The METASTARS project, of which CTA is part of the consortium, held its closing day in the framework of Aeromart Toulouse, an event that focused on innovation and decarbonisation, offering unparalleled opportunities to learn about the latest developments and explore the emerging issues shaping the future of the aerospace sector.

The day started with a general presentation of the project by the METASTARS consortium, composed of CTA (Corporación Tecnológica de Andalucía), Corallia, Aerospace Valley and Aviation Valley | Dolina Lotnicza. Niklas Schilling, coordinator of the European Association of Aerospace Clusters (EACP), then highlighted the key synergies between EACP and METASTARS, underlining how the two collaborate to strengthen the European ASD ecosystem.

The programme continued with a special focus on how SMEs are facing the challenges related to the green transition, digitalisation, cybersecurity and internationalisation:

• Green Transition: Intervention by SpacEngineer and expert Mélanie Durth from the ANDALUCÍA AEROSPACE cluster.
• Digital Transition: Presentation by expert Jarosław Sęp from Politechnika Rzeszowska University.
• Cybersecurity: Contributions by BitRezus P.C. and expert Mathias Julien from Cyblex Consulting.
• Internationalisation: Contribution by WaltR and expert Luisa Suárez from Team France Export Occitanie.

One of the highlights of the event was the METASTARS Awards ceremony, which recognised three SMEs for their resilience and innovation in the sector:

• MAP SPACE COATINGS – Represented by Emma Bousset.
• ARSOFT – Represented by Alberto Manzano Gutiérrez.
• Terra Spatium SA – Represented by Sofia Palafouta.

The day concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Fabienne Daveran from Aerospace Valley. In this panel, experts such as Eric Gouardes, Silvia de los Santos, Christina Garoufalia and Claudia Sidor shared their perspectives on how aerospace clusters support SMEs in aerospace:

• Innovation.
• Cascade funding opportunities.
• Creation of international alliances.

In addition to showcasing the achievements of METASTARS, the event also provided a platform to highlight other successful European initiatives supporting SME innovation. Among them, the AeroSTREAM project was presented as an inspiring example of international cooperation to strengthen research excellence in autonomous aerial systems. During the networking sessions, several organisations from widening countries showed strong interest in initiatives like AeroSTREAM and in upcoming cascade funding opportunities managed by consortium partners. This exchange reinforced the importance of organising joint events between European projects to maximise their impact and facilitate access to new opportunities within the innovation ecosystem.

The event has consolidated the METASTARS legacy as a key catalyst for collaboration and SME development in the ASD ecosystem, laying the foundation for a more resilient and competitive industry in Europe.