"Coimbra Supernova is, in its essence, a political and economic affirmation of those who want to regain centrality and dictate the rules where the future is decided. The central objective is clearly defined without room for ambiguity: to position Coimbra as the absolute leader in this field in Portugal and an unavoidable reference in the Iberian and European context," said the Mayor of Coimbra.

Joint work

The initiative brings together the Municipality of Coimbra, the University of Coimbra (UC), the Pedro Nunes Institute (IPN), iParque, the Intermunicipal Community of the Coimbra Region (CIMRC), the Municipality of Pampilhosa da Serra, as well as the companies Active Space Technologies, Critical Software, Neuraspace, Open Cosmos, and Spotlite.

Coimbra Supernova

At the presentation session, held at the São Francisco Convent in Coimbra, Ana Abrunhosa stated that Coimbra Supernova represents the choice to "scale up" what already exists "and to work together" with a long-term vision.

"The birth of this alliance symbolises the crucial transition between a set of dispersed initiatives and skills that already exist and the construction of a structured, robust space cluster with a strong global ambition," she said.

Doubling the size of the cluster

Among the objectives, she emphasised, is the intention to "double the size of the space cluster in the region by the end of the decade, create hundreds of new skilled jobs, definitively changing the paradigm of talent retention and attraction," in addition to strengthening the ecosystem.

By 2030, the aim is to increase revenue from the current €25 million to €50 million, stated Carlos Cerqueira, coordinator of Coimbra Supernova, also pointing to the goal of reaching 750 jobs, compared to the current 350.

In his speech, the president of IPN recalled that the institute has been working in the space sector for 12 years and considered this initiative a decisive step in making this dimension visible.

“We are indeed in a position to be, and surely already are, one of the essential ‘clusters’,” said João Gabriel Silva.

Strategic interest

The rector of UC, Amílcar Falcão, pointed out that the space sector has “a very large strategic interest” for the institution, highlighting the creation of the undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, which begins in September.

“I think it is an important contribution to this alliance, because it will allow for qualification at the highest level,” he stated.

Unique conditions

Regarding Pampilhosa da Serra's participation, the mayor highlighted the municipality's unique conditions, such as the low rate of public lighting or the considerable altitude, emphasising the importance of collaboration "to make this region a special product in space development and studies."

"I believe this project is even more innovative, not only because we are connecting space, but because we are also connecting our territorial space. And that is very important," argued Jorge Custódio.

Territorial Strategy 2030

In turn, the president of CIMRC, Helena Teodósio, said that space has always been part of the Territorial Strategy 2030, recognising that the space sector is "critical infrastructure" for the development of territories.

“Today, satellite data, Earth observation and geospatial technologies are fundamental tools for responding to very concrete challenges: forest management, risk prevention, adaptation to climate change, precision agriculture, water management, mobility, civil protection, territorial planning,” he noted, arguing that the project “has to be a strategy for the Region,” which includes 19 municipalities.