This partnership expands the reach and impact of the Airbus Launchpad residency programme, which gives SMEs access to facilities, expertise, and networks rarely available to early-stage and scaling businesses. Businesses are invited to apply for a six-month residency at the Airbus Launchpad by 4th September 2026.
Hertfordshire Futures and Space East have joined the Airbus Launchpad in Stevenage to help high-potential SMEs to accelerate growth, develop new technologies, and unlock opportunities within the UK space sector supply chain.
Opened in 2026, the Airbus Launchpad is a new innovation hub designed to boost the UK space sector by connecting the most ambitious SMEs with the resources and expertise of a global aerospace leader. Supported by the UK Space Agency, the Airbus Launchpad fosters collaboration and growth, helping to secure the UK’s position at the forefront of the global space economy.
Hertfordshire Futures and Space East will help expand the reach and impact of the Airbus Launchpad residency programme, providing SMEs with access to specialist facilities, technical expertise, and industry networks that are rarely available to early-stage and scaling businesses. Applications are now open for the next cohort, which commences at the end of October.
By combining Airbus' world-class engineering capabilities and infrastructure, Hertfordshire Futures' expertise in economic development and business growth, and Space East's extensive cluster network, the partnership will support supply chain development, drive innovation, and strengthen the UK’s sovereign space capability.
What businesses will receive
Following a competitive application process, selected SMEs will secure a no-cost six-month residency at the Airbus Launchpad in Stevenage. The opportunity is open exclusively to UK businesses with the potential to join, or grow within, the space sector supply chain.
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- A six-month tenancy within the Airbus Launchpad’s innovative environment.
- Access to Airbus technical expertise and specialist networks.
- Access to Airbus facilities, laboratories, testing, and prototyping environments.
- Opportunities to collaborate strategically with Airbus and other partners on specific projects.
- Workshops, networking events, and knowledge-sharing activities.
- Access to alumni and wider innovation networks through Airbus, Space East, and Hertfordshire Futures.
Airbus Launchpad facilities
The Launchpad features six multifunctional laboratories supporting innovation and technology development in:
- Simulation and Modelling
- Military Space Capability
- Advanced Robotics
- Rapid Prototyping
- Fast-Fail Testing
- Virtual Reality
Knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and co-development opportunities will be enhanced through the combined power of Airbus, Hertfordshire Futures, and Space East’s multiple connections to national, regional, and local experts.
The partnership will also create opportunities for participating businesses to connect with investors, researchers, industry leaders, and potential customers, helping them to accelerate innovation, strengthen commercial capabilities, and access new markets.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures, said: "This partnership with Airbus and Space East creates an exceptional opportunity for innovative SMEs in Hertfordshire and the wider region. Airbus Launchpad gives businesses access to facilities, expertise, and networks that would otherwise be out of reach, helping them accelerate growth, develop new technologies, and unlock commercial opportunities. By working together, we’re strengthening our regional innovation ecosystem and reinforcing Hertfordshire's position as a leading location for innovation, advanced engineering, and high value growth."
Kata Escott, Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space UK, said: “The Airbus Launchpad was created to help innovative organisations access the people, facilities, and expertise needed to bring new technologies to market. Through our partnership with Hertfordshire Futures and Space East, we can widen access to these capabilities and create new opportunities for SMEs to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to the future growth.“
Stuart Catchpole, Regional Director, Space East, said: “Collaboration is the foundation of growth in the space sector. Success depends not only on access to world-class facilities and technical expertise, but also on the networks, partnerships, and shared ambition that help innovation reach the market. This partnership creates new opportunities for innovators, researchers, and businesses to connect, develop new capabilities, and accelerate commercial growth. By working together across industry, academia, and government, we can help more organisations realise the potential of space technologies and strengthen the UK's position in the global space economy.”
Apply now
Businesses interested in applying for a six-month residency at the Airbus Launchpad are invited to complete an Expression of Interest form by 4th September 2026. Four places are available in the next cohort, which will commence at the end October 2026.
This partnership with Airbus and Space East creates an exceptional opportunity for innovative SMEs in Hertfordshire and the wider region.
This partnership with Airbus and Space East creates an exceptional opportunity for innovative SMEs in Hertfordshire and the wider region.