SpacePharma sets up its European headquarters in Strasbourg, Eastern France

SpacePharma is a Swiss-Israeli company that develops miniaturized laboratories installed aboard satellites, space shuttles or space stations and controlled remotely. These intelligent microgravity laboratories, weighing just 4 kg, make it possible to carry out real-time remote tests in orbit, particularly in the field of life science, pharma and biotech companies.

SpacePharma has already carried out 7 space missions to conduct this type of research project and wishes to continue its international development. For this reason, the company has chosen to establish its European headquarters within the International Space University’s incubator, located within the Innovation Park of the Strasbourg agglomeration in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Eastern France. Ten highly qualified jobs are expected to be created over the next three years in the new site.

THE “MADE IN SPACE”, A NEW PLAYGROUND FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The microgravity conditions of space provide a unique environment for research and development, and soon even for production, in the fields of life sciences, health and biotech.

For example, conditions on board satellites, space shuttles or space stations make it possible to:

• Acceleration of cell ageing;
• the accelerated turnover of certain stem cells;
• the crystallisation of proteins;
• the analysis of bacterial growth and the study of antibiotic resistance;
• the possibility for cells to assemble into 3D structures . . .

These physical and chemical conditions, which are almost impossible to reproduce on Earth, open great opportunities, in particular for the improvement and acceleration of preclinical models as well as disease modelling, product development and new tools.

That’s why SpacePharma’s miniaturized and remote-controlled laboratory space platforms offer the opportunity to explore new opportunities for breakthrough innovations with significant time and money savings in fields as diverse as:

• pharmaceuticals,
• cosmetics,
• medical research,
• food technology,
• and even materials science. . .

To date, 7 research missions have already been carried out in partnership with SpacePharma’s solutions for miniaturized laboratories operated in space. Space X and Arianespace provided most space launches of these miniature laboratories.

AN OFFICE IN ILLKIRCH-GRAFFENSTADEN IN THE STRASBOURG URBAN AREA FOCUSED ON HEALTH AND PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH

The Illkirch-Graffenstaden office will focus on supporting local stakeholders to jointly respond to calls for projects in the fields of health and pharmacology research.

“By giving European companies the opportunity to carry out tests in space, we are aiming to bring a positive impact on millions of lives here on Earth. We believe this is a great opportunity for the European health and pharma sector. We have chosen to set up here, in Eastern France, within a dynamic and thriving ecosystem which is aligned with our ambitions. The Strasbourg area which combines know-how in the health and space sector, is a real asset for our European development”, explains Paul Kamoun, Director of SpacePharma-EU, the European Union subsidiary of SpacePharma. “We are actively looking for passionate and exciting employees who will support this mission with our ambition. We are also, of course, open to any contact with partners who wish to better understand the potential of our solutions.”

THE CHOICE OF THE STRASBOURG AREA FOR A EUROPEAN INFLUENCE

Supported by “Invest Eastern France”, the inward investment team of Grand E-Nov+, the innovation and inward investment agency of the Eastern France Region, and by the teams of ADIRA in Alsace, SpacePharma has chosen to join the incubator of the International Space University, located within the Innovation Park of the Strasbourg agglomeration in Illkirch-Graffenstaden. It has found a very promising ecosystem for Europe-wide research and innovation in the field of space and health. The notoriety of the the International Space University but also the influence of the BioValley France health competitiveness cluster played a major role in the decision to locate SpacePharma.

Initially detected by Invest Eastern France teams in partnership with Business France, this project, now located in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, will benefit from dedicated support provided by the various players in the area:

– Eurometropole Strasbourg, which will integrate SpacePharma in its Xplore soft landing program over the next 6 months to help it discover the local market,

– Biovalley France, the health sector cluster in Eastern France will help to integrate it into the ecosystem and will assist it in identifying skills and possible collaborations in the field of health,

– ADIRA, which will be its preferred partner for all matters related to its establishment but also to the life and development of the company on this site.

All the partners involved in the setting up and the future development of SpacePharma’s activities are delighted to work with the perspective of working with this new player.

HEALTH FROM SPACE, AN INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS TO DISCOVER THESE NEW PERSPECTIVES FROM 15 TO 16 FEBRUARY IN CANNES

SpacePharma is a member of the organizing committee of the upcoming international congress entitled “Health from Space” which will take place on 15 and 16 February in Cannes.

This congress is the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the still largely untapped potential of space in these fields in the presence of eminent specialists and business leaders from the health, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors. To learn more about the event: Health From Space