CNES ConnectByCNES

ConnectByCNES is the technical and commercial support arm of the French National Centre for Space Studies, dedicated to the growth of the space ecosystem. Positioned as an intermediary between government research and private industry, it functions as a specialised business accelerator. It provides companies with technical expertise, patent licensing, and access to satellite data to encourage the development of downstream applications across sectors such as transport, environment, and telecommunications. The organisation works extensively with French and European startups, SMEs, and large industrial groups to integrate space-based technologies into terrestrial business models. It operates in close alignment with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union Space Programme. Key initiatives involve the use of data from the Copernicus Earth observation satellites and the Galileo global navigation satellite system to foster innovation in navigation and remote sensing. Prospective partners should verify the specific eligibility criteria for their business stage, as support is primarily targeted at entities registered or operating within the European Union. Buyers should confirm the current availability of technical laboratories and the precise intellectual property terms associated with CNES patent transfers. It is also necessary to evaluate the compatibility of their project with French national space policy and European sovereign interests.