On 18 September 2026, roughly 200 representatives from the financial sector, industry, European institutions and policymakers gathered at ESA headquarters in Paris for the Investor Forum 2026.
The forum aimed to explore how public demand and private capital could work together to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the space industry.
ESA speakers highlighted that access to suitable financing is a key lever for realizing planned missions, building infrastructure and delivering commercial services.
Discussions covered concrete approaches such as public‑private partnerships, novel financing instruments and the creation of regulatory frameworks that make space‑technology investments more attractive.
Participants stressed that tighter links between state‑driven demand and private investment would not only reinforce Europe’s industrial base but also open new growth opportunities for European companies.
It was agreed to further develop the ideas in dedicated working groups and to present concrete project proposals ahead of the next ESA Council meeting.