José Mariano López-Urdiales

José Mariano López-Urdiales is a space economy speaker, MIT-trained aerospace engineer and founder of Zero 2 Infinity. With a career spanning aerospace engineering, business strategy and entrepreneurship, he brings a distinctive perspective on NewSpace, stratospheric technology and the commercial transformation of the space industry.

His professional experience includes Boeing Phantom Works, Boston Consulting Group and the European Space Agency, combining technical expertise with strategic business insight. In 2009, he founded Zero 2 Infinity to develop innovative approaches to accessing near-space, including high-altitude balloon platforms and alternative launch technologies.

Through his entrepreneurial journey, José Mariano has gained firsthand experience navigating the challenges of developing complex aerospace technologies, building a deep-tech venture in Europe and exploring new commercial applications for space infrastructure. His background also includes leadership at the Barcelona Aeronautics and Space Association and teaching space vehicles and propulsion at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.

As a speaker, he explores the realities behind the NewSpace revolution, separating technological breakthroughs from industry hype and examining how innovation, connectivity and emerging business models are reshaping the space economy.

His presentations offer business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and technology professionals a practical understanding of the opportunities and risks ahead. Combining engineering knowledge with commercial experience, José Mariano helps audiences rethink the strategic value of space technology and its growing impact on industries on Earth.