CEDS 2026
What is CEDS?
The International Conference on Space and Sustainable Development (CEDS) is a biennial event held in Santiago, Chile, which brings together representatives from the academic, scientific, technological, business and public sectors to analyse the strategic role of space and space technologies in addressing the challenges of sustainable development.
The conference promotes the exchange of knowledge, experiences and opportunities for collaboration in the fields of Earth observation, satellite data, technological innovation, space sustainability and the development of solutions based on space technologies.
CEDS aims to strengthen links between national and international stakeholders and to help forge new partnerships that drive the development of capabilities, projects and initiatives related to space and its applications.
CEDS 2026
The second edition of CEDS will address space development from a broad perspective, considering both the opportunities and the challenges associated with the expansion of space activities. This year’s conference will be organised around four themes: space development: opportunities and challenges; promoting the development of space science and technology; innovation and industrial development in the space sector; and space as part of humanity’s heritage.
Through these themes, the event will analyse the role of science, technology and innovation in consolidating a dynamic, sustainable space ecosystem capable of generating benefits for society. Opportunities for collaboration between public institutions, universities, companies, start-ups and international organisations will also be discussed.
Over the course of three days, CEDS 2026 will bring together specialists and representatives from various sectors to share knowledge, present initiatives and explore new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of space development, Earth observation, satellite data, technological innovation and the responsible and sustainable use of space.
New at CEDS 2026: Partnership with DGI Summit LAC
El DGI Summit LAC se celebrará como parte de la conferencia CEDS 2026 y es organizado en el marco de la Acción Digital & Green Innovation (DGI) de Team Europe, que tiene como objetivo promover la innovación digital en América Latina y el Caribe, África, y Asia-Pacífico, impulsando la twin transition mediante el apoyo a proyectos empresariales innovadores.
The final DGI event in LAC will focus on: showcasing prototypes from startups and SMEs in Chile, Colombia, and Panama; sharing lessons learned; exploring opportunities in Earth Observation satellite data; and highlighting the role of local incubators supported by DGI.
El encuentro se desarrollará en sinergia con CEDS 2026 y en colaboración con el programa CATAL1.5°T, reforzando un espacio común de diálogo sobre innovación climática y tecnologías de observación de la Tierra.
Together, they will add a practical, transregional dimension to these discussions, bringing together startups, incubators, innovation hubs, support organizations, and investors from Europe and LAC to foster concrete collaborations in climate tech and Earth Observation.
The role of the University of Chile
The University of Chile has a long history of developing scientific and technological capabilities in the space sector. Among its key milestones is the development of the SUCHAI Programme, which in 2017 enabled the launch into orbit of the first nanosatellite developed in Chile, laying the foundations for the country’s current constellation of nanosatellites.
Currently, the University of Chile is spearheading CopernicusLAC Chile, an initiative developed as part of its cooperation with the European Union, which aims to strengthen regional capabilities for accessing, storing and processing Earth observation satellite data.
This infrastructure and the associated capabilities will enable wider access to information relevant to decision-making in areas such as environmental monitoring, natural resource management, agriculture, spatial planning and emergency response.