AEROSPACE: TAKEOFF 2023, THE PROGRAM OF CDP VENTURE CAPITAL, UNVEILS THE STARTUPS ACCELERATED AT OGR TORINO

The startups showcased prototypes of innovative propulsion systems, drone management systems, Al algorithms in orbit, software platforms for drones, designs of new hybrid-electric aircraft, and communication systems between satellites and the ground.

TURIN, ITALY, October 27, 2023 - The 2023 edition of Takeoff Accelerator, a program dedicated to startups developing solutions and services in the aerospace and advanced hardware sectors, part of the CD National Accelerators Network, has concluded. The program, initiated with contributions from promoters and co-investors Fondazione CRT through

Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita and UniCredit, is managed by Plug and Play.

Betadynamiq, Dromt, Space Frontier, DRB Aero, Involve Space, Golbriak, DM-AirTech, Airizon, and OhmSpace are the startups that successfully completed the 5-month program.

Yesterday, during the Takeoff Expo at the OG in Turin, they presented themselves to investors, partners, and members of the local and international ecosystem, reaffirming the prominent role that Italy plays in the global Space Economy market (the fourth country by the number of funded startups in the sector in Europe between 2000 and 2022").

Takeoff was launched in 2022, with a funding of over 25 million euros (for initial investments and subsequent growth stages of the startups) as part of an initiative by CD Venture Capital involving promoters and co-investors Fondazione CRT through Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita and UniCredit, along with Plug and Play (co-investor and operational program manager), OGR Torino (Innovation & Networking partner), Unione Industriali Torino (Institutional Partner), Leonardo - thanks to its innovative Leonardo Lab "Future Aircraft Technologies" - and AVIO (Corporate Partner), ESA, and ASI (Scientific Board).

The startups accelerated during this year have developed projects in both the Space Economy (including hardware and software solutions) and the Aeronautics sector, introducing enabling technologies to innovate aircraft and drones. The top-performing startups will have the opportunity to access a second investment of up to €800,000 to scale their business models.

The Expo also marked the beginning of the Call for Applications for 2024, which will close on January 12, 2024. Startups interested in receiving investment from the Takeoff Accelerator and participating in the upcoming acceleration program can submit their applications on the official website.

"With the conclusion of the second edition of Takeoff, we can proudly say that we have supported some of the most promising entities in the aerospace field present in Europe today. We strongly believe that providing startups with the opportunity to engage daily with the expertise of the partners involved in the project is not only functional to the growth of the aerospace ecosystem but also crucial to creating a solid competitive advantage for the Italian economy in the years to come," declares Eugenia Forte, Senior Program Manager of Takeoff Accelerator.

The startups accelerated by 2023 Takeoff program:

Within the realm of remotely piloted aircraft, Dromt (based in Chivasso) develops software for drones, automating monitoring activities and providing personalized information and analysis for sectors such as agriculture, construction, and emergency management. DRB (Milan) offers autonomous inspection services using drones for electrical transmission/distribution lines, renewable energy production sites, industrial plants, and infrastructure. DM-AirTech (Hamburg and Turin) supports the secure and efficient development of air mobility and logistics by providing specific meteorological solutions and analyses for the development of vertiport infrastructures and air corridors. They also ensure the safe and efficient execution of flight operations for drones (UAVs) and, more broadly, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL).

In the realm of data analysis and transmission between space and Earth, Betadynamig (Rome) aims to revolutionize Earth observation by integrating advanced hardware with artificial intelligence-based software for real-time onboard data analysis. They seek to enhance human-machine interaction through artificial intelligence solutions and advanced haptic systems. Golbriak Space (Tallinn and Cuneo) focuses on developing miniaturized optical telecommunication solutions to enable fast transfer of large volumes of data between space, aerial, and terrestrial devices.

Finally, three startups present new industrial models for a rapidly changing market, such as the aerospace and aeronautics industry: Space Frontier (Naples) designs and develops zero-emission hybrid propulsion systems for space. Involve Space (Com) provides innovative solutions for space activities through a flexible and cost-effective pseudo-stratospheric satellite. OhmSpace (Southampton and Rome) develops new, safer, and faster electric propulsion systems with the goal of minimizing exposure to risks posed by the space debris environment. Additionally, Airizon (Torre del Greco) offers digital products developed by aviation professionals for aeronautical designers through a "digital suite." This suite enables design and collaboration within a customizable and all-encompassing platform, managing the entire life cycle of aircraft, from design to certification.

For more information:

Mirandola Comunicazione

Daniele Gatti

daniele@mirandola.net

+39 393 810 8869

Monica Ollari

monica.ollari@mirandola.net

+39 320 791 0162

Plug and Play Italy

i.battistutta@pnptc.om