Last week, over 100 airport managers, operators, service providers, industry representatives, researchers and institutions from across Europe convened at Aeroporti di Roma (ADR)’s Innovation Hub, located within Rome Fiumicino Airport, for the “Space for SMART Airports” Workshop. Jointly organised by ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS), ADR, Eurocontrol and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), the workshop created a forum for key players to discuss shared needs and challenges, and to investigate how space-enabled solutions might address them.

The challenges

With European airports surpassing 2 billion passengers in 2025 -a figure expected to rise -the aviation industry now faces an increasingly complex operational environment. Airports must boost efficiency and sustainability, improve the passenger journey, and manage costs, all while upholding stringent safety standards and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Throughout the workshop, representatives from airports and institutions exchanged views on a variety of challenges and needs affecting airports of all sizes, including the different perspectives of small/regional and major hubs. It became clear that innovative operational solutions, developed within robust regulatory frameworks, are crucial for meeting evolving airport needs. The discussions underscored the importance of integrating data from multiple technologies, with space-based data identified as a key enabler for achieving sustainability, safety and resilience objectives.

The role of space

Rita Rinaldo, who leads the Applications, Projects and Studies Division at ESA, noted that the aviation sector is now poised for a step change.

“Yes, space technology is already well-established in the sector, but now is the moment to do much more. Satellite navigation, satellite communications and Earth observation data have a huge role to play in delivering the next generation of innovative solutions,” she stated.

Her message was unequivocal: space technology has moved from a supporting role to a strategic driver, shaping airport operations of the future. She also introduced the ESA ACCESS/BASS initiative, which is already supporting the development of innovative and commercially sustainable airport solutions powered by space technology. A number of successful space-based applications were showcased, including a cloud based system addressing the growing risk of illegal drone activity from Denmark, a cybersecurity testbed enhancing aviation resilience from Italy, a safety system improving airside mowing operations from Norway and autonomous ground-vehicle services from the UK.

The workshop also featured presentations on the ENAC approach to support innovation at airports, including the Sandbox tool and technology qualification, ADR’s innovation programme, and the Eurocontrol Air Transport Innovation Network (EATIN). As well as the BASS initiatives, a number of flagship projects emerging from the ADR and EATIN programmes were also highlighted, demonstrating tangible outcomes and future potential.

Throughout the day, collaboration was a central theme for identifying shared requirements and creating user-driven solutions, and attendees were encouraged to make the most of the networking. While there were many opportunities throughout the event, the main focus was the afternoon’s interactive working sessions. Here, stakeholders collaborated to consider space-enabled solutions in four strategic domains: optimised monitoring of airport assets and their surroundings; enhanced airside operations; advanced fleet management; and integrated logistics and mobility. These sessions sparked insightful discussions, enabling participants to tackle challenges collaboratively, exchange ideas and explore the potential of space technology in aviation.

The workshop concluded with a shared enthusiasm and a clear direction: Europe’s airports are ready to harness the full potential of space-enabled innovation. With promising ideas emerging around automation, autonomy and enhanced safety, the event has laid down strong foundations for ongoing collaboration and the evolution of future airport operations.

In his closing remarks, Enrico Spinelli, Applications Engineer within BASS, emphasised the importance of collaboration between airport stakeholders and the space ecosystem.

“Today we heard about needs, challenges, possible applications, ideas from airports, industry and institutions under the regulatory framework. Cooperation between airport stakeholders and the space ecosystem is the key ingredient to develop space-based solutions for airports with a widespread use. Today’s in-person workshop has been an important first step. Let’s keep looking forward - and thinking forward - together towards the airports of tomorrow.”

With visitor numbers still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and accessibility a challenge at many museums, INVENTA has breathed new life into cultural heritage public services by opening them up to new and broader audiences. Delivered by the Italian ETT-Dedagroup with the support of LINKS FOUNDATION and ALPHA Consult, and funded by the European Space Agency’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS), INVENTA uses innovative technologies, including space data, to deliver immersive and engaging visitor experiences with inclusivity and sustainability at their core – with a novel application in the medical field too.

The services developed by INVENTA deliver interactive and immersive visitor experiences, including AR overlays that visitors can access on their mobile phones, geolocation services to improve accuracy and relevance of the displayed content, as well as remote 360° virtual exhibitions with multiplayer virtual visiting modes, enabling group visits and remote guided tours. On a practical level, the digital tools can be leveraged to optimise visitor flows and to improve accessibility to cultural heritage, while also enabling healthcare settings to offer remote cultural experiences to benefit patients. 

Fully integrated cutting-edge technologies - Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), 5G networks, satellite connectivity and satellite navigation/positioning– are at the heart of the initiative, bringing cultural heritage experiences to new and more diverse audiences, while delivering economic benefits for museums.

“The cultural heritage sector needs to evolve with the times, as well as find ways to be more resilient in the face of accessibility challenges, exacerbated by events such as the pandemic,” explains Giorgio Genta, Contractor Project Manager at ETT S.p.A. – Dedagroup.  

“Our digital solution responds to this need, enhancing content accessibility, interaction, and the sustainability of cultural institutions and sites. The support and funding from BASS have been invaluable in helping us get to where we are today, not least in relation to the space technology that underpins our service.”

“Nowadays digital technologies are giving rise to a new form of protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, which accessibility is no longer anchored to physical spaces, but expands to new, boundless horizons, free from spatial and temporal constraints. It is now up to us to make the most of this opportunity," adds Massimo Migliorini, Head of Extended Reality Lab at LINKS FOUNDATION.

The four key aims of the INVENTA project are to:

• enhance visitor experience: virtually transport visitors into the past, allowing them to explore historical reconstructions and interact with exhibits, including those that are in hidden collections. 
• improve accessibility: provide remote interactive guides tailored for diverse audiences, including remote visitors and people with accessibility needs. These solutions ensure that cultural heritage remains inclusive and available to all.
• future-proof cultural sites: help cultural sites develop new revenue streams by offering premium and optimised digital experiences by offering ready-to-use, scalable solutions.
• strengthen crisis preparedness: equip institutions with a robust digital presence that ensures continued visitor engagement during potential future disruptions, such as the pandemic.

While there are existing digital solutions for cultural institutions using some of the technologies, such as AR, VR or geolocation-based services, INVENTA differentiates itself by providing a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates them all together with a Content Management System (CMS) and a mobile app. 

Museums involved in the pilot – including Doge’s Palace in Genova and the Museum of Oriental Arts in Turin – have reported positive feedback from visitors trialling the app. Doge’s Palace has since become a paying customer for the service.

“This achievement is a key goal and represents real commercial success for the INVENTA initiative, confirming its technical and economic viability and long-term sustainability,” says Claudia Maltoni, Senior Project Manager at ALPHA Consult and leader of the INVENTA business plan.

In addition to museums, the service was also tested in a hospital environment with patients in neuro-rehabilitation recovering from spinal surgery.  The pioneering use of VR-based stimulation, for example offering patients immersive 360° video experiences from the Zoom biopark in Turin, opens new avenues for therapy and cognitive rehabilitation activities.

“INVENTA exemplifies the broad spectrum of business cases that BASS supports, demonstrating how space-enabled innovation can generate meaningful socio-economic impact,” says Davide Coppola, Head of the Space Applications Initiatives Section.

“By leveraging advanced space technologies, companies can significantly enhance and differentiate their service offerings. In this particular case, Earth observation satellites and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) play a pivotal role - providing high-resolution aerial imagery of monuments and cultural heritage sites, while enabling precise positioning services that enrich the visitor experience.”

The European Space Agency (ESA), Eurocontrol and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) are pleased to announce the Space for SMART Airports workshop on 12 February 2026. This free event, which will take place at the ADR/Innovation Hub in Rome/FCO airport, is an opportunity to explore airport needs and priorities in relation to operational efficiency, resilience and sustainability, and to investigate possible roles for space technologies in supporting innovative solutions for smart airports.

The event will involve airport managers and operators, airport service providers, industry representatives, institutional authorities, research entities and key aviation stakeholders. The focus will be to discuss and analyse airport requirements and trends in relation to key operational challenges and sustainability goals. Delegates will explore opportunities for innovation addressing applications such as:

• optimised monitoring of airports assets and airports surroundings
• automation in airside operations
• fleet management
• mobility for passengers and goods
• integrated logistics

Emerging solutions enabled by space data and services, as well as their potential for commercial exploitation will be discussed. These include new business models, data analytics tailored for aviation, and innovative partnerships between public and private sectors. ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) funding opportunities to develop innovative and commercially sustainable applications for smart airports, supported by space technologies, will be also presented.

The event will provide networking opportunities for attendees, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between regulatory authorities, technology providers, and aviation/airport operators. By bringing together a diverse audience of stakeholders, the workshop aims to spark dialogue and inspire actionable ideas, while also match-making between demand and supply to shape the next generation of airport technologies and services.

Agenda 

10:00 – 10:30  Registration

10:30 – 10:45  Welcome and introductions 

                          ADR, Emanuele Calà, Senior Vice President, Transformation & Technology, Aeroporti di Roma

                          ENAC, Davide Drago, Director for Coordination, Standardisation and Airport Regulation

                          ASI, Roberto Formaro, Director of the Engineering and Technology Directorate

10:45 – 11:00  ESA ACCESS/BASS programme and space applications for smart airports

                          ESA, Rita Rinaldo, Head of Applications and Studies Division

11:00 – 12:30  Panel: Airports - Trends and Future Directions (Moderator: Enrico Spinelli, Applications Engineer, ESA)

                          ADR, Fabrizio Magliocca, Director of Business Transformation, Innovation & Quality

                          Schiphol, Rens Kamerling, Innovation Manager

                          ARC, Sergi Alegre, Director General

                          Eurocontrol, Mohamed Ellejmi, Deputy Head of Airport Unit

12:30 – 14:00  Networking Lunch

14:00 – 14:45  Industry Session & Innovative Solutions (Moderators: Fausto Vieira, HE Space for ESA, and Letizia Petrarca, ADR Innovation Hub & Intrapreneurship)

                            ASB (Autonomous Safety Barrier), Roar Bjerke, CEO Autroni

                            Darwin Shuttle, Daniela Petrovic, CEO Darwin Group

                            Aeroficial Intelligence, Markus Stadlmair, CTO

                            Assaia, Jan Willem Kappes, Chief Commercial Officer

                            Outsight, Raul Bravo, Founder

                            Eurocontrol, Paolino De Falco, Project Engineer at the EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub

14:45 – 16:00  Working sessions (additional information will be provided to registered participants)

16:00 – 16:30  Summary and Wrap Up Sessions

                          Feedback from working sessions by selected speakers

                          Conclusions (ESA)

Registrations have now closed. 

This story is part of our new story series: Meet the Ambassadors. In this new series, we’re going to introduce you to the great teams across our Network that are using space to develop commercial products and services applied in daily life. Curious about their highlights and advice? Read on.

Who is ESA Business Applications Ambassador Italy?

Fondazione E. Amaldi is the Italian Ambassador for ESA Business Applications (AP-IT) supporting Italian entrepreneurs in developing disruptive new business models to enable new products and services for the traditional industrial sectors. From 2016, the AP-IT has been encouraging the Italian innovation ecosystem, supporting technology transfer processes in every phase of the value chain, and providing business, technological and financial guidance.

Tell us about the people in your team and what strength/added value do you bring through.

Lorenzo Scatena is the Italian Ambassador with a background in law and finance. Mentor and founder of tech accelerators and start-ups, he has enabled the first Italian venture capital fund for the space sector and provides companies with top tips to boost their business.

 

Eleonora Lombardi is the Deputy Ambassador with a background in business and international relations and is the go-to person to find a solution able to revolutionise the traditional approach.

Giorgia D’Agostinis is a Technology Analyst with a background in telecommunications and specialises in remote radar and sensing. She is passionate about sustainable technologies and solutions.

Cristina Maria Gogu is a Marketing & Communications Manager, she creates inspiring, informing and capturing marketing campaigns outreaching the innovation community.

Valerio Roscani is a Technology Analyst with a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science, he is specialised in satellite image analysis and artificial intelligence to lift the entrepreneurs using EO data.

United, curious, and hungry for progress we pave the road to the future of space innovation!

What has inspired you to work in the space industry? 

In less than a century, space technologies are transforming almost every sector of society, helping to improve our daily life, sustaining our economy and industry, protecting our Earth. Supporting businesses to realise their potential to use space applications for the benefit of society is the main source of inspiration and passion for us. AP-IT is committed to support the creation of sustainable value, transferring space technologies to society’s challenges to solve business needs and real-life problems. We point at enabling entrepreneurs to integrate space and digital technologies to make them fitting within scalable business models to innovate on a cost-efficient paradigm. 

Do you look for/have start-ups working to solve big world problems? 

We strongly believe that technology has to assist the business and that business models need to solve the challenges of a sustainable world. From agrifood-tech and energy to insur-tech and fin-tech, we outreach and promote non-space sectors on the sustainable role played by space technologies in disrupting business models. The match of commercial solutions with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the European Green Deal and national policies are paramount for us and for our supported entrepreneurs to empower innovation and transform the world delivering sustainable growth. 

Please present between 1 and maximum 4 examples with the name of the start-up, website and a short sentence of what are they doing. 

Nhazca S.r.l. - The company, with the “Smart Geotechnical Asset Management” programme, takes advantage of data collected by monitoring sensors (both contact  and  remote sensors)  for  an  efficient  management  of  transportation  assets.  The purpose is to develop a web-based geo-spatial platform (SGAM platform) to  support  the  management  of  geological  and geotechnical assets to increase the control of the strategic element of the transport networks.

Mobygis S.r.l. - WatAspace, based on satellite data, like synthetic aperture radar (SAR) via Sentinel-1 and radar-altimeter via Sentinel-3, monitors river discharge and reservoirs level in order to infer the water availability and water movement inside a watershed. The company develops a mix of physically based and AI algorithms aimed to analyse water flow and water level on some test beds in Europe, with the objective to assess the accuracy level and the size of addressable water body. 

What is your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Two main pieces of advice: technology needs a business application and human capital is your best investment. No matter what the sector, a concrete business vision can inspire and motivate a disruptive growth as well as your growth is possible only through the abilities and qualities of your managers and employees. Your company is a living animal and needs to proactively move forward. 

Using one word, how would you describe the ESA Space Solutions community?  

One word? VALUE - Value is the mix of basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. It is, in a narrow sense, which is good, desirable, or worthwhile, the motive behind purposeful actions. It is the end to which we act and evolve to benefit entrepreneurs and society in many forms.

How would you solve problems if you were from Mars? 

Integrate the diversity of Martians to widen the horizon of possible and effective solutions. 

What is your website link where the readers can find more about you? 

Check iap-italy.it, subscribe to our newsletter and follow our LinkedIn page for all our news and to get in contact with our galactic team.

ABOUT ESA SPACE SOLUTIONS

ESA Space Solutions is the go-to place for great business ideas involving space in all areas of society and economy. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs in Europe in the development of business using satellite applications and space technology to improve everyday life.