A Canada–ESA innovation story: How Connektica is transforming supply chains in the space sector
Since , Canada has held the unique status of being the only non-European cooperating state of the European Space Agency (ESA). Thanks to funding from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Canadian companies gain access to ESA programs and opportunities, opening the door to Europe's space market and fostering international success stories.
When Connektica was founded in Montreal, its team had a bold idea: to rethink how the space industry builds and tests its most complex systems. Instead of relying on slow, manual processes, their software platform would automate testing, assembly, and compliance – helping companies move faster while ensuring their systems meet the highest standards.
That vision began to take shape thanks to the CSA's partnership with ESA. Through ESA's ARTES program, made accessible to Canadians under the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement, Connektica received not only funding but also technical guidance that pushed the company to expand its platform from testing single components to supporting entire satellite payloads. Now, Connektica's platform brings together everything from testing automation to data tracking, performance monitoring and supplier coordination.
The ESA investment was modest – about $240,000 CAD – but the impact was significant. It allowed the company to hire additional full-time Canadian engineers and refine its platform. It is now used in Canada, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Netherlands. With approximately $4,900,000 in new private investment, the company is preparing to double its current 22-employee workforce and onboard 100 small and medium-sized enterprise customers by .
Connektica's story highlights how the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement strengthens Canada's innovation and competitiveness. As ESA's only non-European cooperating state, Canada enjoys privileged access to European markets and missions – an advantage that multiplies every dollar invested nearly threefold for the Canadian economy. In today's uncertain global landscape, this partnership helps diversify Canada's trade relationships while placing Canadian expertise at the heart of bold international space missions.