Aerospace startup ecosystem
We track 15 organisations in this sector across 6+ countries.
Showing 15 of 15Aerospace
Countries in this sector
Sectors alongside this one
Aerospace results
AERO Friedrichshafen 2026
Europe's largest general aviation expo, drawing 30,000+ visitors and 600+ exhibitors to Friedrichshafen. Features a dedicated e-flight expo for electric and hybrid propulsion startups. Day tickets about EUR 45. Key for founders in electric flight, autonomous air mobility, avionics, and lightweight materials seeking OEM partnerships.
AERO Friedrichshafen 2027
AERO Friedrichshafen 2027 runs 14-17 April, the global platform for general aviation with more than 860 exhibitors from over 50 countries across 12 exhibition halls. The show covers gliders, ultralights, piston aircraft, helicopters and business aviation, plus a dedicated e-flight expo for electric and hybrid propulsion.
Aerospace Tech Week
Organizer of Aerospace Tech Week Europe, a specialized B2B conference and exhibition covering aerospace connectivity, avionics, and operations technology. Held annually in Munich since 2017, the event draws hundreds of aerospace engineers, OEMs, and suppliers to discuss next-generation aircraft systems and digital transformation in aviation.
Aerospace Tech Week Europe 2026
B2B aerospace technology conference in Munich focused on digital aviation systems, avionics, connectivity, flight operations software, and testing workflows. High-value venue for deep-tech founders in aviation software, satellite communications, drones, and aerospace manufacturing partnerships.
Clean Aviation Networking Event 2026
Focused networking for the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Price: free with application/registration. Targets SMEs and startups collaborating on hydrogen and electric flight tech proposals.
D-Orbit
D-Orbit is an Italian space infrastructure company focused on in-orbit transportation and services for satellites. Its best-known product line is built around orbital transfer and deployment: rather than leaving smaller satellite operators constrained by the primary mission of a launch vehicle, D-Orbit helps place payloads into more precise target orbits after launch. That changes the economics and flexibility of access to space for customers who need better control over deployment profiles. The company also reflects a broader trend in European deep tech, where success increasingly depends on integrating hardware, software, mission operations, and long sales cycles into a single commercial platform. D-Orbit therefore matters beyond aerospace alone. It shows that European startups can participate in the frontier infrastructure layer of the space economy instead of limiting themselves to downstream software or research projects. In this directory, D-Orbit helps extend coverage into spacetech and aerospace logistics, while also connecting naturally to the ecosystem's support organizations, accelerators, and cross-border industrial networks that often help hard-tech companies reach early validation and partnerships.
Dronamics
Dronamics was founded in 2014 by brothers Svilen and Konstantin Rangelov and became the first cargo drone airline in Europe to receive an EU operating license. The company develops and operates the Black Swan unmanned aircraft, capable of carrying up to 350 kg over distances up to 2,500 km. It has established droneport partnerships with airports across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and raised over $40 million in pre-Series A funding. Products are 100% manufactured in Europe.
Isar Aerospace
Isar Aerospace is a Munich-based space launch company founded in 2018 by Daniel Metzler, Josef Fleischmann, and Markus Brandl, all graduates of TU Munich. The company is developing Spectrum, a two-stage launch vehicle designed to carry small and medium-sized satellite payloads to orbit at a significantly lower cost than traditional European launchers. Isar Aerospace has raised over EUR 300 million from investors including HV Capital, Porsche SE, Airbus Ventures, and Lombard Odier, making it one of Europe's best-funded NewSpace ventures. With a launch site agreement in Andoya, Norway, Isar Aerospace is positioned to offer Europe independent, commercial access to space as demand for small satellite launches accelerates.
Jasper Krauser
Head of Quantum Technologies at Airbus, where he leads the aerospace group's research and application of quantum computing and quantum sensing for aviation and space. He is an announced speaker at the 2026 AI, Data & Quantum Summit (AIDAQ) in Berlin.
KleinVision
KleinVision is the creator of the AirCar, a dual-mode vehicle that can drive on roads and transform into a certified aircraft. The AirCar has received a Certificate of Airworthiness and completed cross-country test flights, making it one of the few credible flying-car projects globally. By 2026, the company is working toward small-scale production and licensing partnerships, including interest from international markets such as China.
Lilium
Lilium is a Munich-based aerospace company founded in 2015 by Daniel Wiegand and a team of TU Munich engineers to develop an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jet for regional air mobility. The Lilium Jet uses 30 electric engines mounted on its canard wings to achieve vertical lift and efficient cruise flight, targeting ranges of up to 300 km at speeds over 250 km/h. Lilium went public on NASDAQ in 2021 but faced financial challenges and entered insolvency proceedings in late 2024. A consortium of European investors acquired the company in early 2025, allowing development to continue. Lilium remains one of the most ambitious European eVTOL programs and a test case for the viability of electric regional air transport.
Maxime Verrière
Maxime Verrière serves as SVP and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Arianespace, the French launch services company that is one of the world's leading providers of commercial satellite launch services. Arianespace, headquartered near Paris, has been a cornerstone of European space access since its founding in 1980 and operates the Ariane, Soyuz, and Vega launch vehicles from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou. In his C-suite role, Verrière is responsible for driving Arianespace's strategic direction and transformation agenda during a highly competitive period for the European launch industry.
Passenger Terminal Expo 2026
Global airport design and operations conference. Exhibition is free; conference about EUR 2000+. Ideal for biometrics, baggage tracking, and airport AI startups.
PLD Space
Elche-based private launch company developing the Miura family of reusable rockets. Miura 1 completed Spain's first private suborbital rocket flight in October 2023, making PLD Space the first European private company to successfully fly a rocket. Miura 5, a small orbital launcher, targets commercial payloads for the global new-space market.
Quantum Systems
Quantum Systems is a Gilching-based (near Munich) defense and commercial drone company founded in 2015 that designs and manufactures autonomous fixed-wing VTOL unmanned aerial systems. Its flagship Vector and Trinity platforms combine vertical takeoff with long-endurance fixed-wing flight for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions. The company gained significant attention during the Ukraine conflict, where its drones were deployed for battlefield reconnaissance. Quantum Systems has raised over EUR 60 million and is backed by investors including HV Capital and NATO Innovation Fund. It is one of Europe's most prominent dual-use drone manufacturers.
