Ireland is a dynamic hub for space technology innovation, blending world-class research institutions, entrepreneurial talent, and strong government support.
Anchored by the European Space Agency’s Space Solutions Centre Ireland and Enterprise Ireland’s strategic funding programs, the country fosters a thriving ecosystem for start-ups and scale-ups in aerospace, satellite communications, and advanced manufacturing.
It has emerged that Irish companies in the realm of space tech have landed a record €24m in ESA contracts in the past year, according to Enterprise Ireland.
Irish companies are pushing boundaries in diverse areas—from Mbryonics’ photonic satellite systems and Ubotica’s AI-powered Earth observation platforms to Varadis’ radiation sensors and PlasmaBound’s composite bonding technology. These firms are not only serving global markets but also contributing to landmark missions such as ESA’s Solar Orbiter and NASA’s Artemis program. Collaborative initiatives with ESA, Science Foundation Ireland, and leading universities like UCD and Tyndall National Institute ensure a steady pipeline of talent and research excellence.
Ireland’s appeal lies in its agility and innovation-driven culture. With access to ESA Business Incubation Centres, Spark Funding, and EU Horizon programs, start-ups benefit from non-dilutive grants, technical expertise, and international partnerships. The country’s strategic focus on sustainability and digital transformation further positions its space sector at the forefront of next-generation technologies, including AI, IoT, and advanced materials.
As global demand for satellite connectivity, climate monitoring, and space-based services accelerates, Ireland is leveraging its strengths to become a key player in the European and international space economy—proving that big ideas can thrive on a small island.
In 2022, Enterprise Ireland reported record growth in the number of Enterprise Ireland companies engaging with the European Space Agency (ESA), 94 organisations in total, with 14 of those companies securing first time contracts in 2021. Overall, ESA placed contracts with a combined value of €15.8m with 36 Irish-based companies, with an additional €4.8m in industry co-funding in 2021 alone.
Here are business operational in this space:
Celtonn
Celtonn, founded in 2023 by Marie Bourke (CEO), Aoife Kelly (COO), Dr. Mark Kelly, Oscar Gomez, and Yulung Tang, is a Limerick-based deep-tech start-up developing millimeter-wave semiconductors for 6G and satellite communications. The company has raised €50,000 to date and is supported by Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU program, ESA BIC, and the CASSINI Accelerator. Celtonn plans a €1.5m funding round in 2025 to scale production of high-frequency transmitters and receivers for aerospace and telecom applications.
Davra Networks
Davra Networks, founded in Dublin in 2012 by Paul Glynn (CEO), Joe Quinn (CTO), and Brian McGlynn, provides an IoT application enablement platform for sectors like transportation, smart cities, and healthcare. The company has raised over €3.6m through grants and venture rounds, including ESA-backed projects for Earth Observation and patient tracking solutions. Davra partners with Cisco and Intel and was featured in ESA initiatives to integrate IoT with satellite data for global industrial applications.
Enbio
Enbio, founded in 2006 by John O’Donoghue in Dublin, specialises in advanced surface coating technologies for aerospace, space, and industrial sectors. Its patented CoBlast process delivers high-performance thermal control coatings for spacecraft, including ESA’s Solar Orbiter mission. Enbio has raised over $2.17M through ESA and EU grants, alongside early-stage VC funding. Operating from DCU Alpha Innovation Campus, the company partners with ESA and Enterprise Ireland to scale sustainable coating solutions for demanding environments.
EIRSAT-1
EIRSAT-1 (Educational Irish Research Satellite-1) is Ireland’s first satellite, developed by University College Dublin under ESA’s Fly Your Satellite! programme. Launched on December 1, 2023 via SpaceX Falcon 9, the €1.5m CubeSat carried three Irish-built payloads: GMOD (gamma-ray detector), EMOD (thermal coatings test), and WBC (attitude control software). Funded by ESA, Science Foundation Ireland, Irish Research Council, and Enterprise Ireland, the project involved over 50 students and aims to boost STEM skills and space technology expertise in Ireland.
ESA Space Solutions Centre
ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland, established in 2016 and headquartered at Tyndall National Institute in Cork, supports Irish start-ups and SMEs using space technology. It operates ESA BIC Ireland and ESA Spark Funding, offering up to €50,000 non-dilutive grants, technical mentoring, and incubation facilities. Consortium partners include UCD, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University, and Technological University of the Shannon. Backed by Enterprise Ireland and ESA, the centre has helped over 29 companies raise €37m and create 165 jobs.
Infraprint
Infraprint, a UCD spin-out founded in 2023 by Dr. Andrew Dickson and Prof. Denis Dowling, develops advanced 3D printing technology using its patented TRAAM (Thermal Radiation Assisted Additive Manufacturing) process. Based at NovaUCD in Dublin, the company focuses on aerospace, space, and energy sectors, producing high-strength polymer and composite parts. Infraprint raised pre-seed funding from Enterprise Ireland and received support from EIT Manufacturing and NovaUCD. It also won the Irish Times Innovation Award for First-Time Founder in 2023.
Innalabs
Innalabs, headquartered in Dublin and founded in 2011 by Dmitri Simonenko, designs high-performance inertial sensors for aerospace, space, marine, and industrial applications. Its products include Coriolis Vibratory Gyroscopes and Quartz Servo Accelerometers used in navigation and stabilization systems. The company has raised over $6.7M through early-stage VC and debt financing, with investors including Harbert European Growth Capital and ESA. Innalabs also secured ESA contracts worth €2.6M for space missions and operates a 6,000m² ISO-certified facility in Dublin.
Lattice Space Systems
Lattice Space Systems (LSS), founded in 2021 in Limerick by Dr. Ciarán McHale with advisor Prof. Paul Weaver, develops lightweight deployable structures for CubeSats, including booms, solar arrays, and antennas. Its patented morphing composite lattice enables compact stowage and self-deployment, reducing energy and system complexity. Supported by ESA BIC and Enterprise Ireland, LSS is targeting the growing small-satellite market with scalable, multistable structures for space missions.
Mbryonics
Mbryonics, founded in 2014 by siblings John, Ruth, and David Mackey in Galway, develops photonic satellite communication systems to build “internet in space.” Last year the company raised €17.5m from the EIC Accelerator to scale manufacturing and launch its StarCom optical terminal. Recognised in 2024 as EY Entrepreneurs of the Year, Mbryonics employs 100+ staff. In September it announced the creation of 125 new jobs over the next two years with the launch of its new Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility in Dangan.
Mindseed
Mindseed, founded in 2011 by Mark McCarville in Dublin, is a space-focused ICT consultancy helping businesses leverage satellite technologies for sectors like marine energy and telecoms. The company partners with ESA under Ireland’s National Space Strategy and has supported projects integrating space data into renewable energy solutions. Mindseed operates without disclosed venture funding, focusing on research, training, and strategic development for clients entering the space sector. CTO Dr. Patricia Moore joined in 2019 to lead technology initiatives.
Ocean Energy
OceanEnergy, based in Cork, is a global leader in wave energy technology, founded by CEO John McCarthy and CTO Prof. Tony Lewis. The company developed the OE Buoy, a floating wave energy converter, and has secured multi-million euro funding from Enterprise Ireland, EU Horizon 2020, and US Department of Energy for deployments in Hawaii and Oregon. OceanEnergy partners with Lockheed Martin and SEAI to commercialise marine renewables, aiming to deliver scalable, zero-emission power for global grids.
PlasmaBound
PlasmaBound, a UCD spin-out founded in 2017 by Alan Barry, Dr. James Nicholas Barry, and Xavier Montibert, develops Controlled Polymer Ablation (CPA) technology for bonding lightweight composite materials. Headquartered at NovaUCD, the company raised €2.35m in 2022 led by Act Venture Capital and €750k in 2023 from BVP, bringing total funding to over €3.1m. Supported by Enterprise Ireland and ESA programs, PlasmaBound targets automotive, aerospace, and space sectors to enable sustainable manufacturing and extend EV range.
Proveye
Proveye, a NovaUCD spin-out founded by Jerome O’Connell (pictured) and Professor Nick Holden, develops AI-driven remote sensing platforms for agriculture and environmental monitoring. Headquartered in Dublin, the company raised €1 million seed funding in January 2023 from Enterprise Ireland and Inspire Investments, and secured ESA contracts worth €225k (2022) and €900k (2024) to advance grassland carbon and biodiversity measurement. Its SaaS platform integrates satellite and drone imagery with AI to deliver precision insights for sustainable farming and nature-based solutions.
Realtime Technologies
Realtime Technologies, founded in 1996 by CEO Paddy White in Dublin, provides electronic manufacturing services for aerospace, space, automotive, and medical sectors. The company operates from a 35,000 sq. ft. facility in Clonshaugh and plans to double its capacity with a €2m investment in new equipment, creating up to 40 jobs. Realtime, privately held and organically grown, serves clients like Curtiss-Wright and DriveRite. It has expanded into space and medtech through divisions including Réaltra and Shimmer.
Réaltra Space Systems Engineering
Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, founded in 2017 by Paddy White, Diarmuid Corry, and Danny Gleeson, is Dublin-based and specializes in cost-effective space electronics and avionics. Known for its Ariane 5 launch video system, Réaltra collaborates with ESA on advanced telemetry and AI projects. The company operates without external funding to date.
ServBlock
ServBlock, founded in 2021 by John Ward (CEO) with co-founders Kevin and Thomas Ward, is a Dublin-based start-up using blockchain and AI to automate quality assurance in pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing. The company raised pre-seed funding from CV Labs and i4Trust and participated in ESA BIC and Swiss Crypto Valley accelerator programmes. ServBlock’s platform ensures compliance and traceability across GMP supply chains, reducing costs and improving transparency. It targets regulated manufacturing sectors with secure, distributed ledger solutions.
SkyTek
SkyTek, founded in 1997 by Dr Sarah Bourke (pictured) and Paul Kiernan in Dublin, develops advanced software for space missions and insurance analytics. The company’s IPV system supports astronauts aboard the ISS, and it recently secured a European Space Agency contract for the Lunar Gateway project. SkyTek has raised over €1.8m in EU and EIC grants and partnered with Aon to deliver satellite-based risk solutions. Bourke, an EU Women Innovator awardee, leads its global expansion.
SUAS Aerospace
SUAS Aerospace, founded in 2021 and led by CEO Rory Fitzpatrick, is based in Midleton, Cork. The company aims to develop Ireland’s first commercial spaceport and rocket engine test facilities, enabling orbital and suborbital launches for Europe’s growing space sector. SUAS secured €4.9m in Horizon Europe funding under the EU-BEST project and is seeking an additional €5m to build launch infrastructure. Its strategic location offers optimal polar orbit access, positioning Ireland as a key player in space transportation.
TreeMetrics
TreeMetrics, founded in 2005 by Enda Keane (CEO) and Garret Mullooly (COO) in Cork, develops forestry analytics and management software using satellite and drone data. Its ForestHQ platform enables climate-smart forest management and carbon certification. The company has secured ESA contracts worth €800k and multiple EU grants, raising over €1m in funding. Backed by Enterprise Ireland and Enterprise Equity, TreeMetrics operates globally, supporting sustainable forestry and carbon offset markets through advanced measurement and data-driven insights.
Ubotica Technologies
Ubotica Technologies, founded in 2016 by Fintan Buckley (CEO), John Bourke (CFO), and Dr. Aubrey Dunne (CTO), develops AI-powered platforms for real-time Earth observation. Based in Dublin, the company raised €4.2m in a 2022 seed round led by Atlantic Bridge, Dolby Family Ventures, and Seraphim Space, bringing total funding to over $5m. Ubotica’s SPACE:AI enables satellites to process data onboard, reducing latency and bandwidth needs. Supported by ESA and Enterprise Ireland, Ubotica plans to launch its own satellite, CogniSat-6.
Varadis
Varadis, a Cork-based Tyndall National Institute spin-out founded in 2019 by CEO Brad Wrigley and co-founder Dr. Russell Duane, develops RADFET radiation sensing technology for space, healthcare, and industrial applications. Its sensors are used on the ISS, CERN, and NASA’s Artemis missions. Varadis secured a €600k ESA contract for satellite modules and is supported by Enterprise Ireland and ESA’s Business Incubation Centre. The company aims to scale globally, leveraging partnerships in medtech and IoT integration.
