20 years dedicated to innovation and the economic development of stakeholders in the sector.

 

In 2005, Aerospace Valley was officially recognised as a Competitiveness Cluster, driven by a simple yet strong ambition: to bring together an ecosystem centred on aeronautics, space and embedded systems, and to use it as a catalyst for development, innovation and global influence.

Now ranked amongst the top three global competitiveness clusters for the performance of its collaborative R&D projects – of which 980 have been funded since the cluster’s creation, representing an investment of €2.23 billion and €958 million in public funding* – Aerospace Valley coordinates a dynamic, internationally renowned network, currently comprising 835 members (companies, research laboratories, training institutions, universities and Grandes Écoles, local authorities and economic development organisations), including 730 mid-sized companies, SMEs and start-ups. *Figures as at May 2025

The 20th anniversary of the Aerospace Valley cluster was one of the highlights of the Forum held in May 2025 in Biarritz. This anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate two decades of innovation, cooperation and development in the aeronautics, space and drone sectors. Bringing together companies, laboratories, higher education institutions and institutional partners, this event highlighted Aerospace Valley’s key role in developing collaborative projects and supporting its members through the major transitions they face.

Through a series of conferences, round-table discussions and testimonials, Aerospace Valley’s 20th anniversary provided an opportunity to highlight the key milestones in its development and its achievements, and to reaffirm its ambition to bring together an ecosystem of excellence in the service of tomorrow’s innovations.

The programme was enriched by an art exhibition, video testimonials recounting the cluster’s history, and the presence of its Chairmen and Chief Executives, who came to share their vision and the highlights of these 20 years. A festive evening held at Les Halles de Biarritz also brought participants together in a convivial setting, offering a special opportunity for discussion and celebration of this anniversary.

A look back at the five major eras that have shaped the cluster’s history and a tribute to the achievements of these two decades through a graphic illustration specially designed for the occasion.

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WITH SUPPORT FROM ITS PUBLIC FUNDERS,

Since 2022, the Cluster has deployed new collective actions in favour of SMEs on climate challenges and environmental transition, with notably financial support from the ADEME and the State with a global budget of 200 k€ in allocated aid.

  • Hence, the Cluster through SCALE (Space Climate League) continues its action of supporting the development of climate services in France, Europe and internationally of SME, Cluster members, offering operational services in the climate theme and using Earth Observation technologies. These SMEs must have signed a contract with a client to benefit from these services.

  • Aerospace Valley, in partnership with Bpifrance and support from the ADEME, via Diag Décarbon’Action, Diag Eco-Flux and Diag Ecoconception schemes, continues its collective operation aimed at supporting Cluster member SME and Intermediate sized companies with their environmental transition.