Space economy meets in Venice

There are more than 50 events on the programme: today, 12 May, is the day dedicated to the Space & UAV Suppliers Summit; 13 May will be followed by in-depth discussions on AI, Cyber & Quantum and the Lunar Economy.

Yesterday, on its inaugural day, the Investment Forum was held: the event took place at the Procuratie Vecchie in St. Mark's Square in Venice, in front of more than 40 realities including family offices, private equity and venture capital. The transversal theme of the entire day: how public and institutional capital can act as a catalyst for private individuals, without replacing them. At the Forum, it emerged how venture and quasi-equity instruments - managed by European and national financial institutions - are today the most effective tool for lowering the perceived risk threshold and unlocking private capital towards space companies with strong potential. The challenge - it was said - is not the lack of technology, but that of bringing European companies to a competitive size on global markets: what is needed is a financial ecosystem capable of accompanying companies from early stage to industrial growth, with flexible instruments and greater coordination between European and national levels.

For the region, 'the Space Economy is no longer just a future prospect, but a concrete industrial platform generating innovation, skilled employment, security and global competitiveness. In this scenario, Veneto is ready to play a leading role in Europe,' said Regional Councillor for Economic Development Massimo Bitonci. "Today our aerospace ecosystem counts over 100 companies, 5,500 employees, a turnover of EUR 2.3 billion - 63% of which is export-oriented - and the involvement of the four Veneto universities. We are the fourth national pole in the sector. Space is no longer just research, and Veneto has all the characteristics to become a strategic industrial platform of the European Space Economy, knowing that every euro invested in space generates value in the real economy and qualified employment. This is why the Region continues to support research, innovative start-ups, digital transition and high value-added technological supply chains, with the aim of attracting capital and retaining talent."

"By exceeding 100 partners in RIR Air," commented Federico Zoppas, President of the Regional Aerospace Innovation and Research Network, "we have shown that the Veneto ecosystem produces tangible results and arouses great interest, as demonstrated by the sell-out recorded this year. The Investment Forum is also growing and seeing an increasingly articulate audience. In this context, with the support of the Esa - European Space Agency, we have also involved some start-ups that had the opportunity to present themselves directly to the investors in the room. Our goal for 2026 is to facilitate the dimensional consolidation of our SMEs, making them capable of attracting the private capital that is growing in Europe but which requires solid and specialised partners. Only by creating a system between industry, finance and institutions will we be able to transform Veneto into a global pole of excellence in the New Space Economy'.