Canadian space technology research and development partnering delegation to Germany

Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the Consulate of Canada in Düsseldorf, in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), invites you to apply for the Canadian Space Technology partnering visit to Germany under the Canadian International Innovation Program. 

The Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in-person from November 17 to 21, 2025.

Interested companies must apply no later than June 29, 2025.

The objective of the delegation is to increase awareness of research and development (R&D) strengths and collaborative opportunities available within the German space and technology sector.

The delegation will focus on the following areas:

• satellite technology
• space data utilization including cyber security solutions, 
• lunar exploration and resource utilization 
• sustainable space practices

Interested Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must be capable and ready to pursue joint R&D collaborations, with the goal of future commercialization, such as: 

• validation of Canadian technologies in the German market 
• adaptation of Canadian technologies to meet German and global market needs 
• co-development of new products and/or services combining Canadian and German research and technologies

Canadian companies applying to participate in the delegation should meet the following requirements:

• profit-oriented, small- or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Canada
• previous experience in commercializing technology for domestic and/or international markets
• capacity and interest to co-develop technology with German partners
• committed to expanding activities to the German market
• sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake a multi-year co-innovation project and commercialize the results

The group of 10-12 Canadian participants will consist of Canadian SMEs that offer technologies including but not limited to:

• space exploration
• earth observation and remote sensing
• small satellite and communication systems
• space propulsion and launching echnologies
• robotics and autonomous systems
• human space flight and advanced life support technologies (including health and food for space)
• space habitat technologies
• secure space data utilization and cybersecurity solutions
• engineering design and protoflight hardware
• integrated systems for:
  • vionics
  • computing
  • navigation, guidance, and control (N.G.C.)
  • sensors
  • software testing
• additive manufacturing technologies (e.g. laser-based)
• sustainable space utilization
• debris mitigation
• solar power

The PDA will include a pre-visit briefing session and pitch training in July 2025.  

The in-market program will take place from November 17 to 21, 2025, in three regions with strong space clusters:

•  Bremen
• Cologne
• Aachen

The delegation will include:

• Briefings on the German market and research ecosystem. This ncludes introductions to key stakeholders in both national government and devolved administrations in Bremen and North Rhine-Westfalia (NRW).
• Site visits and meetings with companies, as well as R&D and commercialization Centres of Excellence. The itinerary details will depend on the interests of participating delegates.
• Dedicated pitching and B2B partnering activities with SMEs and researchers.
• Networking with local communities.

Efforts will be made to involve more companies and important partners from other parts of Germany. This will include connecting with regional clusters and associations during Space Tech Expo Europe.

Germany's space industry has seen remarkable growth over the past five years. Driven by increased commercialization and innovation, Germany has expanded its focus on areas like: 

• small satellite development
• hybrid propulsion systems
• sustainable space practices.

 Private sector investment in space has grown by over 900% over in the last decade. This has accelerated competition and technological advancements. The German government has also significantly boosted its civil space budget, investing €1.815 billion in 2022. This reflects a strong commitment to fostering innovation and maintaining competitiveness in the global space market.  

Germany is one of the largest contributors to the European Space Agency (ESA), providing around €3.5 billion. This accounts for about 20.66% of ESA's total budget. This investment supports various programs, including:

• earth observation
• telecommunications
• human spaceflight

Germany’s involvement in international missions and its use of satellite data for climate action and security show how quickly the sector is growing.

CIIP may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs for 50% of all eligible expenses up to $15K, including but not limited to:

• economy class airfare
• local transportation
• accommodation
• meals (per diems)
• conference registration fees

To access the complete list of eligible expenses, request the CIIP applicant guide by contacting innovation@international.gc.ca.

1. Click the “Apply Now” button to access the online application form. Select the official language of your choice and the delegation you want to apply to then complete all questions.
2. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than June 29, 2025. 
3. Global Affairs Canada, the Consulate of Canada in Düsseldorf, and NRC-IRAP will select Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants can expect to be notified no later than July 17, 2025.
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses.
5. Companies who apply for travel support will be notified of the funding decision no later than August 11, 2025.

Global Affairs Canada in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) delivers the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) in Germany. CIIP supports industrial R&D partnership development activities between Canadian SMEs and companies in key markets including Germany.