[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.ieec.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/slider-comunicacio.jpg” max_height=”130px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”24px||11px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Unitats de recerca” module_class=”ieec-orgs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_phone=”26px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoiY3VzdG9tX21ldGFfb3JnYW5pemFjaW9uZXMiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsImVuYWJsZV9odG1sIjoib2ZmIn19@[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title author=”off” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” admin_label=”T\u00edtol i data” module_class=”ieec-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Cairo|300|||||||” title_font_size=”40px” meta_font=”||on||||||” meta_font_size=”16px” title_font_size_tablet=”35px” title_font_size_phone=”30px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subt\u00edtols” module_class=”ieec-summary” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Source Sans Pro||on||||||” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.1em” text_font_size_tablet=”22px” text_font_size_phone=”20px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title title=”off” meta=”off” module_class=”ieec-img-container” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#406fda” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-img-footer” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Minister N\u00faria Montserrat during the event. Government of Catalonia.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Palau de Pedralbes in Barcelona hosted this morning the Space Research and Innovation Day, an institutional gathering highlighting the potential, diversity, and excellence of space science research in Catalonia, as well as its capacity to generate knowledge transfer and tangible impact on business activity within the space sector.<\/span><\/p>\n In her institutional address, Minister for Research and Universities N\u00faria Montserrat emphasised that<\/span> \u201cresearch and innovation in the space sector are a lever for technological, economic, and social transformation, impacting sectors as diverse as agriculture, mobility, energy, land management, and the fight against climate change.\u201d<\/b> In this regard, the Minister added that<\/span> \u201ctalking about space today is no longer just about exploration; it is also about security, sustainability, industrial competitiveness, and digital transformation. About data that improves decision-making, innovations that create new companies, and skilled jobs. Ultimately, it is about a future we want to build, in which Catalonia intends to play a role\u2014with knowledge, with talent, and with a European commitment\u2014making research and innovation a true national policy.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On his part, the Minister of Business and Labour, Miquel S\u00e0mper, closed the meeting by stating that <\/span>\u201ctoday we want to highlight that the Catalan space sector is a complete and growing ecosystem: there is talent, there is innovation, there are emerging and established companies, and there is infrastructure that enables cutting-edge projects.\u201d<\/b> The Minister also emphasised the Catalunya Space 2030 Strategy, <\/span>\u201cthe Government\u2019s roadmap reflecting the country\u2019s ambition to lead the future of space through innovation, talent, and public-private collaboration, in line with European and Spanish strategies.\u201d \u201cCatalonia has talent, knowledge, and infrastructure. Now it is up to us to work together to transform this potential into real results, more competitive companies, leading projects, and future opportunities for the country,\u201d<\/b> S\u00e0mper concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”section-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Space Research and Innovation Day was organised by the <\/span>Ministry of Research and Universities<\/span><\/a> and the <\/span>Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia<\/span><\/a> (IEEC), with the collaboration of the <\/span>Ministry of Business and Labour<\/span><\/a>. The event brought together over 200 actors from the system, including leaders of leading research centres and groups, managers of scientific and technical infrastructures, representatives of space agencies and programmes, as well as established companies and emerging spin-offs in the sector.<\/span><\/p>\n The goal of the day was to identify and showcase the main actors shaping Catalonia\u2019s space ecosystem and to strengthen connections between the various stakeholders along the value chain, fostering synergies and new opportunities for collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n In the context of sustained growth in the global space sector, the Day highlighted the economic, scientific, and technological impact of this strategic field, as well as Catalonia\u2019s role as a hub for space research and innovation. During the session, notable academic and industrial initiatives were also presented, alongside success stories that exemplify the region\u2019s ability to transform scientific knowledge into globally impactful innovation.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The Space Research and Innovation Day takes place just a few months before the total solar eclipse that will occur in Catalonia on 12 August, an exceptional astronomical event not seen in the region for over a century. To harness its potential for scientific outreach, as well as to ensure safety, the Government has launched the \u201cCatalonia Looks to the Sky\u201d initiative, an interdepartmental action plan led by President Salvador Illa with the support of the Vice-Presidency of Minister for Research and Universities N\u00faria Montserrat, aimed at providing a safe, participatory, and enriching experience for the entire population.<\/span><\/p>\n A commission composed of thirteen Government ministries, and supported scientifically and technically by institutions such as the IEEC and other leading centres in astronomical research and space observation, has been overseeing these objectives since its establishment in May 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ieec.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/5816955658639707416.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-img-footer” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Minister N\u00faria Montserrat\u00a0visited the exhibitors, who were presenting prototypes of space technology developed in the Catalan ecosystem. <\/strong>Government of Catalonia<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”section-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Following the institutional welcome, the day began with a presentation on space research, its transfer, and societal impact, delivered by the Director of Research at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Athena Coustenis.<\/span><\/p>\n Once this concluded, the first of the four round tables structuring the event took place, dedicated to innovative research, introduced by the Director of the IEEC, Xavier Luri. The subsequent round table, moderated by the Director of the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), Javier Bonet, included the participation of Ignasi Ribas, researcher at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) and at the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC); Sergi Figuerola, Director of the I2CAT Foundation; Ana I. P\u00e9rez-Neira, Director of the Telecommunications Technological Centre of Catalonia (CTTC); and Carolina Gabarr\u00f3, researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) and Head of the Polar Oceanography and Cryospheric Studies group.<\/span><\/p>\n Scientific and technical infrastructures as instruments for innovation featured as the second session of the day, opened with a presentation by the Director General for Knowledge Transfer and Society at the Ministry of Research and Universities, Javier Selva. The discussion on this topic brought together Francesc G\u00f2dia, Director General of the MELiSSA-ESA Pilot Plant and researcher at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB); M\u00f2nica Roca, co-founder and Director of isardSAT; Joan Manel Casalta, Director of Science Programmes at SENER Aeroespacial; and Francisco J. Doblas-Reyes, ICREA Research Professor and Director of the Department of Earth Sciences at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center \u2013 National Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS). The session was moderated by Crist\u00f3bal Padilla, Director of the Technical Division at the Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE).<\/span><\/p>\n The third focus of the day centred on successful industrial initiatives and was introduced by Maria Galindo, Secretary of Digital Policies at the Ministry of Business and Labour. The subsequent round table, moderated by Cl\u00e0udia Mateo, Head of Space Innovation Business at the i2CAT Foundation, brought together Josep Laborda, CEO of Factual; Oriol Romero-Isart, Director of the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO); Carles \u00c1lvarez Quiroga, Director of Satellite Navigation Missions at Indra Space; and Marc Gascons, CEO of Compoxi.<\/span><\/p>\n The day concluded with a debate on collaboration and knowledge transfer in space research, led by Pepa Sed\u00f3, Head of the Development and Innovation Office at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) and Coordinator of PhiLab-Spain ESA, and Cecilia Hern\u00e1ndez, Director of Programmes and Industry at the Spanish Space Agency (AEE). Finally, Josep Colom\u00e9, Director of the Area for the Promotion of the Space Sector of Catalonia (APEC), presented the conclusions of the event.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#406fda” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-sub-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Cairo|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#406fda” text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Image gallery<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”43066,43067,43068,43069,43070,43071,43073,43074,43075,43076,43077″ zoom_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(26,17,64,0.6)” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#1a1140″ title_font_size=”13px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#406fda” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contactes” module_class=”ieec-sub-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Cairo|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#406fda” text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Contacts<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||20px|false|false” border_width_left=”1px” border_color_left=”#406fda” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.1em” link_font=”|700|||on|||#1a1140|” link_text_color=”#1a1140″ link_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#1a1140″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMeeting point of the Catalan space ecosystem<\/h2>\n
Round tables on research, innovation and knowledge transfer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
IEEC Communication Office<\/h4>\n