Harwell Science and Innovation Campus together with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) have strengthened their commitment to international collaboration in the space sector, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Japan’s cross U. The agreement signals a powerful alliance to strengthen global collaboration and foster a thriving space innovation ecosystem.

Founded by Mitsui Fudosan, cross U is an open innovation platform dedicated to expanding the space sector through events, collaboration, and cross-industry projects. The platform supports Japanese space companies seeking international partnerships and promotes sector entry for companies from non-space fields. Cross U will act as a bridge between the Japanese and global space markets.

The agreements, signed during Nihonbashi Space Week, demonstrate the commitment of all parties to ensure a collaborative and sustainable space industry. Through these partnerships, cross U will enhance connectivity across the Japanese and European space sectors, opening new avenues for joint research, innovation, and expansion.

Monika Zemla, Business Development and Leasing Director at Harwell Campus said:

“Working closely with international partners like cross U, ESA, and CNES, we aim to strengthen relationships that not only advance space research but also helps to accelerate commercialisation. This partnership will help further expand the global impact of new solutions and technologies developed by our member community at Harwell.”

Cross U President Shinichi Nakasuka said the following about these partnerships:

“International cooperation is vital to the development of Japan’s space industry, and a practical working framework is essential. Going forward, cross U will collaborate with these space industry gateway organisations with which it has signed agreements and create a permanent framework. Through these agreements and other initiatives, the Tokyo-based open innovation platform will continue to encourage international cooperation in the space industry, while aiming for the sustainable growth and reinvigoration of Japan’s space sector.”

“Cross-sector and pan-global collaboration are powerful catalysts for innovation,” said Barbara Ghinelli, Director of Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus at UKRI-STFC. “Cross U shares our commitment to practical innovation that serves society and by working together, we can tackle some of the greatest challenges and deliver solutions that have a real impact on a global scale.”

The space cluster at Harwell Campus is the UK’s space gateway. With over 100 space sector organisations and collection of national research facilities, Harwell has built a global reputation for innovation. The European Space Agency operates its European Centre for Space Applications from the Campus, alongside UK Space Agency, The Science and Technology Facilities Council, RAL Space, and innovative organisations including Astroscale, Open Cosmos, Oxford Space Systems and Magdrive.