The Xunta’s Industrial Policy Will Place Galicia at the Forefront of Europe in the Security and Defense Sector

The Xunta’s Industrial Policy Will Place Galicia at the Forefront of Europe in the Security and Defense Sector

Jun 5, 2025

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.

Kreios Space wins the EmprendeXXI Awards as the startup with the most potential in Galicia

Kreios Space wins the EmprendeXXI Awards as the startup with the most potential in Galicia

May 9, 2025

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.