Siemens Joins ESA Initiative to Accelerate Growth and Commercialisation of European Space Startups

Siemens signs a letter of intent with the European Space Agency

(IN BRIEF) Siemens has partnered with the European Space Agency by joining its EPIC program to support space startups emerging from ESA’s Business Incubation Centres. The collaboration will provide startups with access to Siemens Xcelerator software, digital twin capabilities, and expert mentorship, enabling faster development and commercialization of space technologies. With ESA’s network already supporting over 2,000 startups across 37 centres, the partnership aims to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in the global space economy and help innovative companies scale more effectively. The initiative also supports broader goals of industrialization, sustainability, and technological sovereignty in the European space sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 31-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Siemens AG has signed a letter of intent with the European Space Agency to join its Partnership Initiative for Commercialisation (EPIC), aiming to support the growth and industrialisation of Europe’s emerging space technology sector.

Through this collaboration, Siemens will provide startups within ESA’s Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) with access to advanced digital engineering tools, industry expertise, and mentorship. The initiative is designed to help early-stage companies transform innovative space technologies into scalable, commercially viable solutions while strengthening Europe’s role in the global space economy.

Central to Siemens’ contribution is the provision of its Siemens Xcelerator platform, which offers digital twin technology and a comprehensive engineering and simulation environment. This will enable startups to design, test, and validate complex systems in virtual settings, accelerating development timelines and improving product readiness for industrial deployment.

In addition to software access, Siemens will offer guidance from its experts and create opportunities for startups to gain greater visibility within the European space ecosystem. The tailored support package will also extend to projects connected to ESA’s broader innovation network, including its Technology Brokers and Phi-LabNET initiatives.

ESA’s Business Incubation Centres operate across 37 locations in Europe and have supported more than 2,000 startups to date. By joining the EPIC program, Siemens aims to enhance the resources available to these companies and contribute to building a more competitive and resilient European space industry.

Cedrik Neike, CEO of Digital Industries and Member of the Managing Board at Siemens, emphasized that while Europe has strong innovation potential in space technologies, scaling these ideas remains a key challenge. He noted that the partnership with ESA is intended to help startups move more quickly from concept to industrial application, strengthening Europe’s technological capabilities and competitiveness.

Geraldine Naja, Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness at ESA, welcomed Siemens’ involvement, highlighting the added value of its technological expertise and its alignment with ESA’s mission to foster innovation and support high-potential startups across the region.

The collaboration reflects a broader effort to connect cutting-edge research with industrial implementation, helping European startups expand globally while contributing to sustainable growth and technological sovereignty in the space sector.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. A leader in industrial AI, Siemens leverages its deep domain know-how to apply AI – including generative AI – to real-world applications, making AI accessible and impactful for customers across diverse industries. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. In fiscal 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €78.9 billion and net income of €10.4 billion. As of September 30, 2025, the company employed around 318,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Media Contact:

Hannah Arnal
+49 152 225 727 36
hannah.arnal@siemens.com

Siemens Digital Industries Software PR Team

press.software.sisw@siemens.com

SOURCE: Siemens