Uniting Europe’s innovators for breakthrough technologies
An international technology consortium bridging research and industry to accelerate deep tech innovation across sectors in Slovakia.
R&D Projects
Members
Countries
Experts
STEPHANIK is a Slovak technical ecosphere platform organized under the TIK programme (Transformative Innovative Consortium) from
Slovakia's Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Consortium goals
Growth
Accelerate the growth of Slovakia’s space industry and research through close collaboration between industry and academia.
Expertise
Integrate advanced expertise from international partners to elevate the Slovak space ecosystem.
Modular satellite
Develop a modular satellite design compatible with Europe’s future responsive space systems.
Rapid deployment
Enable rapid deployment of satellites into various orbits to address operational gaps and mission-critical needs.
Technical objective
Modular
satellite
- 150kg+ mass
- Interchangeable payloads
- Expandable capabilities
- Design-to-cost approach
- Future-proof architecture
- Scalable power and communication
Outputs of the project
By September 2027
Advanced research & development infrastructure
We are establishing a network of cutting-edge facilities to foster collaboration between academia and industry.
- 5 joint workplaces/laboratories:
Located in Košice (2), Trnava (2), and Bratislava (1). - 2 fully functional cleanrooms:
Designed for the development, testing, and integration of satellites and satellite components and subsystems.
Key technology development (up to TRL4)
Our focus is on creating the foundational building blocks for a sovereign Slovak satellite capability.
- Essential satellite subsystems:
Development and prototyping of all core systems, including power, communications, onboard computers, attitude control, and mechanical structures. - Functional ground segment:
Design and build of ground station antennas and a mission control center.
Human capital & future readiness
The project will create a highly skilled workforce and position Slovakia for future space missions.
- 100+ qualified professionals:
A new generation of Slovak engineers, scientists, and staff trained for commercial space projects. - Ready for next phase:
The consortium will be fully prepared to advance from prototypes to a flight-ready satellite.
Benefits for Slovakia
Skills development and training programmes
Strong collaboration between industry and academia
Attracting and retaining talent in Slovakia
Knowledge sharing between international partners and Slovak entities
Workforce forecasting
Career development initiatives
Encouraging innovation through interdisciplinary teams
Research and development powered by state-of-the-art facilities
