New Initiative Brings 6 Italian Aerospace Firms to Houston

25 Aug, 2023

New Initiative Brings 6 Italian Aerospace Firms to Houston

Italy is launching its first-ever international aerospace-focused program within the United States, introducing "Space It Up." This groundbreaking initiative is a collaboration between the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Italian Space Agency, and the Space Foundation. The primary objective of Space It Up is to accelerate the growth of six select companies based in Houston.

Fabrizio Giustarini, Italian Trade Commissioner of Houston, expressed the significance of this milestone, stating, "The launch of Space It Up marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to nurturing innovation and facilitating global partnerships." He highlighted the program's representation of the collaborative essence inherent in the aerospace sector, emphasizing the convergence of Italian ingenuity with Houston's illustrious history in space exploration. This collaboration sets the stage for remarkable advancements.

The chosen Italian companies encompass a diverse range of cutting-edge aerospace innovations and technologies:

Arca Dynamics: Specializing in space traffic management and Earth observation services.
Delta Space: Offering cost-effective satellite connectivity for sensors and launch services.
Involve Space: Providing a pseudo-satellite platform and intelligent software for enhanced space access.
Nabu: Focused on IoT and data analysis solutions.
NOVAC: Developing an innovative shapeable all-solid-state structural supercapacitor.
T4i: Creating innovative engines tailored for small satellite platforms.

The ITA and Space Foundation have designed an immersive six-week program, covering crucial aspects of the aerospace industry. The program will encompass business events, networking opportunities, and will ultimately foster connections between Houston's aerospace community and the Italian startups.

The official launch of Space It Up will take place on September 1 at Ion Houston, followed by a demo day on September 27. This Demo Day will showcase the transformative impact of the initiative on the aerospace landscape, presenting progress on breakthrough technologies and projects resulting from the acceleration program.

The Houston branch is one of five ITA offices in the U.S. Notably, digital platform leader Village Insights, based in Houston, will serve as the digital hub for Italy's aerospace firms, further solidifying the partnership.

Keli Kedis Ogborn, Space Foundation Vice President of Space and Entrepreneurship, lauded Italy's legacy of space innovations, highlighting its transition to a broader international collaborative approach for fostering growth in the global space ecosystem. Italy's historical prowess in scientific advancements is now combined with a focus on impactful international collaboration, paving a new chapter in history.