ESA InCubed Programme and its opportunities for the Smart Cities ecosystem: Highlights from our second Webinar

 

 

Yesterday an online webinar brought together representatives of the ESA InCubed Programme, the Cluster Smart Cities & Communities Lombardia, the Lombardia Aerospace Cluster and regional stakeholders to explore how Earth Observation (EO) technologies can drive innovation in Smart Cities.

The session was opened by Riccardo Lo Bue, Coordinator of the Fondazione Cluster Tecnologie per le Smart Cities & Communities – Lombardia, who introduced Paolo Cerabolini, President of the Lombardia Aerospace Cluster, Fabio Germagnoli, President of the Cluster Smart Cities & Communities Lombardia, and Stefano Carosio, ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy. The introductory remarks underscored the growing importance of satellite data, digital platforms and advanced analytics as foundational enablers for sustainable urban development, infrastructure management, and innovation-driven policies.

The ESA InCubed Programme and the role of the Ambassador

Stefano Carosio, ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy, delivered a comprehensive presentation of the programme and its support mechanisms. His overview included:

• The mission of InCubed, a Public–Private Partnership managed by ESA Φ-lab, supporting commercially viable EO products and services.
• Key performance indicators of the programme such as 180 supported activities, a 62% co-funding rate and more than €720M of investment raised by participating companies.
• The structured application process and timeline, guiding companies from idea pitch to contract signature.
• The role of the Ambassador, acting as connector, advisor, facilitator and promoter for companies approaching the programme.

Stefano also highlighted how InCubed accelerates innovation by offering technical and business coaching, visibility through ESA involvement, and access to a Europe-wide ecosystem.

The webinar showcased several EO-enabled applications relevant to Smart Cities: examples such as Deep Property and Skymetry (pages 18–19) illustrated how companies are already building EO-powered platforms for asset monitoring, risk modelling, and operational optimisation.

The concluding Q&A session featured numerous, thoughtful questions from participants—ranging from technical aspects of satellite data integration to business model considerations and practical steps for application. This active dialogue clearly demonstrated the high level of interest surrounding ESA InCubed and confirmed its relevance for organisations looking to adopt EO-driven solutions, accelerate innovation and develop high-value services for the cities of tomorrow.

– ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy Team

Italian States-General of the Space Economy 2025

 

 

The Italian States-General of the Space Economy 2025, held at Hangar Bicocca in Milan, gathered institutional, industrial and financial stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of the national and European space ecosystem. Among the thematic roundtables, the session on “Cross-Industry Opportunities & Public-Private Partnerships in the Space Economy”, chaired by Col. and astronaut Walter Villadei together with Marco Florissi, explored how the space sector is increasingly shifting from a traditional supply chain towards a value-driven and partnership-oriented model.

The event, promoted by IPSE in collaboration with Inrete – Relazioni Istituzionali e Comunicazione, PwC Italy, and SDA Bocconi, took place in the inspiring setting of Hangar Bicocca, and also featured a plenary session with Minister Adolfo Urso, ASI President Teodoro Valente, Massimo Comparini (Leonardo), and Hon. Andrea Mascaretti, President of the Interparliamentary Group for the Space Economy (IPSE).

From Earth Observation (EO) to in-space manufacturing, discussions highlighted the emergence of hybrid business models that integrate institutional frameworks with commercial dynamics. In this evolving context, data, services and intellectual property are becoming key assets for sustainable growth, particularly in the EO downstream domain, where collaboration with non-space sectors can transform satellite data into high-value applications for agriculture, climate, energy, infrastructure and mobility. Bridging the gap between space and non-space industries, by facilitating interoperability and shared development paths across manufacturing, digital, biotech and agrifood ecosystems, is essential to unlock new markets and accelerate innovation along the entire value chain.

The event brought together representatives from ASI, AIPAS, AIAD, Axiom Space, Thales Alenia Space, Voyager Technologies, ENAC, CDP, Farmindustria, Confindustria Moda/TexClubTec, Coldiretti, and Prada, reflecting the increasing convergence between institutional, industrial and societal perspectives.

At STAM, we are proud to contribute to this evolution as ESA Technology Broker and ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy, fostering the connection between space and non-space domains and enabling the commercialisation of Earth Observation innovations. With over 28 years of multidisciplinary experience spanning robotics, AI, digitalisation, biotech and advanced manufacturing, STAM promotes continuous technological cross-pollination across space, defence and industry, translating upstream capabilities into downstream impact.

– ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy Team

Inspiring Young Innovators at SEDS Italy Space Conference 2025

 

The SEDS Italy Space Conference (SISC25) gathered students, startups and professionals from across Italy for two days of discussion and inspiration dedicated to the future of the space sector. Designed as a national hub for young talents and startuppers, SISC25 offered a vibrant environment where education, research and industry met to share visions and build connections.

Antonio Altana from STAM S.r.l. presented the ESA InCubed Ambassador role and showcased how the ESA InCubed programme supports disruptive innovation in Earth Observation (EO) and helps new ideas grow from concept to market.

As part of the panel “Engineering Stories in the Space Sector”, Antonio discussed how innovations generated within universities and spin-off companies can be successfully brought to business and how young engineers eager to enter the space market can turn their ideas into viable business opportunities.

“Engaging with students and startups who are passionate about space is essential to nurturing the next generation of innovators,” said Antonio Altana. “Through initiatives like ESA InCubed, we can connect emerging talent with the tools, expertise and networks needed to make their projects fly.”

The conference provided a dynamic platform for students to interact directly with professionals, companies and research organisations, exploring opportunities for collaboration, and business development. By participating, the ESA InCubed Ambassador network continues to strengthen its connection with the academic world, promoting technology transfer, entrepreneurship and the application of EO-based assets to address real-world challenges.

Events like SISC25 demonstrate the growing role of young innovators-led initiatives in shaping Europe’s space ecosystem. Through dialogue, mentorship and open exchange, these collaborations inspire new ideas that will define the next chapter of innovation, on Earth and beyond.

– ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy Team

Highlights from the Aerospace Festival Olbia

  

On 17 October at the three-day Aerospace Festival Olbia (16–18 October) in Olbia, Italy, the activities of the Ambassador for the ESA InCubed programme for Italy were presented by Marco Barbagelata, Digital Transformation Officer of STAM, who co-organised with ASTEC a panel bringing together Rocco Gigliotti (MR8 Smart Solutions), Mauro Addari (New Value Solutions), Bruna Putzulu (Kilpatrick Executive) and Antonio Depau (3D Aerospazio) to discuss how Earth Observation assets and space technologies can foster innovation and digital transformation across industries, while showcasing the Ambassador initiative’s role in connecting space and non-space sectors.

During the festival, Marco delivered a presentation on how satellite-derived data and earth observation technologies are becoming instrumental in driving industry digitalisation. He illustrated how applications developed through the ESA InCubed programme can support sectors such as infrastructures and energy, including asset monitoring and security. He also engaged in dialogues with industry players, technology providers and institutional stakeholders about how the ESA InCubed Ambassador network facilitates the connection between space-driven innovation and industrial demands.

The Aerospace Festival Olbia brought together experts and decision-makers from across the space and EO-application ecosystem. The presence of the ESA InCubed Ambassador was key to reaffirm the key role of the InCubed programme in fostering the use of Earth Observation and in enabling partnerships that leverage space technologies for tangible benefits on Earth. By representing the Ambassador network at this event, STAM contributed to strengthening the connection between the ESA InCubed programme and Italy’s innovation ecosystem.

Following the Olbia event, the ESA InCubed Ambassador will maintain momentum by continuing outreach to Italian start-ups, SMEs and innovators. Upcoming activities will include coaching sessions, proposal-preparation workshops and strategic support for companies aiming to access the ESA InCubed funding and support pathways.

– ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy Team

Sail into a sea of opportunities powered by Earth Observation

Photo credits Desme Digital SRL | Innovationship

On 16 September, Genoa hosted a new stage of Innovationship, the initiative that brings startups, venture capitalists, and experts together aboard an MSC ship to accelerate cross-sector innovation.

A dedicated session on the Blue Economy showcased how digitalization and Earth Observation are opening new opportunities, from coastal monitoring to marine resource management and sustainable value chains.

The event concluded with a panel where Stefano Carosio, ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy and Executive Director at STAM, shared how the InCubed programme supports startups and scale-ups in developing new ventures, working in synergy with the ESA Scale Up network. The discussion, moderated by Giuseppe Scellato (ESA BIC Turin), featured contributions from Cesare Lobascio (Thales Alenia Space Italia), Leo Italiano (ESA BIC Turin), and Andrea Troise (Astradyne), highlighted the disruptive potential of combining EO, AI, and digital innovation in business models of the future.

Through the InCubed programme, innovative companies can access funding, commercial support, and direct coaching from the Ambassador, creating the right environment to grow their projects.

– ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy Team

Artificial Intelligence and Earth Observation to innovate Construction

Photo credits Ance Umbria

Italy is confirming its role as lighthouse for digital innovation applied to strategic sectors such as construction and infrastructures. Digital transformation is accelerating through the combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT systems, and Earth Observation (EO) data, with concrete impacts on safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

STAM, as ESA InCubed Ambassador, was invited at the third edition of Orizzonti Digitali, dedicated to the “Faces of Artificial Intelligence”, organized by ANCE Umbria in collaboration with DIHCUBE – Digital Italian Hub for Construction and Built Environment.

The event gathered a broad spectrum of expertise from across the sector. Marco Iuorio (ANCE) presented the national association’s strategy for the digitalization of construction. Francesco Papa and Emanuele Dal Monte introduced advanced smart monitoring systems powered by AI. Marco Barbagelata (STAM) highlighted the integration of satellite data with IoT and GIS for infrastructure applications and the role that ESA InCubed Ambassador play within the ecosystem. Georgia Cesarone (START 4.0) illustrated innovative projects in logistics, energy networks, and transport resilience. Regione Umbria shared a pilot initiative on continuous infrastructure monitoring, while Alberto Garinei showcased solutions for water cycle management and public health. Nicola Furcolo emphasized the role of AI-enhanced BIM for safer and more sustainable cities. From the research community, Serena Serroni (Università Politecnica delle Marche) and Jacopo Cassandro (Politecnico di Milano) provided academic perspectives on AI adoption in construction. Finally, Pietro Galimberti (Plino.ai) brought the voice of startups, presenting a generative AI solution for business data analytics.

The panel made one point clear: the integration of AI and EO data unlocks disruptive solutions for pre-assessment, project design, site management, and predictive monitoring. This vision reaches well beyond construction, extending to strategic domains such as transport and critical infrastructure. It is within this fertile ground that the ESA InCubed Ambassador actively promotes the InCubed programme and its services.

– ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy Team

Doing Business with Earth Observation: Highlights from the ESA InCubed Ambassador Webinar

On Tuesday 15 July, the webinar “Doing Business with Earth Observation through InCubed – The Role of the ESA InCubed Ambassador” attracted 170 registered participants, mainly from different non-space sectors, demonstrating the strong and growing interest in EO and the opportunities offered by ESA’s InCubed programme to support the commercialisation of Earth Observation innovations. The session gathered participants from Italy, with the additional presence of the Czech InCubed Ambassador.

Organised by STAM, appointed as ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy, in close collaboration with ESA Φ-lab, the session was opened by Stefano Carosio, Executive Director at STAM, who introduced the guest speakers: Piera de Vito from the Φ-lab Invest Office and Sabrina Ricci, AI Ecosystem Coordinator at Φ-lab. Ritesh Jain from the ESA Scale-Up team also joined the discussions.

The event served as a valuable platform for connecting actors from across the EO ecosystem, including startups, SMEs, corporates, researchers, and institutional stakeholders, fostering dialogue and collaboration around innovation and investment opportunities in the sector.

Piera de Vito introduced ESA Φ-lab, the innovation center within the ESA Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes, based in Frascati, Italy. She explained how the Φ-lab is dedicated to accelerating the future of Earth Observation through innovation and partnerships. Within Φ-lab, the InCubed programme (Investing in Industrial Innovation) plays a central role by supporting the development and commercialisation of disruptive EO-based solutions. The Φ-lab is structured into two main branches: the Explorer Office, which supports early-stage innovation, and the Invest Office, which focuses on bringing more mature solutions to market, where the InCubed programme is embedded.

Several successful project examples were shared, including the launch of three satellites earlier this year: Hive (by Constellr), Forest-3 (by Orora Tech), and AIX (by Planetek). These missions, supported by InCubed, also attracted significant private investment, highlighting the programme’s ability to catalyse growth in the EO sector.

The application process for the InCubed programme was presented in detail. It begins with a concise pitch document, followed by a two-stage proposal submission. The Ambassador plays a key role in shaping solid business cases and offering guidance throughout the application journey.

Sabrina Ricci, Point of Contact for the ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy, described how the Ambassador acts as strategic connector within national innovation ecosystems. Their role includes raising awareness about the programme, scouting promising ideas, offering business coaching and helping align proposal concepts with both ESA’s expectations and market needs. Their support is instrumental in transforming innovative ideas into investment-ready ventures.

The webinar also covered the types of activities eligible for InCubed funding. These include both de-risking activities for early-stage concepts and product development activities for more advanced solutions. InCubed can co-fund up to 80% of eligible costs for SMEs, and up to 100% for universities and research centers with no commercial interest in the product.

Throughout the session, Stefano Carosio provided concrete insights on how STAM, as the InCubed Ambassador for Italy, is actively supporting innovators in turning EO-based concepts into impactful solutions, presenting concrete success stories of the Programme, which demonstrates the value of EO data in sectors like agriculture, construction, and climate resilience.

During the concluding interactive Q&A session, participants raised questions about eligibility, evaluation criteria, co-funding rates and how to start the application process. The discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration among innovators, national delegations, and the ESA InCubed team and the key role played by the ESA InCubed Ambassador to support innovators in close collaboration with ESA and the @Italian Space Agency.

This webinar marked a successful step in promoting the commercial potential of Earth Observation and the tangible support offered by ESA through the InCubed programme, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and innovation opportunities. More webinars and dedicated events are planned in the near future. In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about InCubed or would like support in shaping your EO ideas into viable proposals, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

– ESA InCubed Ambassador for Italy Team