Selected among Europe’s 61 most innovative deeptech startups from 923 applicants
Castellón, Spain — March 26, 2026 — Arkadia Space has been selected by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, one of the EU’s most prestigious and competitive programs for innovative companies. Out of 923 applications from across Europe, only 61 startups were chosen, representing a success rate of just 6.6%.
The total funding is structured as a €2.5 million grant, €6 million in equity from the EIC Fund, and €6 million in private investment, making Arkadia the first Spanish space company to receive support through this instrument. Beyond funding, this selection represents direct institutional support from the European Commission for Arkadia’s green propulsion technology based on hydrogen peroxide, and a clear signal of Europe’s commitment to this strategic technology.
A European Alternative to Hydrazine
Arkadia is developing a new hypergolic bipropellant technology based on high-concentration hydrogen peroxide and a proprietary green fuel. Designed to replace hydrazine and its derivatives (MON/MMH)—highly toxic fuels increasingly restricted by European regulations—this system sets a new standard in safety and performance.
The hypergolic characteristic (exclusive to bipropellant engines) enables instantaneous ignition when both propellants come into contact, eliminating complex ignition systems, increasing reliability, and enabling highly precise maneuvers such as spacecraft docking or lunar landings. In addition to improving operational safety and sustainability, this technology reduces operational and refueling costs by over 60% compared to traditional systems.
Arkadia is currently the only company in the world with such an advanced development of hypergolic propulsion systems based on hydrogen peroxide and, with the support of the EIC, is positioned to become the first to commercialize this type of technology.
“EIC support comes at a critical moment for Arkadia. Over the past year, we have demonstrated that our technology meets market requirements and offers a true performance alternative to highly toxic fuels. This recognition confirms that we are on the right path and gives us a tremendous boost to commercialize the technology as early as next year,” said Francho García, co-founder and CEO of Arkadia Space.
Beyond financial support, this project has strategic significance: it represents Europe’s commitment to green propulsion technologies, a key element in the supply chain for satellites and spacecraft. Arkadia aims to consolidate a fully European supply chain, free from third-party dependencies or ITAR restrictions.
From Qualification to Industrial Leadership
The EIC boost comes after the in-orbit validation of DARK, Arkadia’s green propulsion system launched in March 2025 aboard an Italian D-Orbit satellite during a SpaceX mission. This flight marked the first time in Europe that a hydrogen-peroxide-based propulsion system reached space, confirming the feasibility, safety, and performance of technology developed entirely in Spain.
In parallel, Arkadia is expanding its test center at Castellón Airport, establishing one of Europe’s most advanced private propulsion testing facilities and significantly reducing development timelines.
This technological and infrastructure advancement is complemented by growing market interest: the company has already signed several commercial contracts, to be announced in the coming months, heralding a new phase of industrial growth.