- The agreement will enable the parties to carry out joint R&D activities, exchange knowledge and technical capabilities, and organise conferences and seminars, among other initiatives
The University of Málaga, through its Office of Innovation and Technology Cooperation (UMA innTech), has formalised a framework collaboration agreement with the MELiSSA Foundation (linked to the European Space Agency) and Málaga TechPark, with the aim of promoting the development of joint research, innovation and training initiatives in the field of space technologies.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Rector of the University of Málaga, Teodomiro López Navarrete; Vice-Rector for Technological Innovation and Strategic Projects, Javier López; General Director of the MELiSSA Foundation, Rob Suters; and General Director of Málaga TechPark, Felipe Romera.
In his remarks, the Rector highlighted the strong relationship between the University and the technology park, “which continues to be strengthened every day through agreements such as the one presented today with the MELiSSA Foundation, further reinforcing the technological innovation ecosystem.”
The General Director of the MELiSSA Foundation thanked both institutions for their commitment to the agreement and underlined Málaga’s rapid growth, marked by the arrival of major technology companies, which makes this collaboration particularly significant.
Javier López stressed the importance of research in space technologies in key areas such as innovation, economic development and strategic autonomy, reaffirming the value of this agreement.
According to Felipe Romera, the agreement further strengthens the relationship between the University of Málaga and Málaga TechPark, which “can now be enhanced by the incorporation of the MELiSSA Foundation, enabling the start of an active journey in this technological sector,” he said.
The agreement is based on a broad framework for collaboration, including the development of joint R&D activities; the exchange of knowledge and technical capabilities; the organisation of conferences, seminars and science and technology workshops; and coordinated participation in regional, national and international funding programmes. In addition, initiatives related to advanced training will be promoted, such as student and researcher exchanges and the co-supervision of doctoral theses.
MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) is an ambitious technology project of the European Space Agency. It is considered one of the most advanced initiatives in Europe for the development of circular, closed-loop systems capable of sustaining human life in space, addressing key challenges such as resource generation and sustainability in extreme environments.
This collaboration reflects Málaga’s growing position as an emerging hub for technological innovation in the space sector, a strategic field with significant scientific, technological and economic potential. Cooperation between the university, the international scientific community and the business ecosystem will help drive new development opportunities in key areas for the future.