Barcelona IAC 2029
Water Resilience from Space
Spain’s candidature to host the International Astronautical Congress 2029 combines operational excellence, global outreach and a strong societal vision for the future of space.
Barcelona IAC 2029
Water Resilience from Space
Spain’s candidature to host the International Astronautical Congress 2029 combines operational excellence, global outreach and a strong societal vision for the future of space.
A DISTINCTIVE VISION
Water resilience from space
Water resilience is at the core of one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, as climate change intensifies droughts, floods and pressure on water resources.
This topic positions IAC 2029 as a cooperation-driven, impact-oriented Congress, showcasing the practical contribution of space to one of the defining challenges of our century and reinforcing the IAF’s role as the leading global platform for space cooperation and societal benefit.
Delivering a truly global, impact-driven and future-oriented IAC
— BARCELONA IAC 2029 CANDIDACY
A Global Living Laboratory at the Forefront of Space
Spain has evolved into a leading sovereign space power. It is currently a significant actor in the European space sector as the fourth largest contributor to the European Space Agency (ESA), with a consolidated ecosystem coordinated by the Spanish Space Agency (AEE).
In this context, Barcelona and Catalonia constitute a unique ecosystem where the space industry, digitalisation and innovation converge. The city offers a privileged environment for the commercialisation of space technologies and for cross-sector collaboration.
The region positions itself as a living laboratory for solutions based on satellite data, Earth digital twins and technologies applied to climate resilience, particularly in the Mediterranean context.
01
#1 Global Destination
World’s first destination (ICCA Congress Rankings) in total participants for meetings hosted by international associations, combining unmatched hospitality, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure.
02
Mediterranean capital
Strongly committed to climate adaptation, sustainability and innovation, Barcelona offers a uniquely credible setting for international dialogue on resilience and space-enabled solutions.
03
Sustainable & Accessible
The world’s first city to obtain the prestigious Biosphere certification. Designed with universal accessibility standards and proactive, circular environmental protocols.
04
Secured Venue Allocation
The 70K m2 Fira de Barcelona – Gran Via Complex, designed by Pritzker laureate Toyo Ito, is fully optimized for the scales required by the IAF. The bid secures an integrated, continuous footprint crossing Halls 6, 7, and 8 with complete segregation, extensive indoor exhibition spaces, and a custom plenary structure.
05
5G Gateway
Recognized as the primary 5G hub of Southern Europe, Catalonia hosts to 1,500+ active startups in ICT, deep-tech, AI, and e-commerce, creating a fertile cross-industry ecosystem and an ideal meeting point for governments, agencies, industry, researchers and emerging space actors.
06
World-Class Event Expertise
Used to host events such as MWC Barcelona or ISE Exhibition, Barcelona is also a gateway between Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, providing an ideal platform to strengthen global cooperation in the space sector.
CONGRESS YEAR
DELEGATES EXPECTED
PARTNER AGENCIES
The institutions behind the bid
Barcelona IAC 2029 Candidacy has an unrivalled multi-tier backing and it’s fully endorsed by the Spanish Government, strategically powered by the Government of Catalonia and backed by the city of Barcelona, a leading international technology cluster.
A formal political, administrative, and scientific alliance governing the overall candidacy formed by:
Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities
Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
Spanish Space Agency
Agencia Espacial Española
Direct national oversight, policy coordination, and international agency interface.
Government of Catalonia
Generalitat de Catalunya
Regional institutional backing, deep-tech economic integration, and strategic funding.
Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia
Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya
Scientific & technological engine integrating leading Catalan research groups.
Expanding the Host Consortium with expert municipal entities to guarantee flawless local execution:
Barcelona City Council
Ajuntament de Barcelona
Direct municipal alignment, urban logistics, safety, transit network, and public infrastructure readiness.
Barcelona Convention Bureau
Barcelona Convention Bureau
Destination management experts maximizing registration, local hospitality, and international outreach.
Spain's Sovereign Space Power
01
4th Largest ESA Contributor
Spain is a leading force in Europe’s space sector, managing over €580 million in space-related funding. Tripling its space budgets highlights Spain’s unwavering commitment to technological sovereignty.
02
End-to-End Capabilities
From historic milestones like launching Europe’s first private liquid-propellant rocket to world-leading industrial champions operating across navigation, security, and mechanics.
03
ESA Council Presidency (2026-2028)
Spanish leadership reaches the highest levels of European space governance, with Spanish Space Agency Director Juan Carlos Cortés elected President of the ESA Council for a two-year term beginning on 1 July 2026.
04
International Sustainability Leader
Catalonia's Digital & Space Hub
Integrating space, digital technologies and data with supercomputing to lead Europe’s deep-tech transformation.
01
Advanced Digital Technologies
Drive the digital sector to ensure Catalonia’s economic leadership, and the transition towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable digital society.
02
Supercomputing Powerhouse
Home to MareNostrum 5, one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers, supporting high-fidelity climate modeling and the EU’s Destination Earth digital twin project.
03
Catalonia Space 2030 Strategy
The strategy reflects the commitment to mobilise the entire sector, fostering a diverse, robust ecosystem focused on productivity, with companies as the engine of growth and value creation.
04
Downstream Innovation Center
With the ESA Phi-Lab Spain centered on climate resilience, Catalonia bridges the gap between scientific remote sensing data and commercial applications.
SUPPORT OUR CANDIDACY
Stand with
Barcelona IAC 2029
Support our candidacy by filling the form above as we build momentum toward the IAF vote.
We are at your disposal for any queries at iac2029barcelona@ieec.cat.