Intergovernmental conference
ExCel Center, Intergovernmental Conference Theatre- March 4th - 5th 2026
From Vision to Orbit:
National Space Strategies Unveiled
Sponsored By
Where National Space Strategies Take Centre Stage.
The Intergovernmental Conference convenes leaders from space agencies and government to share priorities, funding pathways, and partnership models that will shape the next decade. We cover everything from defence, climate and policy to innovation and commercial growth.
Confirmed Space Leaders Attending Space-Comm Expo Europe
Dr Paul Bate
Chief Executive Officer
UK Space Agency
Juan Carlos Cortés
Director
Spanish Space Agency
Ricardo Conde
President
Portuguese Space Agency
Michal Brichta
Director of Slovak Space Office
Slovak Space Office
Daniel Leeb
Executive Mission Director and CEO
Iceland Space Agency
Tanja Permozer
Head of Slovenian Space Office and Head of Slovenian Delegation to the European Space Agency
Slovenian Space Office
Christian Hauglie-Hanssen
Director General
Norwegian Space Agency
What Will Be Discussed
Capability Revealed
Ecosystems Aligned
Growth Accelerated
Inside National Space Power
Senior government leaders take the stage to unpack national space capabilities shaping today’s global markets. From sovereign infrastructure to emerging ecosystems, this theatre explores where strategic investment is flowing, how nations are enabling growth, and where international partners can engage to scale capability, resilience, and commercial impact.
Strategic Advantage
Ecosystem Momentum
Shared Growth
Where Nations Compete and Connect
This intergovernmental theatre brings clarity to how nations are building space advantage while opening pathways for collaboration. Hear directly how policy, industrial strategy, and ecosystem development intersect and where growth areas are aligning across borders to unlock partnerships, innovation, and long‑term commercial opportunity.
Confirmed Countries Attending Space-Comm Expo Europe
2026 intergovernmental conference agenda
Hear Directly From International Space Leaders
10:45 - 11:25Lithuania: From Lab to Low Earth Orbit: Lithuania’s Space Journey
Lithuania’s space ecosystem is rapidly evolving – from emerging startups to companies building technologies for international missions, including the International Space Station. This discussion will showcase the breadth and maturity of Lithuania’s space sector, highlighting innovations in laser communication, life sciences, advanced materials and solar technologies.
Bringing together Space Hub LT and leading space-tech companies, the panel will explore what it takes to move from research and development to orbit, how Lithuanian innovators compete globally, and what the next milestones mean for the country’s position in the international space economy.
11:30 - 12:10Unveiling Taiwan’s Space Solutions: Pioneering Satellite Communications and Beyond
Explore Taiwan’s Space Industry at Space-Comm Expo: Unlock Opportunities for Global Collaboration. Join us at the Taiwan Country Showcase at Space-Comm Expo, where we unveil Taiwan’s dynamic role in the global space industry and highlight concrete opportunities for collaboration with UK and European partners.
Discover how Taiwan’s world-class supply chain, renowned for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and rapid development cycles, is accelerating innovation in space components and related technologies and supporting international programmes across the global space ecosystem.
Building on these strengths, the showcase provides a focused platform for international companies to explore pathways into the Taiwan market. It highlights how evolving policies, industry coordination, and cross-border collaboration can enable smoother market entry and strengthen long-term partnerships. We will also examine how Taiwan’s unique international operating environment shapes business strategies and creates new opportunities for growth.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and innovate with Taiwan’s thriving space sector.
12:15 - 12:55Slovenian Space Ecosystem and Strategy - Small on Earth, yet big in Space
Slovenia’s space sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, evolving into a dynamic ecosystem of companies, research institutions and innovators. Despite its small size, Slovenia has developed a strong presence in specialised, high‑tech niches of the global space industry. Slovenian entities contribute advanced solutions in areas such as Earth observation applications, data analytics, control and measurement systems, space‑resilient materials, robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, micro‑ and nanosatellite technologies, ground station equipment, micro‑cooling systems, and astronaut health monitoring.
A key driver of this progress has been Slovenia’s close cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and international partners, culminating in a major milestone: Slovenia became a full ESA Member State on 1 January 2025.
To support national coordination and development, the Slovenian Space Office, established in 2023 under the ministry responsible for the economy, serves as the focal point for space activities. It works across ministries, research organisations and industry to strengthen awareness, connect stakeholders and stimulate new opportunities for growth.
At the Slovenia Showcase, participants will gain an overview of the Slovenian Space Ecosystem, current activities and the national strategic framework.
The Slovenian Space Strategy 2023–2030, titled “Small on Earth, yet Big in Space,” sets out the long‑term ambition to foster a competitive and innovative national space sector. It is built on five strategic pillars:
- Advancing space technologies and research
- Supporting participation in space exploration missions
- Developing and utilising space‑based applications
- Educating a new generation of scientists and engineers
- Promoting entrepreneurship in close collaboration with research organisations
The strategy highlights the use of space technologies for environmental and digital transformation, and improving productivity, competitiveness and overall quality of life.
Slovenian companies and institutions excel in demanding high‑tech markets and are increasingly recognised internationally for their innovation and reliability. The Showcase will also present selected Slovenian entities, demonstrating the solutions, technologies and services that Slovenia offers to global partners seeking performance and competitiveness in the space domain.
13:00 -13:40Meet the Danish Space SectorSøren Gram Riisgaard • CEO of Space Denmark
- Søren Gram Riisgaard
- CEO of Space Denmark
Denmark has developed a strong and diverse space sector spanning upstream technologies, satellite systems, downstream applications, and research-driven innovation. Danish organisations are active across areas such as small satellites, Earth observation, satellite communications, space software, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable space solutions, with close links between industry, academia, and public stakeholders.
This session provides an overview of the Danish space sector and its current priorities, with a focus on international collaboration and industrial partnerships. Space Denmark will present the structure of the Danish ecosystem, highlight key technological strengths, and outline how Danish companies engage in international projects, supply chains, and research initiatives.
The session is relevant for companies, researchers, and organisations seeking insight into the Danish space ecosystem or looking to establish new Nordic and European partnerships.
13:45 - 14:25Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation
- John Whalley
- CEO of Space Wales
- Dr Rosie Cane
- Cluster Development Manager of Space Wales
- Rui Semide
- CEO, N10gled
- Leshan Uggalla
- Senior Lecturer at the University of South Wales
- Jeremy Howitt
- Consultant, Snowdonia Aerospace LLP
- Lewis D'Ambra
- Director of Communications and Public Policy at Space Forge
- Laura Hawkins
- Network Manager, Excelerate Technology
Join John Whalley, CEO of Space Wales, and Dr. Rosie Cane, Cluster Development Manager, for an insightful overview of the exciting developments in Wales‘ fast-growing space sector. This session will feature short presentations from stellar organisations across Wales, showcasing innovations in satellite development, propulsion, and the downstream applications of space technology. Additionally, learn about the latest advancements at Snowdonia Space Centre and the newly established Space Technology Test Centre, highlighting Wales‘ growing role in the global space industry.
14:30 - 15:10Spain in Orbit: Showcasing Innovation and Industry in the Space Sector
- María José Montilla
- European Programmes Technician, Spanish Space Agency
Companies:
Sateliot / Starion Group / DHV Technology / Radian Systems / UARX Space / Valar Space
Spain has consolidated its position as one of Europe’s most dynamic and competitive space ecosystems, combining established industrial capabilities with a fast-growing New Space segment.
This showcase will present a selected group of Spanish companies operating across the space value chain, highlighting their technological strengths, export capacity, and partnership opportunities within the UK and international markets.
The session aims to foster industrial collaboration, strategic partnerships, and joint participation in European and global programmes, reinforcing Spain–UK cooperation in space.
15:15 - 15:55Argentina’s Integrated Space Ecosystem: Satellite Systems and Strategic Ground Infrastructure
- Mariana E. Plaza
- Ambassador, Embassy of Argentina
- Héctor Griffini
- Manager of Administration and Human Resources at the Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE)
- Leonardo Ariel Comes Penalva
- Technology Department Lead at CONAE
- Luis Genovese
- VP at INVAP
Argentina’s national space program has consolidated over decades a sovereign model of satellite development, mission operations, and ground segment infrastructure.
In this Country Showcase, representatives from CONAE and INVAP will present the evolution of Argentina’s space capabilities — from satellite system design and radar mission deployment, including the SAOCOM constellation, to the expansion of multi-mission ground infrastructure across the national territory and into Antarctica with the development of the ground station at Belgrano II Base.
The session will provide an overview of Argentina’s integrated approach to satellite manufacturing, mission execution, and infrastructure growth, highlighting current capabilities and future perspectives for international cooperation and strategic partnerships.
10:00 - 10:40NorwaySession synopsis to be announced shortly
- Christian Hauglie-Hanssen
- Director General, Norwegian Space Agency
10:00 - 10:40Northern IrelandRobert Hill • Director: Northern Ireland Space Office
- Robert Hill
- Director at Northern Ireland Space Office
Northern Ireland has a strong and distinguished aerospace and defence heritage, spanning over a century. It is underpinned by a highly skilled workforce, supported by two world class universities, Queens University Belfast and Ulster University and an extensive network of further education colleges. Key investments and facilities including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), Momentum One Zero- aiming to drive and substantially increase digital innovation in the region and the UK’s Digital Twin Centre in Belfast are supporting and driving regional innovation. The region’s small size is an advantage, fostering a joined-up network across industry, academia, and government, working seamlessly to accelerate space technology innovation.
Northern Ireland is the only region in the world able to trade goods freely with both Great Britain and EU markets.
In March 2025, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, the Minister for the Department for Economy NI launched the Matrix NI Science Industry Panel report ‘Building on our Strengths: Northern Ireland’s Growing Space industry’ highlighting key recommendations to support the growing space sector in the region.
This presentation will explore some of these key strengths in Northern Ireland and how this capability is being pivoted and aligned with the national and global space sector development.
10:45 - 11:25Hungary: Proven in Orbit: How Human Spaceflight Experience Drives Innovation, Growth and PartnershipTibor Kapu • Research Astronaut: HUNOR Program, Tim Peake • Strategic Advisor for Axiom Space
- Tibor Kapu
- Research Astronaut, HUNOR Program
- Zsolt Szalay
- Scientific Vice-President for STEM
- Tim Peake
- Strategic Advisor for Axiom Space, first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station
- H.E. Ferenc Kumin
- Hungarian Ambassador to the United Kingdom
Human spaceflight is no longer reserved for major powers — it is becoming a platform for nations ready to convert scientific capability into economic and strategic advantage. Hungary’s recent manned mission reflects this shift, demonstrating operational readiness and strong expertise in designing high-value scientific experiments for orbit. With expanding space ambitions and an increased contribution to the European Space Agency, Hungary is deepening its role in Europe’s evolving space ecosystem.
This panel will examine the research, innovation, and commercial opportunities generated by human spaceflight, and how mission experience creates lasting impact beyond the astronaut’s return. Featuring Tibor Kapu (mission specialist – Axiom4 – 2025), H.E. Ferenc Kumin (Hungarian Ambassador to the United Kingdom), Zsolt Szalay (HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network) and Tim Peake (Strategic Advisor for Axiom Space, first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station) the discussion will provide practical insight into building national space capability and fostering international partnerships — offering relevant lessons for both emerging and established space nations.
12:15 - 12:55Slovakia: From Heritage to a Modern Space EcosystemKristián Ondáč • Sector Development Manager at Slovak Space Office
- Kristián Ondáč
- Sector Development Manager at Slovak Space Office
Slovakia’s engagement in space engineering and astronautics dates back to the 1970s, when the first space hardware development activities were initiated within former Czechoslovakia. The region’s human spaceflight legacy includes the mission of Czechoslovak cosmonaut Vladimír Remek and later Slovak citizen Ivan Bella, who spent seven days aboard the Mir space station in 1999. Slovak scientists and engineers have also contributed to major international missions, including the historic Rosetta mission in 2014, which achieved humanity’s first comet landing, with professional technical participation led by Dr. Ján Baláž.
Today, Slovakia has developed a dynamic and rapidly growing space ecosystem with more than 60 companies actively engaged in the sector. While a significant portion operates in the upstream domain, the majority of space-related revenues are generated through downstream applications, particularly software solutions leveraging Earth observation and positioning data.
Beyond established players, dozens of companies from relevant industries — including electronics, high-precision manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and ICT — represent strong potential for diversification into the space economy. Many already possess initial project experience and transferable technological capabilities.
How does Slovakia support diversification into the space sector? How are talent development and capacity building addressed? And how is Slovakia positioning itself as a reliable partner within European and global space structures?
From emerging space ecosystems to established space nations, this session brings together diverse perspectives on building sustainable growth in the space sector. Join us at the Slovakia Showcase to exchange knowledge and discover collaboration opportunities.
11:30 - 12:10Portugal: The Atlantic Space Hub
- Ricardo Conde
- Portuguese Space Agency
- Marta Oliveira
- Atmos Space Cargo GmbH
- Bruno Carvalho
- Atlantic Spaceport Consortium
The Atlantic Space Hub
Portugal is building the Atlantic Space Hub in the Azores to support space operations, from launch to re-entry. The session will highlight three concrete milestones, beginning with the regulatory work and promotional efforts by the Portuguese Space Agency: the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium’s first national licence to operate the Malbusca Launch Centre in Santa Maria Island; Innospace’s plans to launch from the Azores; and ATMOS re-entry operations in Santa Maria. Together, these developments demonstrate how Portugal is putting in place the regulation, partners and infrastructure needed to strengthen Europe’s autonomy and resilience in access and return capabilities.
13:45 - 14:25From Arctic Security to Artemis; Iceland is Your Gateway to the StarsDaniel Leeb • CEO: Iceland Space Agency
- Daniel Leeb
- CEO, Iceland Space Agency
For the Apollo astronauts at the dawn of the space age, Iceland was the penultimate step before humanity’s giant leap. Now, in the age of Artemis, Iceland is once again pivotal to analog missions, astronaut training and hardware testing. Its strategic high-latitude location in the Arctic, with abundant clean energy and redundant internet backhaul, also makes Iceland an ideal location for ground segment infrastructure whether it be TTC, RF and optical downlink or SSA. Come to the Iceland Showcase to hear how your company or agency can benefit from ISA’s support.
14:30 - 15:10Canada in Orbit: Partnerships, Capability, Commercial Impact
- Moderator: Melissa Quinn
- VP Spaceport Operations, Maritime Launch Service
- Derrick Chow
- VP Operations, NordSpace Corp
- Kevin Stadnyk
- Co-Founder & CEO, Obruta
- Norvan Gharabegi
- Operations & Business Development Lead, GlobVision In
- Dr Nadeem Ghafoor
- CEO, Avalon Space Inc
Canada is scaling up its role as a reliable ally and high‑value supplier – backed by a tenfold step‑up in ESA contributions. In Earth observation, Canada is sustaining critical Arctic and maritime awareness as well as disaster response through RADARSAT+. Commercial providers add methane monitoring and space‑traffic safety layers, while next‑gen robotics (Canadarm3) and broadband constellations extend from lunar exploration to secure connectivity for defence, mobility, and remote communities. This showcase maps how European buyers, primes, and public agencies can engage with Canadian programmes and suppliers to advance climate resilience, allied security, and commercial growth.
15:15 - 15:55Finland Country Showcase
- Srinath Logasubramanian
- VP of Sales at ReOrbit
- Simon Wheeler
- VP of Software at ReOrbit
- Damon Olloman
- Missions Sales Director, ICEYE
Intergovernmental Theatre (show floor)
ReOrbit: Sovereign Satellite Systems for the UK: Bridging Defence & Civil Connectivity with ReOrbit’s Integrated Satellite & Space Cloud Architecture.
This presentation outlines how ReOrbit enables UK sovereign communications by integrating software-first satellite platforms with a resilient Space Cloud architecture. We will show how defense-grade and civil connectivity requirements can be met through modular, mission-tailored satellites combined with secure in-orbit processing, optical inter-satellite links, and data sovereignty by design. The session frames a clear path to a UK-manufactured capability – accelerating national resilience, interoperability with allies, and long-term industrial value – while delivering scalable communications for defense operations and critical civil services alike.
ICEYE: Propelling the UK into the Modern Space Era
In an increasingly unpredictable world, securing the UK’s sovereign and independent space capability has never been more crucial. This presentation will show how the UK can maintain its position as a leading space nation by adopting the new‑space approach demonstrated by companies such as ICEYE. Our capability has been proven in Ukraine, delivering at speed and scale, which has led multiple European nations to purchase their own ICEYE sovereign satellites — delivered launch‑ready in months — combined with immediate access to data from our on‑orbit constellation. ICEYE already has a strong presence in the UK and aims to further grow jobs, manufacturing, and national capability.
Who should attend the intergovermental conference
Don't miss your chance to connect with the leaders in national space
Founders
Understand national priorities, funding pathways, and where ecosystems are opening to commercial partners and pilot programmes.
Investors
Identify sovereign‑backed growth areas, de‑risked markets, and where government strategy is accelerating commercial returns.
Defence & Security Leaders
Gain clarity on how national space capabilities translate into resilience, interoperability, and deployable advantage across allied environments.
Policy Makers
Share approaches to building national ecosystems while enabling industry participation, international alignment, and scalable economic growth.
Commercial Operators
Learn where national infrastructure, regulation, and partnerships create near‑term opportunities for deployment and expansion.
Primes
Shape future programmes by aligning supply chains and technology roadmaps with emerging national capability investments.
Space Agency Executives
Exchange insights on ecosystem development, partnership models, and capability gaps that benefit from international coordination.
Academics & Research Leaders
Understand where national strategies are driving investment into research translation, talent pipelines, and dual‑use capability development.
Choose Your Ticket Type
Our Intergovernmental Conference is exclusively open to paid ticket holders, exhibitors, and government delegates. Secure your place by choosing a Conference Pass or VIP Pass and enjoy access not just to this event, but to four additional conferences included with your ticket.
| Access To Exhibition Floor |
| Keynote Conference |
| Defence Conference |
| Intergovernmental Conference |
| Space Tech Conference |
| Space Data Conference |
| GEO & AI Summit Hosted By Innovate UK |
| Keynote Video Recordings |
| Off Floor Symposiums |
| Roundtables |
| Workshop Sessions |
| Investor Forum |
| Evening 1 VIP Networking Event |
| VIP Lounge |
| VIP Workstations |
| Complementary Tea and Coffee |
Show Benefits
| Access to the exhibition floor |
| Keynote Conference |
| Defence Conference |
| Intergovernmental Conference |
| Space Tech Conference |
| Space Data Conference |
| GEO & AI Summit Hosted By Innovate UK |
| Keynote Video Recordings |
| Off Floor Symposiums |
| Roundtables |
| Workshop Sessions |
| Investor Forum |
Show Benefits
| Access to the exhibition floor |
| Keynote Conference |
| Defence Conference |
| Intergovernmental Conference |
| Space Tech Conference |
| Space Data Conference |
| GEO & AI Summit Hosted By Innovate UK |
| Keynote Video Recordings |
| Off Floor Symposiums |
| Roundtables |
| Workshop Sessions |
| Investor Forum |
| Evening 1 VIP Networking Event |
| VIP Lounge |
| VIP Workstations |
| Complimentary Tea and Coffee |
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