CASSINI Entrepreneurship Days 2026

Wednesday 30 September 2026

09:30 – 18:00, Start-up Jungle, CASSINI Innovation Expo

13:00-13:30, Theatre Stage, Welcome & Introduction

13:30-14:00, Theatre Stage, Europe’s Path to Space Autonomy and Resilience

Dynamic Panel

Strategic autonomy is no longer just a policy target; it is an urgent operational imperative for Europe's space economy. Opening CASSINI Entrepreneurship Days, this interactive debate brings together top-level institutional leaders, venture capitalists, and pioneering founders to address the core question: How do we turn European innovation into sovereign capability?

14:00-14:30, Theatre Stage, Investor Lens on a Robust Space Economy

Reverse Pitching Session

The tables have turned. In this reverse-pitching session, battle-tested space investors take the stage to pitch their strategies, funding criteria, and long-term goals. Covering an entire lifecycle—from seed and growth VCs to public market investors—we pull back the curtain on investor decision-making and show how targeted capital builds a robust European space economy.

15:00-15:30, Theatre Stage, The Public Demand for Commercial Services

Open Dialogue

Step inside the mind of a public buyer. As public sector entities face unprecedented operational demands their need for commercial space-enabled services is growing rapidly. This open dialogue bridges the gap between civic pain points and solution deployment, giving space companies an inside look at how public authorities evaluate and procure tech solutions.

15:30-16:00, Theatre Stage, Bridging the Procurement Gap

Interactive Debate

Navigating public tenders can feel like a maze for fast-moving ventures. Putting entrepreneurs front and centre, this startup-led debate features founders sharing their experiences and lessons learned competing for public contracts—from decoding complex tenders to pitching agile tech. Get an honest look at what it takes to win public business in Europe.

16:00 – 16:30, Theatre Stage, Inspirational Keynote Speech

Keynote Address

Building a space startup means executing under intense pressure, a tight runway, and extreme uncertainty. The keynote brings a globally renowned voice to the stage for a session designed to challenge how you think, lead, and scale in deep tech. Get ready for a mind-blowing address that will set the tone for the entire event.

16:30 – 17:30, Theatre Stage, CASSINI Business Accelerator Demo

Startup Showcase

Meet the cohort pushing the boundaries of European space commercialization. This fast-paced showcase highlights handpicked companies from Batch 7 of the CASSINI Business Accelerator. Watch them pitch their tech, commercial traction, and ambitious plans for international expansion after months of intensive, targeted business building.

17:30 – 18:00, Theatre Stage, CASSINI Challenges Award Ceremony

Awards Ceremony

Innovation deserves the spotlight. This award ceremony celebrates the standout entrepreneurs who tackle Europe’s most pressing industrial and societal issues using space-based tech. Join us as we recognize the CASSINI Challenges 2026 winners and showcase their breakthrough solutions transforming industries on Earth and beyond.

Thursday 1 October 2026

09:00 – 16:00, Start-up Jungle, CASSINI Innovation Expo

10:00 – 10:45, Theatre Stage, Thematic CASSINI Startup Pitching (Upstream)

Startup Pitching Session

Focusing exclusively on tech bound for orbit and beyond, this session brings Europe’s boldest upstream startups to the stage. Pitching solutions across satellite manufacturing, next-gen propulsion, and orbital services, pioneering founders will present to a live audience—featuring audience voting and instant feedback.

10:00-10:45, Theatre Stage, Strengthening the EU Industrial Base

Strategic Industry Debate

A thriving space sector requires a resilient and sovereign industrial ecosystem. Gathering venture capitalists, disruptive startups, and institutional decision-makers, this high-level debate tackles critical supply chain vulnerabilities and key industrial requirements to strengthen the strategic independence, competitiveness, and long-term growth of Europe’s industrial base.

10:45 – 11:30, Theatre Stage, Thematic CASSINI Startup Pitching (Upstream)

Startup Pitching Session

09:30 – 10:00, Start-up Jungle Stage, Thematic CASSINI Startup Pitching (Downstream)

Startup Pitching Session

Space data is transforming how terrestrial businesses operate. This showcase brings Europe’s leading downstream startups to the stage as they demonstrate how EU Space data and technologies power their scalable, market-ready solutions. Watch founders pitch live and cast your vote for the top innovation.

10:00 – 10:30, Start-up Jungle Stage, User Needs in Fintech & InsurTech

Interactive Panel Discussion

From assessing risks to monitoring physical assets, satellite intelligence is becoming a core component of financial processes. Bringing together end users and seasoned industry leaders, this panel dives deep into user needs and requirements across insurance and finance, while highlighting real-world use cases with proven ROI.

10:30 – 11:30 , Start-up Jungle Stage, Space Data for Due Diligence and Compliance

Masterclass

With mandatory ESG reporting, supply chain transparency laws, and complex asset tracking requirements taking centre stage globally, earth observation is becoming essential for corporate governance. This hands-on masterclass walks you through actionable frameworks for integrating satellite data into corporate due diligence and audit processes.

11:30- 12:00, Start-up Jungle Stage, Unlocking Global Market Access in the Space Economy

Fireside Chat

Scaling a space company beyond European borders requires navigating complex export regulations, geopolitical dynamics, and local market entries. This interactive fireside conversation provides practical insights and hard-won lessons in acquiring and growing international customer base.

13:30 - 14:00 CASSINI Startup Pitching

Startup Pitching Session

Continuing with the pitching tracks, this session features a curated selection of cutting-edge startups from across the CASSINI ecosystem. Expect fast-paced pitches, breakthrough commercial solutions, live audience voting, and an opportunity to connect directly with the founders.

14:00 - 14:30, Start-up Jungle Stage, The European Space Opportunity Hub

Masterclass

Securing technical and business talent is one of the biggest hurdles scaling space companies face today. This masterclass breaks down EUSPA’s skills development initiatives, showing you exactly how to access EU-backed training to upskill teams and accelerate your path to commercial readiness.

15:30 - 16:00, CASSINI Startup Pitching

Startup Pitching Session

Concluding the pitching tracks, this final pitching session features a curated selection of cutting-edge startups from across the CASSINI ecosystem. Expect fast-paced pitches, breakthrough commercial solutions, live audience voting, and an opportunity to connect directly with the founders.