CASSINI Business Accelerator: accelerating growth for Europe’s space startups
Client
European Commission DG DEFIS and European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
Client overview:
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is responsible for developing and implementing EU policies that strengthen Europe’s space sector, enhance competitiveness, and foster innovation.
Working in partnership with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)—which manages the EU’s operational space programmes such as Galileo, Copernicus, and EGNOS—DG DEFIS aims to ensure that Europe remains a global leader in space technologies and services.
Challenge:
The space sector in Europe is highly capital-intensive due to long development cycles required for deeptech companies and still remains underfunded to fulfill these needs. At a time when it is particularly important for Europe to safeguard its sovereignty, the development of the space industry has become critically important. After all, space underpins earth observation, connectivity, and other essential services.
The CASSINI Business Accelerator is designed to help EU startups and scale-ups in the fields of space technology and space data achieve sustainable commercial growth. It also aims to strengthen European sovereignty and enhance the competitiveness of European companies in the global market. It does so by:
- Strengthening business development and go-to-market strategies
- Improving access to risk financing
- Expanding networks to new markets and larger industry players
This challenge was critical for the client because it directly supports the growth of EU space companies and strengthens the overall EU space sector.
Our approach:
Together with our consortium partners, Civitta designed a six-month acceleration programme tailored specifically for growth-stage space start-ups. The programme combines:
- Personalised mentorship from industry experts
- Specialised training sessions on business development, sales, and international expansion
- Access to an extensive network of stakeholders and industry leaders
- Introductions to relevant investors to boost fundraising opportunities
The initiative is highly targeted to help start-ups grow their sales, capture new business opportunities, and explore foreign markets. By combining hands-on guidance with strategic networking, we created a supportive yet results-driven environment that accelerates commercial growth in the competitive EU space sector. Civitta consultants have directly mentored and supported over 30 startups, with a particular focus on the underserved Central and Eastern European region.
Results & impact:
Over the course of three years, the CASSINI Business Accelerator has supported 80 space technology and space data companies. Of these, 80 companies achieved remarkable results:
- €68.7M in sales revenue generated
- 536 full-time jobs created
- €53.6M secured in public funding
- €172.3M raised in private investment
Key takeaways:
This project provided valuable insights into the European space industry, deepening our understanding of the specific challenges and needs faced by deep-tech space start-ups. Leveraging experience from numerous accelerators and diverse industries, Civitta designed a flagship programme equipped with the right tools, mentorship, and market access to drive the growth of EU space companies.
Civitta’s expertise made a difference by:
- Applying proven accelerator models tailored to the deep-tech and space sector.
- Connecting start-ups with investors, partners, and global markets.
- Bringing high-quality international accelerator standards to regions where the space industry is still emerging, such as the CEE.
The approach and lessons learned are applicable to other high-tech industries seeking rapid growth, stronger investment readiness, and global expansion—such as clean tech, deep tech, and advanced manufacturing.
