Aerospace: €300 million for Italian SMEs in the supply chain with EIB and ESA
8 July 2026
Intesa Sanpaolo, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a two-year agreement that will provide up to €300 million in new financing for SMEs operating across Italy’s aerospace supply chain.
The initiative is designed to support investments in satellite systems, space infrastructure, research, innovation and international expansion within one of the most strategic and innovative sectors of both the Italian and European economies.
The agreement represents the first collaboration of its kind in Europe dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises in the Space Economy. Intesa Sanpaolo is also the first European bank to sign an agreement under the Space Lending Facility promoted by the EIB and ESA.
€300 million in new financing for aerospace SMEs through European resources
Under the agreement, the EIB will provide €150 million in European resources — the cornerstone of the Space Lending Facility. Through a risk-sharing mechanism with Intesa Sanpaolo, these resources will enable up to €300 million in medium- to long-term financing for SMEs in the sector.
The financing will support companies characterised by high levels of technological innovation and investment needs that are often difficult to meet through traditional lending instruments.
Key areas of focus include:
- production of satellite systems and geolocation technologies
- development of space and telecommunications infrastructure
- investments in research, innovation and industrialisation
- international growth programmes for businesses.
The European Space Agency contributes to the initiative by providing technical and industrial expertise.
Intesa Sanpaolo’s role in supporting the Space Economy
Intesa Sanpaolo was the first European commercial bank to join the ESA Investor Network and has already supported more than 500 SMEs in the aerospace supply chain, providing over €1 billion in financing and achieving a market share of 33%.
“Thanks to our agreement with the EIB and ESA, we are today introducing a new opportunity, the first of its kind in Europe, to foster collaboration between companies, encourage the sharing of expertise and strengthen industrial relationships throughout both the domestic and international value chain. We are doing so by providing access to financial solutions, specialist advisory services and networking opportunities that will enable businesses to seize the opportunities offered by global markets"
Stefano Barrese, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo's Banca dei Territori Division
As part of the agreement, Intesa Sanpaolo will also provide advisory services focused on innovation and internationalisation, support for access to European programmes, equity solutions and specialised tools to help companies accelerate their growth.
Italy’s aerospace ecosystem in a fast-growing global market
The Space Economy is one of the world’s most promising high-growth industrial ecosystems. According to the Space Foundation, global space-related activities generated $613 billion in value in 2024, marking a 7.8% increase compared with 2023. Forecasts indicate that the sector will reach $800 billion by 2027 and surpass $1 trillion by 2032.
Italy ranks among Europe’s leading aerospace nations, with an industry employing more than 50,000 people and operating across a wide range of activities, including aerospace vehicle manufacturing, maintenance and repair services, and satellite telecommunications.
The sector generated approximately €6.9 billion in added value and €8 billion in exports in 2025, accounting for 1.2% of total manufacturing exports.
Italian SMEs active in the space sector are highly specialized in technology-intensive niche markets. The value chain spans a broad spectrum of capabilities, from software and electronics to engineering, telecommunications, mechanical systems, and spacecraft manufacturing. Alongside these SMEs, the industry also includes major integrated players offering highly diversified portfolios.
The multidisciplinary nature of the supply chain fosters collaboration and the continuous exchange of expertise, creating a dynamic environment that drives innovation and supports sustainable, synergistic growth.
Turin at the centre of the dialogue on finance and aerospace
The agreement was presented during the event “Finance and Aerospace: The Challenges of Creating Italian Global Champions”, hosted at Intesa Sanpaolo’s skyscraper in Turin.
The event brought together representatives of European and national institutions, financial organisations, major industrial groups and innovative SMEs to discuss the outlook for the Space Economy and the tools required to support the international growth of Italy’s aerospace supply chain.
Turin is home to one of Italy’s leading aerospace industry clusters.
Last updated 8 July 2026 at 17:06:51
