Gracia Catalina, Manager of the ESA BIC Andalusia

We spoke with Gracia Catalina Piñero, a telecommunications engineer educated at the University of Seville and the University of Leuven (Belgium), who also holds an International MBA from Peking University (China). Her professional journey is a testament to versatility and international projection, having had the opportunity to study, work, and explore various sectors in different countries. In 2023, her impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem was recognised when she was named one of the Top 10 Leaders in the Startup and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, according to the International Ranking of Innovative Leaders.

Since 2010, Gracia Catalina Piñero has focused her career on entrepreneurship, actively collaborating with companies and key players in the ecosystem to advise and develop innovative strategies and digital transformation. From 2014 to 2023, she served as the director of the Minerva Programme, a business accelerator promoted by Vodafone and the Andalusian Government. Currently, she leads the ESA BIC Andalusia business incubator, part of the European Space Agency and managed by CATEC (Advanced Centre for Aerospace Technologies).

In this interview, Gracia Catalina Piñero invites us to explore how the space sector drives innovation and unlocks new opportunities for global entrepreneurship.

What opportunities do you see for startups in the space sector and what makes them attractive compared to other sectors?

The space sector is undoubtedly an exciting field because it combines cutting-edge technology with practical applications that impact our daily lives and other sectors in a transversal way. Spain and, of course, Andalusia have great potential for the development of startups in this area, and I am excited to see how these opportunities drive the growth of local entrepreneurs and their international expansion.

Spain is currently the fourth space power in the European Union, with a very mature sector in both industry and science and technology. The recent report from the Andalusia Aerospace Cluster reflects the strength of this sector and its remarkable growth. In 2023, the Andalusian aerospace sector experienced a growth of more than 16% in its turnover, reaching 2.743 billion euros. Additionally, there has been a 10% increase in employment, generating 14.440 direct jobs. Space is not only a strategic market globally, but it also has the capacity to drive innovation in multiple sectors, from agriculture to energy and tourism.

What makes the space sector particularly attractive for a startup is its growth potential and the impact it can generate. Being a high value-added sector, it allows for the development of unique solutions and rapid differentiation in the market, with a strong focus on international expansion. Moreover, if these ideas have the right support and backing, they can find the necessary boost to become solid projects with access to funding, technology, and specialized advice, facilitating their scaling and allowing them to reach a global market. All this confirms that space is a sector with a promising future for entrepreneurship and growth.

What considerations do you think are important to facilitate the growth of startups in the space sector and why might it seem complicated to start a business in this industry?

The space sector is both complex and competitive. Although it has great potential for startups, its complexity undoubtedly entails significant challenges.

On the one hand, having adequate infrastructure, laboratories, and advanced technical support is essential to develop and validate innovative technologies, overcoming technological challenges and accelerating market entry.

Financing also plays a crucial role, as space is a capital-intensive sector. Startups need financial support not only in early stages but also to scale and consolidate. Having specialized investment networks and appropriate incentive programs can be decisive in ensuring sustainable growth.

Finally, an important aspect to consider is the regulatory framework. The space industry is subject to specific regulations that can present additional challenges for entrepreneurs unfamiliar with these processes. Adequate support in understanding and managing permits, certifications, and legal requirements is essential to reduce entry barriers and facilitate the entry of new ideas and businesses into the sector.

The combination of access to technical resources, financial support, and guidance on regulatory issues can make a difference for a startup to thrive in the space field.

After your experience with other acceleration programs, what motivates you to lead ESA BIC Andalusia and how do you face this new personal and professional challenge?

Leading ESA BIC Andalusia is a new and exciting stage for me that I believe fits perfectly with my career and professional experience.

For almost ten years at the helm of the Minerva Program, I had the opportunity to work very closely with startups and entrepreneurs, an experience that fills me with pride. Seeing how innovative ideas transformed into solid and sustainable projects is always very motivating and enriching, especially when those startups grew to become leaders in their sectors.

One of the factors that drives me to lead this new phase with ESA BIC Andalusia with all my energy is the possibility of transferring all that experience to the space sector, a field full of opportunities and with great transformative potential. As a telecommunications engineer, I have always been attracted to the space sector from a technical point of view, and the opportunity to work in this specialized and challenging environment is something that greatly motivates me. Being able to combine that passion for technology with supporting innovative entrepreneurs is a challenge I face with great enthusiasm.

My goal is to continue supporting entrepreneurs with disruptive ideas, helping them turn their projects into globally competitive realities and positioning Andalusia as a benchmark within the space ecosystem. I face this challenge with the same passion and commitment with which I worked at Minerva, but with the added enthusiasm of boosting the growth of space startups, providing them with all the necessary resources: technical support, access to investor networks, and key guidance to navigate and thrive in such an exciting and competitive sector.

What do you think will be CATEC’s role in boosting the growth of startups in the space sector?

CATEC, as the Advanced Center for Aerospace Technologies, plays a fundamental role in promoting startups in aerospace innovation, both in Andalusia and nationally. CATEC has been designated by the European Space Agency as the manager of ESA BIC Andalusia, with the goal of connecting startups with the space ecosystem at all levels, providing experience and technological capabilities.

With its knowledge in identifying projects with potential and its ability to offer advanced technological services, CATEC can provide startups with mechanisms to validate, test, and develop their solutions, accelerating their market entry. In addition to the comprehensive support offered through ESA BIC, which includes workspace, funding, and advisory services, incubated startups will have access to CATEC’s facilities and laboratories, where they will have the opportunity to learn and explore how to make the most of space systems.

The transfer of technology and knowledge from the space sector to startups, creating synergies that support their development, is also one of the key aspects of CATEC’s role. This support goes beyond the technical aspect, as it also offers access to contact networks, potential clients, and investors, thus providing a complete environment for ideas to become solid businesses.

In summary, I believe CATEC should be a strategic ally for space sector startups, providing the necessary support for their growth and contributing to the advancement of the entire aerospace industry.

What kind of support does the ESA BIC Andalusia incubator offer to startups and how can being accredited by the European Space Agency help them in their projects?

ESA BIC Andalusia is part of the European Space Agency’s network of incubators. The ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) aim to support entrepreneurs with innovative ideas based on space technology, helping them develop their products and launch their companies. With more than 30 incubators located throughout Europe, the ESA BIC network has driven the creation and growth of clusters of more than 1.600 space startups, connecting them with local communities, universities, research centers, institutions, and investor organizations.

ESA BIC Andalusia offers a comprehensive support program to help startups scale their projects and achieve success. This support includes up to two years of incubation, with access to top-tier workspaces and resources. Additionally, startups receive specialized technical assistance from experts in the region and from ESA BIC itself, business mentoring, legal and intellectual property advice, as well as access to contact networks and networking opportunities with business partners.

Workshops and training sessions are also offered to enhance business skills, accompanied by strategic guidance and funding opportunities for product development and intellectual property (IP). Furthermore, selected startups receive up to 60.00 euros of equity-free funding, allowing them to advance their technological developments and move towards commercialization.

Overall, this comprehensive support package facilitates the sustainable growth of startups in the space sector and their consolidation in the global market.

Do you consider public-private collaboration important for promoting entrepreneurship in Spain?

In my opinion, public-private collaboration is undoubtedly a key to success in most projects, and in the space sector, it is especially relevant. The combination of resources, knowledge, and experience from both the public and private sectors generates synergies that allow for more effective promotion of entrepreneurship.

In the case of ESA BIC Andalusia, the involvement of actors such as the Andalusian Government, the City Council of Seville, along with CATEC (a privately managed technology center), is a clear example of how this collaboration can enhance the innovative and technological ecosystem.

This collaboration between public and private entities not only allows for the pooling of financial resources and infrastructure but also adds key experiences and knowledge to offer better support to startups, helping them scale and consolidate in the market. In a sector as complex and competitive as the space sector, this union of forces is crucial to accelerate the growth of emerging companies, ensure their sustainability, and position Spain as a leader in the global space industry.

What is your long-term vision for the development of the space sector in Spain, specifically in Andalusia, and the role that ESA BIC Andalusia will play in this process?

The main objective of ESA BIC Andalusia is to create and consolidate a community of space startups in the region, supporting their growth and sustainable development, and fostering a competitive and dynamic ecosystem in the space sector. The vision is for the incubator to attract talent, generate qualified employment, and position Andalusia as a reference in the space industry both nationally and internationally.

The Spanish Space Agency, headquartered in Seville, is currently working on the draft of the future space law, which will be an important tool to support innovation and regulate the sustainable and safe exploitation of space. The creation of this space activities law will facilitate the growth of new companies in the sector, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and resilience. This will strengthen the space ecosystem in Spain and, consequently, in Andalusia, allowing startups to develop in a regulatory environment that supports their growth and competitiveness.

The role of ESA BIC Andalusia should be that of a catalyst, facilitating startups’ access to technical resources, mentoring, funding, and contact networks, allowing these companies to grow sustainably and have an international projection. The ultimate goal is to consolidate Andalusia as a hub of reference in space technology, promoting the competitiveness of startups and their ability to lead innovative projects.

Our objective is to become the driving force and launchpad for ideas that transform the space sector and generate significant impact in all possible areas. Seeing startups grow, overcome challenges, and become global leaders is something that deeply excites me. I firmly believe in the talent and potential of Andalusia to lead space innovation, and our mission is to accompany entrepreneurs on their journey so that their ideas can go far, both on Earth and in space.