Michele Castorina

Michele Castorina holds a master degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Roma TRE and a master in international business engineering. Since beginning his career in the aerospace sector in 2005, Michele has worked between Italy and the UK for a leading Italian aerospace company. His roles have spanned business development and corporate strategy across space, avionics, electro-optics, and UAVs.In 2010, Michele joined ESA-ESTEC in The Netherlands, working within the Telecommunications and Space Solutions Directorate. His focus has been on aiding the European industry in developing downstream products and services utilizing space assets.In 2019, Michele transitioned to ESA-ESRIN and the Earth Observation Directorate Φ-lab Invest Office. His role has been pivotal in supporting the development of the co-funded InCubed programme, aimed at nurturing the commercial Earth Observation sector in Europe.Since April 2022, he has served as the Head of the Φ-lab Invest Office at the European Space Agency. His primary interest lies in fostering the European industrial ecosystem, both space-related and non-space sectors, to develop innovative and commercially viable products and services using Earth Observation solutions. He actively connects promising ideas with investors to stimulate growth across ESA member states.