SpaceConnect ATHU brings together six project partners from Austria and Hungary to establish a cross-border space innovation ecosystem. Led by FOTEC, the project connects research, education and industry to jointly use and further develop existing expertise and infrastructure.

The Austrian-Hungarian border region offers extensive expertise in precision manufacturing, mechatronics, robotics, cleanroom technologies and digital production. SpaceConnect helps businesses and institutions explore how these capabilities can be applied to the space sector. The project also promotes knowledge transfer, training and young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

• The project focuses on three areas:

  • Lasting cooperation structures: An Austrian-Hungarian Space Innovation Council, a joint research and innovation roadmap, and coordinated organisational frameworks will provide the foundation for long-term cooperation.

  • Knowledge transfer and capacity building: A regional competence map and cross-border professional events will help businesses and educational institutions identify practical entry points into the space sector.

  • Infrastructure access and joint pilot projects: Existing laboratory, cleanroom and testing facilities will be connected through a shared access framework. Joint pilot projects will explore how industrial capabilities can be adapted to space-sector requirements.

  SpaceConnect aims to strengthen regional innovation capacity and value creation while establishing cooperation that continues beyond the project’s lifetime. At least ten Austrian and Hungarian organisations are expected to maintain this long-term collaboration.

• FOTEC Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH
• Pannon Business Network (PBN)
• Eötvös-Loránd-Universität (ELTE GAO)
• Forschung Burgenland GmbH
• Wirtschafts- und Industriekammer des Komitats Győr-Moson-Sopron (GYMSMKIK)
• Dr. Bohrer Lasertec GmbH

The project is supported by four strategic partners: the ESA Phi-Lab Austria, Ecoplus, Lower Austrian Economic Chamber, AstroTech Kft., and the Vas County Centre for Vocational Education and Training (Vas Vármegyei Szakképzési Centrum).

FOTEC coordinates the overall project and leads the work package on knowledge transfer and capacity building. Further responsibilities include developing the joint research and innovation roadmap and providing technical coordination for joint pilot projects.

Project acronym: SpaceConnect
Project ID: ATHU-0100207
Duration: 28 months
Programme: Interreg Austria–Hungary 2021–2027

SpaceConnect ATHU is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Interreg Austria–Hungary 2021–2027 programme.