Por Redaccion 
The Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines, Jorge Paradela, and the Vice Minister of University, Research, and Innovation, Lorena Garrido, have participated in the opening of New Space & Solutions in Seville, an international event where the aerospace and satellite industry come together to provide solutions to citizens. They highlighted the commitment of the Andalusian Government to innovation, digitization, and industrial modernization in the aerospace sector, which will receive over 120 million by 2025 through various public grant programs and initiatives, aiming to continue contributing to the transformation of the Andalusian economy.
During the opening of this event held at the PCT Cartuja until March 21, aiming to showcase leading national companies, multinationals, universities, institutions, and experts working towards placing the Andalusian aerospace industry at the forefront globally, the Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines stated, «Space is a driver of progress; the aerospace industry is experiencing a stimulating period full of opportunities, especially in Andalusia, with double-digit annual growth in revenue and employment.»
To solidify Andalusia’s position as a reference aerospace region, the Andalusian Government is implementing a clear roadmap through the Aerospace Strategy based on promoting talent, innovation, disruptive technologies, and strengthening value chains. «We want Andalusia not only to participate in the New Space revolution but to be a key player in high-impact space projects.»
Various incentive calls and programs promoting digitization, industrial modernization, and the development of high-value-added sectors have been launched to achieve this vision. «Our goal is clear: to build a strong business ecosystem capable of competing in the global market and creating opportunities.»
He also reminded that until April 15, the call for promoting the development of 100% Andalusian satellite systems is open, with 16 million in grants. In addition, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines will launch a new incentive program for the experimentation and manufacturing of 100% Andalusian commercial drones, with 15 million, scheduled for the second half of 2025. Additionally, there will be a decree to boost the new mobility industry and the network of vertiports in Andalusia, along with 17.3 million from the Just Transition Funds to promote sector decarbonization through the Net Zero Jerez Hub.
Paradela emphasized that the space sector is rapidly expanding, driven by technological advancements, the race for sovereignty in telecommunications, and the growth of New Space. «According to TEDAE estimates, the economic impact is undeniable: every euro invested in space generates a threefold return.» Space drives R&D, strengthens the industry, promotes qualified employment, and bridges the gap between industry and academia.
«Space represents one of the best industrial opportunities currently available for Andalusia, with strategic investments, government support for businesses, and a future-oriented vision aligned between administrations and the sector,» he concluded.
On her part, the Vice Minister of University, Research, and Innovation highlighted that New Space & Solutions lands in a region where the aerospace tradition is well-established, noting that in Andalusia, this sector generates over 14,400 jobs and contributes 1.2 points to the regional GDP. «It is essential that the future of the sector is addressed from here, a segment that now generates nearly three times the revenue it did fifteen years ago, doubles the employment from a decade ago, and leads in Andalusian exports.»
Over 72 million to foster innovation
She emphasized that the University Ministry supports innovation in this field with over 72 million through projects like SpaceInnova Andalucía, a Public Innovation Procurement (CPI) program receiving 20 million from FEDER funds. Recently, a new market preliminary consultation was carried out, and support was provided to the University of Seville for the construction of the Center for Innovation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Urban Air Mobility, with 20 million from the Andalusia FEDER 2021-2027 Program. The Ministry is also involved in the Center for Experimentation and Certification of Unmanned Aircraft (CEUS) in Moguer (Huelva), with an allocation of 17 million and participation in its governance.
Furthermore, Lorena Garrido mentioned that the regulatory frameworks are already published to promote new paths in the development of aircraft that contribute to reducing noise and pollution, with 15 million from FEDER funds allocated in alignment with the Clean Aviation initiative. She also highlighted that the aerospace sector can access incentives from innovation clusters worth 10 million, and those aimed at innovating the business fabric, with 11.4 million, included in the ‘InnovAndalucía’ initiative, providing 59 million in FEDER funds to foster business and technological innovation.
Lastly, the Vice Minister of University expressed her satisfaction that this event has placed research at the forefront, allowing researchers from various centers, universities, and academic institutions to present their findings on the space situation and utilization. She highlighted the presence of the Spanish Space Agency in Seville, reinforcing Andalusia’s potential in this sector and positioning it as a testing and decision-making center for space activities.