participation and success of Irish companies in the European space sector. By the end of 2023, 109 Irish companies were actively engaged with ESA, demonstrating the significant expansion of Ireland's role in this high-growth industry.
'Global Space Economy'
"As Ireland’s space community continues to innovate and collaborate with European and global partners, the future of the country’s space sector looks brighter than ever," said Minister Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail.
"The Irish Government is committed to continuing its support for innovation and enterprise in the space sector as we look to build on these successes and further strengthen Ireland’s role in the global space economy."
Space Economy
The space economy was valued at $630 billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with an average annual growth rate of 9%, significantly outpacing global GDP growth.
In a demonstration of Ireland’s position at the front rank of space technology development, ESA’s new rocket the Ariane 6, which launched in July this year, used two technology systems designed and built by Irish space engineering company Réaltra.
Enterprise Ireland’s ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Ireland also had a successful year, welcoming seven new start-ups. These companies are focused on developing both upstream and downstream applications, further bolstering Ireland’s contribution to the burgeoning space sector.
'Driving Innovation'
"This year’s report demonstrates the progress and impact Irish companies are making through collaboration with ESA, not only in advancing space technology but also in driving innovation in sectors with downstream applications," said Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland.
"Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting these companies and the growing number of research teams actively involved in space-related developments supported by ESA."
Irish Space Association
A key development for the space technology development in 2023 was the establishment of the Irish Space Association (ISA), a new organisation designed to foster collaboration among space-active companies and research organizations in Ireland.
This collaborative network aims to play a pivotal role in the future growth of Ireland’s space sector by promoting knowledge-sharing and enhancing the country's competitive edge in the global space market.
Source: www.businessworld.ie
