SpacePharma sets up in the South of France

Since 2012, SpacePharma has been developing shoebox-sized laboratories that, once placed in orbit, can be used to conduct scientific experiments in microgravity. The Swiss-Israeli start-up, which is already established in Switzerland, England, Israel, and the United States, has chosen Sophia Antipolis as the location for its new R&D center. The move represents an investment target of €1 million and the creation of 20 jobs over the next five years in Europe's leading technology park.

Space has not stopped being a source of fascination. Experiments conducted in microgravity enable discoveries that revolutionize life sciences and contribute to the development of new drugs, cosmetics, or regenerative therapies. For example, analyzing a particularly resistant bacterium in space can test the terrestrial efficiency of an antibiotic or remedies for aging organs, skin, cells...

A pioneer in the “made in space" field, SpacePharma is building miniature systems equipped with sensors and readers that are robotized and remotely controlled. The start-up collaborates with the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries to plan scientific tests in orbit and develop the production of high value-added products in space. Its technology has already participated in seven space flights, including five as part of the International Space Station mission, and should also be on board Space Rider, an automated and reusable European mini-space shuttle, scheduled to be launched by the end of 2024.

Building on this success, SpacePharma decided to set up in France, and in particular in Sophia Antipolis, for its innovation ecosystem, its infrastructure and its geo-strategic position. These advantages will enable the company to accelerate its activities in Europe. Regional partnerships have already been formed with start-ups CUTISS, which specializes in regenerative medicine, and e.Nova Aerospace, which specializes in engineering and consulting for innovative aerospace projects.

This project was supported by risingSUD, the  economic development agency for the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, and the Team Côte d’Azur economic development agency with the support of the Communauté d’Agglomération Sophia Antipolis.