On 16 and 17 September, ESA Industry Space Days 2026 (ISD2026) took place at ESA's technology centre ESTEC in the Netherlands. This is one of the most significant events in the European space sector, where companies, research organisations and agencies seek collaboration partners, build contacts and discuss opportunities to participate in upcoming space projects.
14 Latvian companies participated in the event, with technologies already used in European space missions and various industries on Earth.
The Latvian delegation included Kaspars Karolis, representative of the Ministry of Education and Science and Head of the Latvian delegation to ESA, as well as Gatis Šneiders, Deputy Head of Mission of the Latvian Embassy in the Netherlands. The national stand was organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) in cooperation with the Latvian Space Industry Association (LAIK).
Over two days, Latvian companies met with ESA experts, representatives of leading European space companies and investors to discuss collaboration opportunities and participation in future projects.
Several Latvian companies are already involved in significant space missions. Allatherm is developing technologies for European space infrastructure projects, including lunar exploration programmes. Ventspils-based Bitlake Technologies has developed image processing technology that will help ESA's Comet Interceptor mission identify a comet's nucleus. QuBalt has developed a quantum-secure system for updating satellite software, intended to be tested in orbit. Meanwhile, Deep Space Energy is developing energy sources for lunar and deep space missions.
"In the six years since Latvia became an ESA associate member state, our companies have reached a level where they are developing technologies for use in lunar missions and offering solutions that interest partners across Europe and the world. We will continue to support companies so that their technologies become products and services used by customers worldwide. Events like these are an essential step in that direction," emphasised Kaspars Karolis.
Many solutions developed in the space sector are also useful in everyday life. Emy Solutions is working on solutions that would allow emergency alerts to be sent to residents via the European satellite navigation system Galileo even when terrestrial communication networks are down. NRG Solutions uses satellite data to monitor historic wooden buildings in Riga. ARKai helps identify risks in dams and hydroelectric power stations in a timely manner. ESA selected ARKai as one of the startups featured in a dedicated European startup zone.
Baltic Satellite Service also works with satellite data, developing an Earth observation platform for Baltic state institutions. Language technology company Tilde has created an AI assistant for ESA. Nanocraft is developing a satellite network for high-speed data transmission. Meanwhile, 2AM, Optonics and PicoTech — a company from Latgale — are developing advanced materials, 3D printing and laser processing technologies.
LMT is developing solutions for integrating satellite and 5G/6G networks. During ESA Industry Space Days, LMT Group and global space industry consultancy Novaspace signed a memorandum of understanding on developing a strategy for a 5G/6G satellite communications innovation platform in Latvia. The initiative aims to assess Latvia's potential to become part of ESA's 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks innovation hub ecosystem and to strengthen the country's position in next-generation satellite communications.
Participation in ESA programmes also delivers tangible economic benefits. According to an Oxford Economics study, from 2021 to mid-2025, every euro invested in the space sector generated approximately €1.40 in contribution to the Latvian economy. Experience gained in ESA projects has helped Latvian companies expand into export markets and attract new clients. The total value of commercial contracts concluded during this period reached €15 million.
