The Spanish subsidiary of Telespazio, a leading company in the BFAero initiative, celebrates five years of presence in Galicia with major milestones in the development of advanced solutions for unmanned aircraft. In an interview with Faro de Vigo, Carlos Hernández Medel, Director of Marketing, Business Development, and Sales, confirmed that the company will launch in 2026 its portfolio of drone applications developed in the region, with which it expects to generate more than 20 million euros in revenue over the next five years.
Galicia, a key ecosystem for aerospace innovation
Telespazio decided to invest in Galicia in 2020, attracted by the Rozas Aerospace Center and the strong innovation ecosystem formed by technology centers, universities, SMEs, and startups. “If that solid ecosystem hadn’t existed, we probably wouldn’t have chosen Galicia,” Hernández emphasized.
The company has actively participated in the Civil UAV Initiative, developing with the Xunta de Galicia applications that combine satellite technology and drone operations. Among them are projects for cataloging marine populations, controlling invasive species, monitoring biodiversity, and creating high-resolution forest inventories for wildfire prevention.
Center of excellence and future expansion
Thanks to this joint effort, Telespazio Ibérica has been recognized within the group as a center of excellence in drones and combined technologies, with an international focus.
The Galician office currently employs 15 professionals, but the company plans to triple that number to around 50 within five years. In addition, the firm does not rule out acquiring Galician startups and strengthening its collaboration with companies incubated in Business Factory Aero, such as Kreiosand UARX Space, with which it is developing space innovation projects.
Space horizon and commitment to Galicia
The future of Telespazio in the region involves consolidating the commercialization of its solutions, continuing to innovate on existing services, and opening new business lines in the space sector. Hernández highlights the importance of Galician university talent and the company’s long-term commitment to the Regional Government of Galicia within the framework of the new Aerospace Plan.
“We feel very comfortable because it’s part of our DNA: innovating in collaboration with the Galician ecosystem,” concludes Hernández.
The startup Kreios Space, a participant in BFAero, founded in 2021 and specialized in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, has closed an oversubscribed €8 million seed investment round. Led by the NATO Innovation Fund and Join Capital, this marks the largest European funding round for VLEO technologies. The operation also received backing from investors who had already supported the company in its 2024 pre-seed round, including Xesgalicia, Grow Venture Partners, and Tasivia Global.
This is the NATO fund’s first investment in a Spanish company—an important milestone that places Galicia on the European aerospace innovation map and reinforces its strategic commitment to defense and security as engines of highly skilled employment. It represents recognition of the strategy promoted by the Autonomous Community in recent years to establish itself as a European aerospace innovation hub. Initiatives by the Xunta de Galicia such as BFAero, IGAPE’s support for the new vacuum testing center, and the talent fostered at the University of Vigo are key elements of an ecosystem already competing internationally.
Founded in 2021 by Adrián Senar, Jan Mataró, Francisco Boira, Adrià Barceló, Max Amer, and Francisco Bosch, Kreios develops satellites that orbit lower than usual in VLEO, powered by its proprietary propulsion system. Based on Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) technology, this system enables satellites to operate at about 200 kilometers above Earth—an altitude previously deemed impossible due to atmospheric drag. By using atmospheric air itself as propellant, Kreios satellites can remain in orbit for years instead of days, unlocking a new orbital region with far-reaching implications for defense, connectivity, and sovereignty.
VLEO satellites capture images with three times the resolution of today’s satellites, providing benefits in applications ranging from wildfire detection to the protection of critical infrastructure. Their proximity to Earth also enables direct-to-device broadband communications without bulky antennas, paving the way for truly global and resilient connectivity. For Europe and NATO, mastering this technology strengthens operational independence, reduces reliance on the United States, and supports ambitions to build sovereign space capabilities. From Vigo, Kreios Space aspires to become the first company capable of sustaining satellites in VLEO indefinitely.
Galicia on the International Space Map
Kreios Space currently employs 17 people, half of whom are Galician—including some who returned after careers abroad. Eighty percent of its hires are highly qualified engineers and technicians, and the company has seven additional open positions in Vigo.
Institutional support from the Xunta de Galicia has been critical for Kreios Space’s R&D. Adrián Senar, CEO and co-founder, emphasizes: “Xesgalicia has been a key player in our growth. In addition to being one of the first investors in Kreios, it opened the door for us to Galicia’s public and innovation ecosystem. Thanks to that support—which began with the BFAero accelerator, essential for us—we relocated to Vigo and today have our entire technology development center here. This round not only validates our technology, it also proves that Galicia has the talent, capabilities, and institutional backing needed to become a global benchmark in the aerospace sector.”
The company also highlights IGAPE’s support, which co-financed the vacuum chamber installed at its facilities. This infrastructure allows daily testing and iteration of satellites, accelerating technology development and reducing timelines from years to weeks. It is also available to other companies needing to validate projects under vacuum conditions, making it a valuable resource for the regional ecosystem.
Similarly, Galician universities are strategic partners for Kreios, especially the University of Vigo, with which it maintains internship programs, joint development contracts such as the Ícaro Project of the Spanish Space Agency for wildfire detection and prevention via satellite, as well as continuous collaboration for talent training and recruitment.
“Galicia has long been committed to the space sector, with leading companies such as Alén Space and UARX. This milestone is further proof that Galicia’s aerospace hub is positioning itself as a key player internationally,” Senar adds.
The new round, combined with the €2.3 million raised in 2024, will finance the company’s first two test satellites, including the world’s first in-orbit demonstration of an ABEP engine. From there, Kreios will expand toward commercial deployment and the development of constellations dedicated to Earth observation and direct-to-device communications.
The Regional Minister of Economy and Industry, María Jesús Lorenzana, highlighted the role of startups as a viable, innovative, and promising model for Galicia, and underscored the Xunta’s commitment to strengthening its support from all institutional levels.
Lorenzana visited the facilities of Vig-Sec Drone in Nigrán, a startup specializing in drone operational services, training for pilots requiring special skills, and developing software for managing operations supporting security and emergencies. During the visit, she emphasized that the Galician government is working closely with the private sector to realize projects that will transform Galician industry.
Vig-Sec Drone joined Business Factory Aero in 2023 to promote the Suit ACRE (Emergency Restricted Control Area) Suit through the acceleration program. This is an airspace management software that enables the simultaneous use of manned and unmanned aircraft in emergencies such as fires, natural disasters, or military interventions.
The company is currently participating in the sixth edition of BFAero, as part of its consolidation program.
The Startup Arena of the Mindtech Startup Event hosted the final of the innovation contest promoted by ASIME, in collaboration with the Xunta de Galicia, within the framework of the Mindtech industrial fair. In this edition, the Galician startup Kreios Space was recognized as the most disruptive startup of the event. The project, which is part of the accelerator Business Factory Aero (BFAero), was presented by Yago Recarey, Project Manager of the company.
Along with Kreios Space, other companies from the BFAero ecosystem also participated as finalists, Vig-Sec Drone, represented by its CEO, Rubén Gil Fontán, in the same category of “Most Disruptive Startup”, and AGUIA Analítica, with the intervention of Macarena Álvarez, head of business development, in the category of “Digital processes applied to industry”.
On the other hand, during the Mindtech Awards ceremony, also held during the fair, the company Centum, participant of the second edition of the Business Factory Aero, was awarded in the Innovation category. The jury recognized its advanced solutions in the field of engineering and aerospace industry, highlighting especially its disruptive approach, its proprietary methodology and its open innovation model.
Institutional support for innovative entrepreneurship
The director of Igape, Covadonga Toca, participated this morning in the opening of the Mindtech Startup Event, a meeting that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, tractor companies and institutional representatives in the framework of the Mindtech industrial fair in Vigo and in which she highlighted the importance of the connection between industry and entrepreneurship to boost the competitiveness of the Galician economy.
Toca Carús highlighted the collaboration between the Xunta de Galicia, through the Igape, and ASIME, an alliance that has been maintained since 2019 and that resulted in the consolidation of the Mindtech Startup Arena, an exhibition space that hosts accelerators, incubators and startups with high technological content.
The Mindtech Startup Event focuses in this edition on key issues for the growth of new technology companies: early stage financing, project scaling, entrepreneurial ecosystem and the finals of the startup competition in three categories: most disruptive project, innovation in energy and environmental systems, and digital processes applied to industry.
Comprehensive support for Galician startups
In this scenario, stressed Toca Carús, the Xunta reaffirms its commitment to innovative entrepreneurship with a set of support instruments ranging from the earliest stages to international expansion. Among them, the director of the Igape highlighted the line of aid endowed with 1.5 million euros to cover 100% of the costs of Galician startups in their early stages, with contributions of up to 20,000 euros per project.
These measures, he recalled, are complemented by the network of sectoral accelerators Business Factory -BFAuto, BFFood, BFAero, BF Clima Tech-, which this year will have new additions in the areas of health, sport and renewable energy. “This model of comprehensive support makes Galicia a particularly attractive territory for entrepreneurship,” said Toca, who insisted that “entrepreneurship is not only an economic strategy, but also a way to build community and future.”
Metallurgical industry and internationalization
The director of Igape also referred to the good moment of the Galician metallurgical sector, with more than 60,000 jobs in 2024, a growth of 3% and a productive occupation of more than 90%. This sector, she explained, is gaining weight in high-value areas such as defense, aeronautics and offshore wind power, which makes it necessary to strengthen the connection with the education system and attract new talent.
En paralelo, la internacionalización sigue siendo una de las grandes apuestas de la Xunta. En 2024, Galicia consiguió una cifra récord de exportaciones por valor de 31.019 millones de euros, con un crecimiento interanual del 12 % en marzo de 2025. Toca destacó que los productos exportados son de alto valor añadido —automoción, alimentación o biotecnología— y que los destinos se diversifican cada vez más.
The Regional Minister of Economy and Industry, María Jesús Lorenzana, stated today that the Xunta’s industrial policy will position Galicia at the forefront of Europe in the security and defense sector, a sector that she described as “already a strategic priority at the European level.”
Lorenzana took part in the graduation ceremony of the 5th edition of the Business Factory Aero (BFAero) in Rozas, where she emphasized that the goal of the Galician Government is to continue this “advanced industrial policy that goes hand in hand with business, technology, and the talent we have in Galicia,” she noted.
She highlighted the role of the BFAero accelerator as a “strategic commitment” by the Galician Government to the aeronautical and aerospace sector, positioning Galicia as a leader in accelerating high-impact technological projects.
She recalled that just last May, the Xunta approved the Strategic Initiative for Aerospace, Security, and Defense of Galicia—the first of its kind—for the 2025–2030 period. This initiative will channel €183 million in direct public investment, aiming to mobilize €900 million in Galicia through collaboration with other public and private stakeholders.
During her speech, the Regional Minister again highlighted the importance of the BFAero accelerator, calling it “a strategic commitment” by the regional government to the aeronautical and aerospace sector, which now accounts for more than 1,600 direct jobs in Galicia, with a turnover of €132 million and “immense growth potential,” she said.
According to her, “since 2018, we have supported 46 projects, contributed to the creation of 11 new tech companies, mobilized over €7.5 million in investment, and enabled the development of 39 innovative solutions.” She added, “But the most valuable outcome has been the creation of more than 220 skilled jobs in Galicia, thanks to projects that combine R&D, business vision, and commitment to our region.”
In fact, the Regional Minister noted that BFAero has been named the best advanced accelerator in Spain for the second consecutive year—according to the ranking published by Funcas—which “solidifies Galicia’s position as a reference territory for the acceleration of high-impact technological projects.”
“That’s why we continue to support it, and just a few months ago, we signed the agreement that ensures BFAero’s continuity through 2027, with an additional €7.5 million in funding to support up to 123 new projects,” she emphasized.
Finally, María Jesús Lorenzana highlighted the role of the Rozas Airborne Research Center, “which is not only a symbol of what Galicia and the province of Lugo can offer, but also the epicenter of a strategy that has already attracted large-scale projects and brought visibility to Galician companies that have been able to grow and consolidate,” she said.
The startup Kreios Space has been awarded at the EmprendeXXI Awards as the one with the greatest impact in Galicia. Based in Lugo and with facilities in Vigo, this company dedicated to the aerospace sector participated in the fifth edition of the Business Factory Aero (BFAero) programme, an initiative that is part of the Xunta de Galicia’s accelerator network.
Kreios Space develops sustainable electric propulsion systems for satellites. Its innovative technology, ABEP (Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion), makes it possible to reduce the current orbits in which satellites operate, reducing the cost of missions and the generation of special waste, while increasing the lifetime of this type of vehicle.
Recognition for innovation
The EmprendeXXI Awards highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of the startups that generate the greatest impact in their territory and offer the best solutions to the challenges of the future. Promoted by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, through Enisa, and CaixaBank, through DayOne, its division specialising in technology companies and their investors, in Galicia they are supported by the Igape.
Kreios Space has been distinguished against 31 other nominations that have been presented in the latest edition of the awards in Galicia. The startup receives a cash prize of 6,000 euros, access to a Moonshot Thinking training programme in collaboration with ESADE and will also travel to Berlin to complete the international accompaniment in an initiative organised with ICEX.
In addition, Kreios Spacie will be able to participate in the Investors Day EmprendeXXI, during which it will be able to maintain contact with the investor ecosystem and companies interested in collaborating with entrepreneurship.
On the other hand, the company will be part of the AlumniXXI community, which has established itself as a meeting point for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences between the founders of the awarded companies throughout the history of the EmprendeXXI Awards. It is an initiative that combines a virtual community and face-to-face meetings that helps to strengthen ties and create synergies between the award winners and the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.
A dynamic innovation ecosystem
Kreios Space, which moved to Galicia after the fifth edition of BFAero, was supported by a team of mentors and experts in the aeronautical, aerospace and unmanned vehicles sector, and gained access to early adopters and customers and to public and private investment entities.
In the last five editions, Galicia has been able to consolidate a dynamic and robust innovation ecosystem with the participation of more than 55 entities that cooperate with the aim of responding to the needs of entrepreneurs in the aerospace and aeronautics industry, weaving a network of collaboration for the promotion and scaling of disruptive technologies that solve the challenges of companies and society.
The industrial footprint generated by the BFAero is reflected in three areas. Along with the creation of new companies, 46 in total since 2018, the programme has driven the consolidation of a benchmark operator in the sector, as is the case of Aeromedia, and has also led to the transfer to Galicia of the headquarters of startups such as Kreios Space and FuVex.
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