Announcements
Space Humber Launches at C4DI: A New Hub for Space Innovation in Yorkshire and the Humber
April 28, 2025
We are delighted to announce the official launch of Space Humber at C4DI (Centre for Digital Innovation) in Hull. This milestone marks a significant step forward in establishing Yorkshire and the Humber as a recognised contributor to the UK's rapidly expanding space sector.
Selecting C4DI as the home for Space Humber was a strategic decision that aligns perfectly with our mission to foster space-related innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. As an extension of Space Hub Yorkshire, our presence at C4Di provides local businesses, startups, and professionals with a dedicated gateway to the space economy.
C4DI's reputation as a leading technology incubator in the Yorkshire and Humber region makes it the ideal foundation for our space cluster. Located in Hull's vibrant Fruit Market area, the facility offers not only state-of-the-art physical infrastructure but also sits at the centre of a thriving innovation ecosystem.
C4DI's established focus on tech incubation and digital innovation creates natural synergies with the space sector, which increasingly relies on digital technologies, data analytics, and software development. Several factors make C4Di particularly suitable for nurturing space-related enterprises:
One of C4DI's greatest strengths is its existing community of skilled technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This diverse talent pool—including developers, hardware specialists, designers, and marketing experts—provides Space Humber members with immediate access to collaborative partners and specialised expertise.
According to UK Space Agency research, successful space clusters thrive when they can leverage diverse skills and foster cross-sector collaboration. C4DI's established community gives Space Humber a head start in creating these vital connections.
C4DI has demonstrated remarkable success in helping technology startups grow and scale. Their structured approach to incubation—providing mentorship, business development support, and access to investment networks—aligns perfectly with the needs of emerging space businesses.
The space industry presents unique challenges for new entrants, including complex regulatory requirements and specialised technical considerations. C4DI's experience in guiding early-stage businesses through growth phases will be invaluable as we help space startups navigate these hurdles.
A distinctive feature of C4DI is its focus on helping established businesses embrace digital transformation. This expertise will be crucial for Space Humber as we work to help traditional Yorkshire and Humber businesses identify opportunities within the space sector supply chain.
The UK Space Agency's 2022 Size and Health report highlights that 85% of space sector companies are SMEs, many of which began in adjacent industries before diversifying into space. C4DI's proven track record in facilitating corporate innovation will help regional businesses make similar transitions.
Hull's position within the Yorkshire and Humber region offers geographical advantages for a space cluster. The city provides excellent connectivity to other regional innovation hubs while offering more affordable operational costs compared to some other UK space clusters.
The broader Humber region's established strengths in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and maritime industries create natural pathways for businesses to transfer existing expertise into space applications.
The establishment of Space Humber at C4DI would not have been possible without the visionary support of Wykeland Group and the C4DI team. Their commitment to fostering innovation in the region has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.
Wykeland Group's continued investment in creating world-class business environments across Yorkshire and the Humber has provided the physical foundation for our space cluster. Their development of the Fruit Market area has created a vibrant innovation district that attracts talent and enterprise—essential ingredients for a successful space ecosystem.
The C4DI management team has embraced the vision of Space Humber with enthusiasm and practical support. Their expertise in creating effective innovation communities has shaped our approach to building the space cluster, and their ongoing operational support enables us to focus on our core mission of connecting regional businesses with space opportunities.
The launch of Space Humber at C4DI represents just the beginning of our journey to establish Yorkshire and the Humber as a recognised contributor to the UK space sector. From this foundation, we will:
The global space economy is projected to grow to $1 trillion by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley Research. With Space Humber now established at C4DI, Yorkshire and Humber businesses are well-positioned to capture a meaningful share of this opportunity.
Are you a startup with a space-related innovation? An established business looking to diversify into space applications? A professional interested in career opportunities in the space sector? Space Humber at C4DI is your regional gateway to the UK's growing space economy.
Visit us at C4DI to learn more about how we can support your space ambitions, or contact our team to arrange an initial consultation. Together, we can build a thriving space cluster that leverages Yorkshire and the Humber's unique strengths and creates new opportunities for our region.
