What is the CASSINI Business Accelerator?

If you haven’t heard of it before, the CASSINI Business Accelerator offers a structured six-month acceleration program designed to fast-track innovative space technologies toward market readiness. Key elements of the program include:

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and sector specialists helps start-ups navigate complex business challenges.
• Workshops and training: Focused on business strategy, commercial traction, fundraising, and scaling operations.
• Networking opportunities: Introduces participants to investors, industry partners, and potential clients across Europe and beyond.
• Support resources: Practical assistance in market research, legal advice, and funding applications.

Meet the participants of Batch 5

After a competitive selection process with over 100 applicants, we welcomed 20 inspiring start-ups. This cohort impressed with their maturity and diversity, working on solutions from satellite connectivity and thermal technologies to greenhouse gas data and dual-use applications.

• 3L Robotics (Czech Republic), developing a smart, end-to-end drone delivery platform powered by AI and space technologies.
• Atlar Innovation (Portugal) is building a cutting-edge optical and radar ground station for space observation.
• ATMOS Space Cargo (Germany) is creating a platform to return cargo from Low Earth Orbit to Earth.
• Azimut Space (Germany), providing thermal hardware, services and complete systems for flight and ground applications.
• Caius (Greece), using AI and satellite data to make rural travel easier, more accessible, and organized.
• Celtonn (Ireland), specializing in the design and manufacture of millimetre wave components for 6G communication systems.
• Constellation Technologies & Operations (France) is developing a satellite constellation that enables telecom operators to provide high-speed internet access from space.
• Everimpact (France), providing GHG emissions data every 100 meters, every hour, anywhere in the world.
• Involve Space (Italy) is building a customizable and intelligent stratospheric pseudo-satellite.
• Isaware (Finland) is using advanced data analytics, machine learning, sensor fusion, and novel sensor technologies to deliver situational awareness solutions.
• LMO (Luxembourg) is providing capabilities for satellites to autonomously see, plan and act in space.
• Maana Electric (Luxembourg) is developing proprietary in-situ resources utilisation technologies to extract resources from low-value feedstock.
• MIPRONS (Italy), creating patented water-electrolysis technology for unparalleled efficiency and safety for satellite operability.
• Needronix (Slovakia) specializes in CubeSat integration and the design and development of next-generation CubeSat and SmallSat components.
• Neuraspace (Portugal), focusing on AI-powered Space Domain Awareness for real-time STM, LEOP support, tracking, launch analysis and mission design.
• OQ Technology (Luxembourg) is building the first satellite operator providing global IoT connectivity via 5G NTN technology.
• ORUS (France), leveraging proprietary constellation imagery and AI analytics to identify with precision chemical spectral signatures and derive insights at scale.
• SatRev (Poland), revolutionizing spacecraft construction by focusing on small, lightweight, and reliable designs.
• Sensmetry (Lithuania) pioneers systems-as-code, bringing software engineering power to systems engineering with SysIDE, its SysML v2 tool suite.
• Skynopy (France), simplifying satellite connectivity by offering a turnkey, ‘connectivity-as-a-service’ solution for operators of Low Earth Orbit satellites.

The results

Batch 5 demonstrated the tangible impact of the CASSINI Business Accelerator, turning guidance and support into real business growth. Over the six-month program, participants generated 1,015 sales leads, which resulted in 435 qualified prospects. These led to 243 concrete business opportunities and ultimately 69 closed deals, totaling €14.4 million in sales.

Funding achievements were equally strong. The companies collectively secured €42.5 million in public funding, while four start-ups raised €13.8 million through equity rounds and an additional €4.9 million from other private funding sources, such as business loans.

Ongoing impact of the accelerator

Having graduated from the accelerator, these companies are ready to build on their momentum and help shape the future of Europe’s space ecosystem. Their success stories reflect the ongoing impact of the CASSINI Business Accelerator in nurturing talent, driving technological advancement, and fostering meaningful societal contributions.

If you are interested in connecting with any of these start-ups, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Verhaert Strategic Innovation is more than happy to facilitate introductions.

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Moving beyond traditional waste management

With mass markets reaching saturation, the competitive landscape is fiercer than ever. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone (and often appealing to no one particularly well), savvy entrepreneurs are hyper-focusing on underserved micro-communities. These are groups of people with very specific needs, interests or problems that are not being adequately addressed by mainstream solutions.

Think of it as zooming in with a magnifying glass. Instead of aiming for ‘fitness enthusiasts’, a niche business might target ‘remote workers who want to integrate 10-minute stretching breaks into their workday’. This granular approach allows businesses to:

• Achieve product-market fit faster: By deeply understanding a small, specific audience, companies can design products and services that truly resonate with their target customers from day one. This reduces the risk of developing solutions that nobody wants or needs.
• Build stronger brand loyalty: When a product or service is tailor-made for a specific group, customers feel seen and understood. This fosters a sense of belonging and creates enthusiastic advocates for the brand.
• Reduce marketing costs: Marketing to a clearly defined niche is often more efficient and cost-effective. Messages can be highly targeted, reaching the right people through the right channels, leading to higher conversion rates.
• Command premium pricing: Solutions that perfectly address a specific pain point for a dedicated audience can often command higher prices, as the perceived value is significantly greater than generic alternatives.

The power of community-driven approaches

Hand-in-hand with niche focus is the emphasis on community-driven approaches. Entrepreneurs are not just selling to a market segment, they are building, nurturing and leveraging communities around their offerings. This involves fostering cultures of cooperation, mutual support, and shared identity among customers.

In practice, this means:

• Co-creation and feedback loops: Actively involving community members in the development process, gathering their feedback and incorporating their ideas directly into product and service improvements. This ensures ongoing relevance and a sense of ownership among users.
• Peer-to-peer support: Enabling customers to help each other, share best practices and troubleshoot issues within a dedicated community platform. This reduces the burden on customer support and builds strong bonds.
• Content and knowledge sharing: Curating or facilitating the creation of valuable content that serves the specific interests of the niche community, establishing the brand as a trusted authority and resource.
• Networking and partnership building: Digital platforms facilitate networking and partnership building, allowing niche businesses to connect with complementary services or even foster alliances among their users.

Examples in action from the CASSINI network

Verhaert Strategic Innovation plays a key role in the CASSINI ecosystem, a community-driven initiative to support new space ventures in Europe. Because of our contributions in supporting ventures from idea to growth through hackathons, matchmaking events and mentoring, we can see how this trend evolves at the source. From the entrepreneurs who have participated, we can see 2 clear entry points in this trend.

On the one hand, we see companies that are hyper-focusing on specific problems. Everimpact, for example, focuses on accelerating decarbonization with reliable carbon tracking and measuring CO2 and NOx emissions in shipping, a tailored solution within the broader sustainability trend. Ecosmic is a company that focuses on space debris monitoring. Their mission addresses a very specific and growing problem within the new space industry: the sustainability of space traffic and the need to reduce false collision alerts for satellite operators.

On the other hand, we see companies targeting clear micro-communities/industries. The company Aerospacelab provides end-to-end small satellite solutions and turnkey satellites with Earth observation payloads. While satellites are a product, their focus caters to a distinct segment of the space market (new space and space commercialization). Another example is Latitude, which offers a fully dedicated launcher to reach the space data they want for smallsat operators. This is a direct response to the specific needs of the small satellite market within the new space economy.

The new economic reality

The success stories from the CASSINI network clearly illustrate this new economic reality. The strategy for sustainable growth no longer lies in trying to capture the entire market, but in the deliberate, hyper-focused pursuit of niche market domination. By pairing this focus with a community-driven approach, fostering deep loyalty, mutual support, and co-creation among users, businesses build strong, defensible moats. These factors allow them to achieve superior product-market fit, command premium pricing, and gain enthusiastic advocates. Ultimately, the future of business isn’t just about finding a gap in the market, it’s about building a home within a niche.

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Bridging the growth gap for ventures at SmallSat 2025

At the Small Satellite Conference 2025 in Salt Lake City, venture growth took the next step, from proven concept model to expansion. Together with partners Novaspace and Starburst, we participated in the CASSINI Matchmaking initiative, spotlighting top-performing European space companies. During the event, our aim was far beyond visibility. Our focus was on:

• Opening doors for EU start-ups and scale-ups in the US market
• Connecting innovators with potential American clients and partners
• Turning European technology into global success stories

Across the Atlantic, European space companies are already making their mark – signing contracts with US satellite operators, partnering with NASA suppliers and winning attention from major buyers. Many of those relationships start with one conversation, and some start at CASSINI Matchmaking.

Forging transatlantic connections

Throughout SmallSat we saw European companies pitching solutions that address real challenges in communications, Earth observation and space sustainability – and finding partners who can help them scale on a global stage. Our CASSINI Lunch session drew more than 200 registrations from industry leaders such as SpaceX and Amazon. Presenters shared first-hand experiences of expanding into the US, highlighting both the opportunities and the need for expert support to navigate regulatory hurdles such as ITAR.

Measuring the impact

The engagement peaked at the CASSINI Reception, attended by more than 4,000 industry professionals. This provided the ideal platform for European start-ups to have brand exposure and direct access to potential partners, investors and customers. Companies managed to have lots of relevant conversations, which did more than connect people; they generated concrete business development opportunities and gained deeper insight into what international expansion demands.

We received countless supports from CASSINI through the Business Accelerator and Matchmaking, which played a key role in helping us grow our company. We are grateful to take part in the CASSINI activities and truly appreciate the team’s efforts to support EU companies entering the US market. – Mikolaj Podgórski, COO at Scanway

Catalyze your ventures’ growth

Whether you’re an innovation director, a CVC manager or an economic development officer, our expertise built up through programs like CASSINI – from acceleration and investor matchmaking to early-stage financing – can help turn your vision into reality. Let’s explore how we can fuel the next generation of ventures together.

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The road ahead: Challenges and opportunities

Upstream: building the future of space

Upstream space companies, focused on developing and manufacturing space infrastructure and technology, must tackle:

• High capital investment – Launching space solutions requires significant funding, making smart financial planning crucial.
• Technological complexity – Advanced engineering and rigorous testing are essential for mission success.
• Regulatory hurdles – Navigating licensing and compliance frameworks is time-consuming but necessary for market entry.

Downstream: unlocking the power of space data

Downstream space companies, focused on utilizing space data and technologies for terrestrial applications, must overcome:

• Market adoption – Educating customers about the value of space-driven solutions is key to scaling.
• Data accessibility – Processing vast amounts of satellite data requires robust infrastructure and expertise.
• Intensifying competition – Standing out in the fast-growing space-tech sector means demonstrating clear, tangible value.

Meet the Batch 4 start-ups

These 20 visionary start-ups, supported by the CASSINI business acceleration program, are tackling these challenges head-on with bold solutions:

• 2NDSPACE (Italy) – Offering a Satellite-as-a-Service model to make high-tech satellite access more flexible.
• Aistech Space (Spain) – Deploying a satellite constellation for high-resolution thermal imaging and environmental monitoring.
• Applied Aerial Technology (Ireland) – Leveraging Earth Observation for forestry and environmental sustainability.
• B2SPACE (Spain) – Pioneering Near Space Testing and high-altitude platform missions.
• Dronetag (Czech Republic) – Enhancing drone visibility and airspace safety with real-time tracking technology.
• embedded ocean (Germany) – Boosting industrial efficiency with smart software solutions.
• German Orbital Systems (Germany) – Providing CubeSat solutions for a range of space applications.
• Hightek (Italy) – Developing advanced aerial vision systems for disaster response.
• Hydra Space Systems (Spain) – Creating efficient satellite communications for remote sensor networks.
• Infinite Orbits (France) – Extending satellite lifespans through GEO in-orbit services.
• ION-X (France) – Innovating in electric propulsion for small satellites.
• Kermap (France) – Using AI and satellite data to support regenerative agriculture and urban planning.
• Oledcomm (France) – Leading in optical wireless communication for space and defense.
• Revolv Space (Italy) – Advancing mechanisms and power systems for next-gen satellites.
• Sensar (Netherlands) – Using satellite insights to monitor soil, surface, and infrastructure risks.
• Space Composite Structures Denmark (Denmark) – A one-stop shop for designing, manufacturing, and testing space hardware.
• SpaceLocker (France) – Simplifying in-orbit sensor deployment with shared space missions.
• Sternula (Denmark) – Providing affordable satellite-based maritime connectivity.
• TALOS (Germany) – Creating an “Internet of Animals” for wildlife monitoring via CubeSats.
• WeavAir (Poland) – Transforming ESG assessments using AI-driven satellite analytics.

The CASSINI formula for start-up success

With the CASSINI Business Accelerator, we don’t just ‘accelerate’ companies, we equip them for success. Through expert mentorship, tailored training, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the program helps founders:

Refine their business strategies – Defining target markets, strengthening value propositions, and navigating industry complexities.
Secure investment – Gaining access to funding opportunities and building investor confidence.
Forge strategic partnerships – Connecting with industry leaders, customers, and research institutions.
Gain market traction – Developing go-to-market strategies and increasing visibility in the European space ecosystem.

The CASSINI Business Accelerator Batch 4 journey begins

As Batch 4 embarks on this journey, we’re excited to see their breakthrough innovations take flight. With bold ideas, relentless ambition, and the power of collaboration, these start-ups are set to redefine the future of space. Through our thematic business acceleration programs, we empower a dynamic ecosystem for growth, ensuring that visionary entrepreneurs have the support they need to thrive. Welcome to the CASSINI Business Accelerator, Batch 4! The adventure begins now.

Do you want to be part of the next batch? Applications for Batch 5 close this Friday, March 7! Apply now and accelerate your space venture.

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The program is an opportunity to receive hands-on support from a diverse team of experienced mentors and industry experts, as well as access to a prestige network of investors and potential partners.

A start-up participating in the six-month-long program can expect to:

• Refine and validate its business models and value propositions, under the guidance of dedicated coaches and international mentors
• Expand its business opportunities internationally by leveraging the CASSINI Business Accelerator team’s deep-rooted knowledge of local markets, ecosystems, business culture, and investors, across European markets
• Obtain a seed voucher, upon successfully completing the acceleration program to continue your growth trajectory

The program is looking for start-ups and scale-ups with products or technologies dedicated to space in both upstream and downstream applications. To meet eligibility criteria, the teams must be EU-owned and SME-sized, as well as have a highly-ambitious and versatile founding team with relevant experience with proven commercial traction and product-market fit.

Verhaert will lead the consortium and manage the project, with a focus on providing learning support for the participants. CIVITTA, Plug and Play Tech Center, and Sting will provide acceleration support in dedicated locations and markets of interest, as well as mentorship in key areas such as sales and business development planning, investment readiness, and market expansion.

Applications are open until March 31, further information can be found on the CASSINI Business Accelerator website.

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The CASSINI Hackathons and Mentoring, initiated by the European Union and its space program, is a series of 6 hackathons that tackle global challenges using European space technologies. Now in its 3rd edition, this hackathon provides access to European space data, information and signals from Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS, plus other valuable tools to help participants take on one of our three pressing challenges. The top ideas will be awarded at both local and EU levels, and the overall winners will enter a 6-month mentoring program that includes 100 hours of customized expert mentoring.

Here’s what to expect

If you’re a rising innovator in Europe, you’re invited to participate in the CASSINI Hackathon at one of our 10 locations. Each hackathon location features its own unique set of experts, prizes, and additional special features. Once you select a location, it’s time for registration, team formation and ideation! Your team will choose to solve one of three challenges, all related to the theme of European tourism:

1. Creating sustainable destinations: Develop innovative ideas or design new products or services that reduce the carbon footprint of tourism travel. For this challenge, participants are encouraged to explore the areas of carbon footprint measurement, alternative destinations or modes of transport, online travel agents and other intermediaries, disruptive travel concepts, and understanding travel patterns between cities or countries.
2. Experiencing lesser-known cities and cultures: Develop innovative ideas or design new products or services to offer travelers a unique and sustainable way to experience local destinations while supporting local businesses and communities. For this challenge, participants are encouraged to explore the areas of crowd management and slow tourism, personal recommendations and itineraries, social recognition and social media, state-of-the-art virtual travel experiences, and supporting local businesses and communities.
3. Exploring nature with care: Develop innovative ideas or design new products or services to offer tourists a unique and sustainable opportunity to explore our nature. For this challenge, participants are encouraged to explore the areas of conservation of local nature and biodiversity, social recognition, and social media, supporting local businesses and communities, the generation of (new) routes and points of interest, and tourist information about the environmental state of areas.

Get your spot

Remember, no previous space experience is required! This is your chance to engage with the sector, even if it’s for the first time. The application process couldn’t be easier: simply choose a challenge and decide how you’ll leverage EU space technologies to reshape European tourism. Register here: hackathons.cassini.eu

Hackers aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of the CASSINI Hackathons & Mentoring. If you’d like to participate as an organizer or mentor, we’d love to hear from you. All interested individuals, organisations, companies, and institutions are invited to apply to support the next generation of space-based entrepreneurs. Information on how to get involved can be found here for mentors and organizers.

Now is your chance to become part of this exciting European initiative to promote EU Space technology and its many applications. Hack with a purpose and leverage EU space data, services, and signals to strengthen and transform the way Europe does tourism! More information: hackathons.cassini.eu

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European space hackathons & mentoring

The contract has a potential value of up to €3.6 million and will implement the European Space Hackathons & Mentoring program on behalf of the European Commission. It includes a series of 2 hackathons in 2021 and another 4 hackathons in the following 2 years upon renewal of the contract. It is a first step within the Competitive Space Start-ups for Innovation (CASSINI) initiative of the European Commission to grow the number of start-ups that successfully commercialize innovative European space technologies.

Each hackathon runs simultaneously at up to 10 locations. For the organization of the hackathons and mentoring, we count on the support of local organizers, for whom this is a great opportunity to enter the fascinating market of space-based innovation and entrepreneurship.

Boost chances to succeed & accelerate growth

The CASSINI initiative will boost the opportunities for space start-ups to succeed thanks to technical and business support. On the other hand, it will accelerate their growth and scale-up by attracting more private investors. CASSINI streamlines existing initiatives and contemplates new ones, to support innovation and start-ups. As part of the European Strategy for SMEs it will create a coherent, long term, structured, focused and scalable public support mechanism.

Foster the commercialization of European space technologies

Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among the space community in Europe is a topic close to the hearts of Verhaert Masters in Innovation and SpaceTec Partners. Thomas Tanghe, Partner at SpaceTec Partners: “The new CASSINI hackathons will build on the legacy of innovation programs our companies jointly implemented for space such as the Copernicus Accelerator and Point.IoT. Together, we are looking forward to continuing our efforts toward fostering awareness and user uptake for the components of the European Space Program: Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS, GOVSATCOM and Space Situational Awareness (SSA).”

Sam Waes, Program Manager for the OpenLab at Verhaert Masters in Innovation, adds: “We want to integrate the CASSINI hackathons in a relevant space ecosystem. Thanks to our well-developed methodology and innovative approach, we are experienced in reaching audiences in- and outside the space community, covering multiple professional fields with a very broad geographic coverage in Europe. During the hackathons, we want to encourage human interactions and give start-ups access to a wide pool of mentors.”

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Shift towards open innovation

To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of innovation processes, we see companies shifting from a so-called closed innovation towards a more open way of innovating. To create customer value, they search for new technologies and ideas outside the company. Open Innovation can be described as ‘combining internal and external ideas as well as internal and external paths to market to advance the development of new technologies’ (source: openinnovation.eu).

Managing and organizing open innovation in SMEs

The last 10 years Open Innovation has been mainly embraced by large companies. The evidence for the value of Open Innovation in SMEs is significant. However, there are still crucial challenges to be tackled regarding the management and support of Open Innovation in European SMEs. INSPIRE aims to investigate how open innovation processes can be professionally managed and organized in SMEs.

Integrated toolbox for SMEs and innovation practitioners

To achieve this goal, INSPIRE will study a critical mass of SME Open Innovation cases. Of more than 300 examples collected from different countries, 120 were selected for detailed exploration. The findings will be translated into an Integrated Toolbox, a targeted support framework to be offered and exploited by SMEs and innovation practitioners in Europe. The findings of INSPIRE will be disseminated extensively to a wide audience. This in order to raise awareness and drive the formation of a living community which can promote better Open Innovation processes in SMEs by sharing knowledge, experience and opportunities.

Multidisciplinary consortium of organizations

To access the whole open innovation chain across a range of geographical, economic and SMEs’ context, the consortium includes a variety of competences. There are 8 European countries participating in this project, including strong academic research partners in innovation management. The project is coordinated by the University of Brighton and will run until March 2019.

With our profound experience in managing the innovation process, Verhaert will have a strong contribution to this project. More specifically, Verhaert will have a leading position next year in developing models for the toolbox. We expect that the outcome will help the European SMEs to manage open innovation in a professional way so they become more competitive in the long term.

Visit the website of www.brighton.ac.uk for more information.

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