SLIMOP Space will take its optical technology into space in 2027, consolidating its technological roadmap, its positioning in the sector and the growth of the start-up. SLIMOP joined the Business Factory Aero (BFAero) in 2025 during the sixth edition of the programme and has been selected for the seventh edition, within the Consolidation phase.
The company is dedicated to developing pioneering Orbital Telescopes for small satellites and nanosatellites, based on its own architecture of high-precision, low-weight optical mirrors. This innovative technology speeds up manufacturing processes, significantly reduces the weight and cost of optical systems, and facilitates their integration into scalable space platforms, with particular applications in Earth observation and space optical communications.
During 2025, SLIMOP Space has registered three technology patents, with a fourth in preparation, and has validated ultralight mirror subsystems in the laboratory at TRL5 level, a milestone that reinforces the maturity of its solution and its capacity for future demonstrations in orbit.
SLIMOP Space’s growth has been made possible thanks to the first round of pre-seed funding completed in 2025, in which the company brought in private investors specialising in the aerospace sector, who also contribute strategic management expertise. This private funding has been complemented by the support of various European, national and regional public bodies and programmes, including the European Space Agency (ESA), through the ESA BIC Barcelona programme, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism through ENISA, the Generalitat de Catalunya through ACCIÓ and the Startup Capital programme, as well as the Xunta de Galicia, with the support of GAIN, IGAPE and XesGalicia, in addition to the Business Factory Aero (BFAero) programme itself as an initiative to promote consolidated projects in the aerospace sector.
In total, more than €700,000 in capital resources have driven this first phase of R&D since the company was founded three years ago. SLIMOP Space is currently immersed in the preparation and closing of a new seed round that will enable it to consolidate its strategic plan for the period 2026-2028 and consolidate the technical specifications necessary for its leap into space.
BFAero: driving aerospace innovation
SLIMOP Space is embarking on this new phase with the aim of positioning itself as a benchmark in advanced optical solutions for space platforms, contributing to the development of efficient and competitive constellations in global markets. Its participation in BFAero and the solid institutional support it has received highlight not only the quality of the project, but also the role of the accelerator as key platform for promoting technology start-ups in strategic sectors with high technological demands.
The company integrated into Business Factory Aero (BFAero), Vig-Sec Drone, has successfully closed a one-million-euro investment round, a key milestone that will enable it to boost its business plans, accelerate the automation of its technology and strengthen its international expansion.
This progress reflects not only the strength of the Vig-Sec Drone project, but also the value of BFAero as a platform that facilitates startups’ access to public and private investment entities, connecting talent, technology and capital to accelerate their market entry.
A mature technology, validated in real operations
Vig-Sec Drone specialises in advanced airspace management and the secure integration of drones in critical environments, both civilian and military. Its Suite ACRE (Restricted Emergency Control Area) solution is a dual-use Emergency UTM system capable of monitoring and reconfiguring airspace in real time, integrating manned aircraft, drones and land or maritime sensors within a single operational environment.
The company’s technology has already been validated in real, highly demanding scenarios, achieving unprecedented milestones in Spain, such as coordinating drones with helicopters from the Ministry of Defence in critical missions. In addition, it has taken part in multinational exercises in Slovakia together with BRILAT, demonstrating the interoperability of its platform in allied environments, and has been selected for the ATLAS 25 exercise as one of the companies responsible for the simultaneous management of manned and unmanned aircraft.
Artificial intelligence and international expansion
Thanks to this investment round, Vig-Sec Drone will drive a new development phase focused on incorporating onboard artificial intelligence aimed at anticipating airspace conflicts, optimising routes and resolving risk situations in real time. All of this will be carried out under a ‘man in the loop’ model, which guarantees human supervision, traceability and operational rigour in critical missions.
The company will continue to align its platform with NATOand EASAstandards, a key step to facilitate its adoption in European and allied ecosystems, and will take part in the Force 2035 programme, which evaluates the technologies that will define the future operational landscape of Defence.
BFAero: connecting innovation and funding
With headquarters in Lugo and Nigrán, and growth that has taken it from two founders in 2022 to more than 17 professionals, Vig-Sec Drone faces this new stage with the aim of becoming a global standard for secure airspace management.
This achievement highlights the role of Business Factory Aero as a driving innovation ecosystem, supporting projects not only in their technological development, but also in access to strategic funding, which is key to scaling up, consolidating business models and competing in highly demanding international markets.
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.
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