Successful networking event between the French and Greek Space Industries, Toulouse, 1-2 October 2015

It is the first time that, Greek and French companies and research institutes met in Toulouse, France, to present their activities, interests and intentions, seeking possible cooperations in Space affairs. Under the auspices of the Greek General Secretariat for Research and Technology and the support of the si-Cluster and “PRAXI” Network, 130 business meetings were achieved to explore partnerships between members of the Greek and French space ecosystem in joint efforts for space applications.

From the French side very well-known companies attended such as: Airbus Defence & Space, Airbus Safran Launchers, ATMEL, CLS, Thales Alenia Space and more. The event was also attended by representatives from the European Commission (EC), who analyzed the opportunities within Horizon 2020 as well as from the European Space Agency (ESA), who presented new initiatives for strengthening and development of SMEs synergies in space.

The industrial representative of Northern Greece was PRISMA ELECTRONICS SA, as a member of the Greek si-Cluster and one of the 26 Greek presences, with substantial experience in implementing high-tech projects in electronic manufacturing.

«The purpose of our participation in the Toulouse event, said the head of the Scientific Board of the company, Mr. Petros Soukoulias, is to explore new partnerships in the context of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Horizon2020 programs as well as other direct commercial partnerships with French companies, which indeed are pioneers in space technology.

We had the opportunity, by visiting the facilities of the National Centre for Space Studies in Toulouse (CNES), to experience a unique environment with great scientific and technological interest where research and innovation for many years are the dominant feature. Cooperation prospects with French companies and research institutions are very likely, given the high potential of many Greek companies and organizations in space applications»