In early February, Geraldine Naja, ESA Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness (CIC), carried out a series of engagements in Tromsø to advance the European Space Agency’s strategic and commercial activities in the Arctic region.
The Director’s mission reflected ESA’s commitment to supporting Europe’s competitiveness in an environment where space‑based solutions can be relevant for resilience, security and sustainable development.
Arctic Frontiers 2026
On 3 February, Geraldine Naja participated in the Arctic Frontiers 2026 session “The Space to Collaborate” in Tromsø, joining a panel with Cecilie Myrseth, Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry, and Henry Burgess, Head of the NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) Arctic Office.
The session focused on how space infrastructure supports key Arctic needs, including maritime safety, environmental and climate monitoring, crisis response and infrastructure resilience; all of which represent critical capabilities in a region marked by sparse ground infrastructure and rapid environmental change.
In her contribution, Geraldine Naja highlighted how the agency’s commercialisation instruments, including the ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Norway, the Arctic Phi-Lab and the ESA ACCESS programme, can enable new space-based solutions for Arctic users in the discussed areas.
Visit to ESA BIC Tromsø
During the same week, Geraldine Naja visited ESA BIC Tromsø at Norinnova in Tromsø Science Park as part of ESA’s ongoing engagement in strengthening Europe’s commercial and innovation landscape in the Arctic. Norinnova introduced its role within the Norwegian and Arctic innovation ecosystem, demonstrating how it supports space‑related innovation from early ideas through to business growth.
The programme provided an overview of emerging space‑related startups and technologies from the region, and included strategic discussions on regional strengths, future opportunities and potential pathways for deeper collaboration with ESA.
Visit at ESA BIC Tromsø. Credits: Norinnova.
Supporting Europe’s Strategic Position in the Arctic
Across both engagements, ESA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Europe’s interests and competitiveness in the High North. Through commercialisation programmes, regional innovation partnerships and dedicated Arctic initiatives, ESA continues to advance the use of space as a strategic enabler for resilience, economic development and environmental stewardship in the region.