Xjenza Malta, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), successfully hosted the ESA PECS Info Day for the third ESA PECS Call at Villa Bighi. The event brought together stakeholders from the private sector, academia, and public institutions interested in conducting research and development in the field of space.Participants were guided on how to apply for tenders under the European Space Agency’s Plan for European Cooperating States (PECS) platform. During the session, it was announced that a new call for proposals will open in the last quarter of 2025. A total of €1.6 million has been allocated to fund initiatives selected through this scheme. Eligible applicants include private companies (from start-ups to large enterprises), universities and higher education institutions, and public sector entities. The funding will support projects focused on upstream and downstream space research, as well as tertiary education initiatives. James Catania, Director of the Space Programmes and Engagements Unit at Xjenza Malta, stated : “This annual contribution of €1.6 million reflects Malta’s political commitment to building a future-facing space sector that delivers economic opportunity, skills development, and international visibility. Through these calls, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable space ecosystem—one that welcomes both local talent and foreign investment, while firmly positioning Malta as a competitive player in the European space landscape.”The Info Day forms part of Malta’s broader national strategy to strengthen its space capabilities. Through its official collaboration with ESA, the Government of Malta has committed nearly €4 million over two years, underlining its ambition to embed space activity as a contributor to the national economy. This ambition is further reflected in the recent launch of Space Park Malta, which will serve as the country’s central hub for space testing, development, and international cooperation. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with ESA officials, including one-on-one sessions to review early-stage project ideas and gain insight into ESA’s evaluation processes and collaborative pathways. Space agencies from Northern Ireland and Romania also participated in the event, exploring opportunities to form consortia with Maltese stakeholders. In addition to the general call for proposals, Xjenza Malta announced a new dedicated education and outreach initiative—ESA PECS EXPRO—scheduled for Q1 2026. This initiative will promote space-related educational activities in primary and secondary schools, training for public sector professionals, public exhibitions, arts and space collaborations, and workshops delivered by international experts. The PECS Info Day marked another important milestone in Malta’s growing space strategy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to align with European frameworks and build a competitive, credible and collaborative national space ecosystem.Share this with space enthusiasts •