Poland launches national space industry infrastructure network

Poland's Minister of Finance and Economy, Andrzej Domański, announced in Katowice the launch of a national space industry infrastructure network aimed at connecting the scientific, industrial, and technological potential of regions across the country.

The initiative seeks to create conditions for the development of advanced technologies, strengthen national security, and build a competitive knowledge-based economy, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Economic Development and Tecnology of the Republic of Poland's official website.

Although the European Space Agency Centre will be established in Warsaw, the development of Poland's space sector is intended to benefit the entire country. Katowice and the Silesian Voivodeship are expected to play a key role thanks to their strong industrial base, advanced technology sector, skilled workforce, and significant research and development potential.

"The construction of a national space industry infrastructure network is one of the most important development projects of the coming years. We want the benefits of ESA's presence in Poland to be felt throughout the country. Katowice and the Silesian region have the potential to become one of the leading hubs of the growing space sector. We are creating a support system that includes both infrastructure investment and financing for businesses at every stage of development," Domański said.

PLN 500 Million Space Fund

The sector will be supported by a new PLN 500 million (€) Space Fund dedicated to financing research, the development of new technologies, startups, spin-offs, and the first industrial deployments.

The fund will support the most innovative projects during high-risk technological development and accelerate the commercialization of solutions developed in Poland.

BGK to Support Local Governments

Infrastructure needed for the space sector will also benefit from a new financing instrument provided by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), designed for local governments.

The programme will allow infrastructure projects to be financed over periods of up to 50 years, enabling the construction of technology centres, research laboratories, industrial parks, and data infrastructure while reducing the immediate burden on municipal budgets. It also offers flexible repayment schedules and long grace periods.

Chrobry Fund to Support Business Growth

The financing framework will be complemented by the Chrobry investment company, which manages an investment portfolio of approximately PLN 7 billion from the Security and Defence Fund.

Chrobry will support companies during their growth and expansion phase by financing production facilities, increasing manufacturing capacity, executing major contracts, and supporting international expansion.

The Space Fund and Chrobry will operate in a complementary manner. While the Space Fund will focus on research and technological innovation, Chrobry will finance industrial implementation and help build globally competitive Polish companies.

Photo Ministry of Economic Development and Tecnology of the Republic of Poland