BCN Drone Center
BCN Drone Center (CATUAV, S.L.) operates a purpose-built private UAS test site near Barcelona with 50 km² of segregated airspace, offering testing, certification, training, regulatory advisory, and Operations-as-a-Service to global UAS manufacturers, operators, and end users across healthcare, technology, and government sectors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersMoià, Spain
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What BCN Drone Center does
BCN Drone Center, operated by the Spanish private limited company CATUAV, S.L., is a purpose-built UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) test site and drone academy located in Moià, near Barcelona, Spain. Founded by Jordi Santacana in 2000 as one of Europe's earliest civilian drone operators, the company pivoted in 2014 to establish a dedicated, 100% private UAS test site featuring 50 km² of segregated airspace (LETS31), a 210x20m main runway, 1,500 m² of multirotor/VTOL area, and indoor facilities including hangars, training rooms, and conference space supporting 330 VFR flying days per year. The company also operates under the CATUAV sub-brand for R&D and engineering services.
The business model centers on a portfolio of professional and managed services for global UAS manufacturers, operators, and end users: end-to-end testing as a service, certification support (CE Marking, SAIL III/IV, SORA 2.5, LUC), official pilot training (STS-01/STS-02 plus specialized courses), regulatory compliance advisory, feasibility studies, Operations as a Service (OaaS), and venue rental. Pricing is quote-based for enterprise engagements and per-course for training, with a regulatory sandbox enabled by Spain's first Light UAS Operator Certificate (2023) compressing typical test deployment timelines from months to weeks. In July 2026, CATUAV also obtained Spain's first SAIL III authorization for BVLOS urban drone delivery.
Go-to-market is sales-led, event-driven, and community-led: direct engagement at international industry events (XPONENTIAL Europe, Amsterdam Drone Week, Commercial UAV Expo), the company's own Barcelona Drone Days conference, and a training alumni network spanning 120+ countries. Named customers include RigiTech, Embention, Flare Bright, TIC Salut Social Foundation, Médecins Sans Frontières, Port de Barcelona, and the 16-company AeroWatch XPRIZE consortium, spanning technology, healthcare, government, and humanitarian sectors. The company is privately held by its founder with no disclosed institutional investors, has 1-10 employees, and does not publicly disclose revenue.
BCN Drone Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BCN Drone Center
- Legal name
- CATUAV, S.L.
- Website
- https://barcelonadronecenter.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- BCN Drone Center (CATUAV, S.L.) operates a purpose-built private UAS test site near Barcelona with 50 km² of segregated airspace, offering testing, certification, training, regulatory advisory, and Operations-as-a-Service to global UAS manufacturers, operators, and end users across healthcare, technology, and government sectors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BCN Drone Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- UAS Testing and Certification Services
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Flight Training (611512)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)
Keywords
Where BCN Drone Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Moià
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
BCN Drone Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Testing Services: End-to-end flight testing support including flight clearance, testing validation, and certification-ready results with complete flight reports, video recordings, and telemetry logs.
- Training and Pilot School: Official UAS pilot certification courses (STS-01 and STS-02), specialized courses (FPV, SORA 2.5, regulatory), and customized training programs delivered at their facilities.
- Certification Support Services: End-to-end certification process support including CE marking, enhanced containment, SAIL III and SAIL IV compliance, and Design Verification Reports.
- Consultancy and Feasibility Studies: Guidance on concept of operations, technical feasibility assessment, technology selection, regulatory compliance, and business case evaluation.
- R&D and Engineering Services: Custom R&D projects, tailored engineering services, and technical consultancy delivered under the CATUAV trademark.
- Operations as a Service (OaaS): Turnkey drone operations solution using their LUC privileges, allowing clients to validate use cases and begin operations safely and legally under their approved structure.
- Business and Meeting Center: Venue rental for commercial events, demo days, product launches, conferences, coworking facilities, and private office/hangar space within the test site.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Integrated Drone Pilot Training Course (STS-01 & STS-02) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | UAS Regulatory & SORA 2.5 Training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Design & Construction Course, UAS Radiophonist Course, UAS Pilot Training - Operational Authorisation, UAS Geographical Zones Course |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Customized Course |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
BCN Drone Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BCN Drone Center operates a private UAS test site and ecosystem in Moià, Barcelona, providing end-to-end drone testing, certification, training, and consultancy services. Its portfolio includes UAS Testing as a Service, Drone Certification (CE Marking, SAIL III/IV), official pilot training courses, feasibility studies, R&D and engineering under the CATUAV trademark, regulatory compliance support, Operations as a Service (OaaS), and a Business & Meeting Center for events. Customers are UAS manufacturers, R&D teams, drone operators, and end users from 120+ countries who use the segregated airspace (LETS31) and regulatory sandbox (LUC) to bring drone innovations to market.
Product overview
BCN Drone Center operates as a comprehensive UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) ecosystem offering a unified portfolio of interconnected services: a dedicated private test site facility with segregated airspace as the infrastructure backbone, Testing as a Service and Operations as a Service as the primary service delivery mechanisms, Drone Certification Services for market entry, Drone Training & Courses for workforce development, and support services (Feasibility Studies, R&D & Engineering via CATUAV sub-brand, Regulatory Compliance, and Business & Meeting Center) that enable the complete innovation lifecycle from concept to market. The facility provides regulatory sandbox capabilities through its LUC (Light UAS Operator Certificate) status, enabling advanced testing within weeks rather than months.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- UAS Testing as a Service
- Drone Certification Services End-to-end certification support covering CE Marking, Class Identification Label, Enhanced Containment, SAIL III/IV compliance, and Design Verification Report (DVR) processing for European market entry under EASA frameworks.
- Drone Training & Courses Official UAS pilot certification programs and specialized training courses including STS-01/STS-02 pilot training, Design & Construction, UAS Radiophonist, SORA 2.5 regulatory training, FPV pilot courses, UAS Geographical Zones, Operational Authorisation, and customized training programs delivered at the BCN Drone Center facilities.
- Feasibility Studies Expert guidance helping clients navigate the complexity of launching successful UAS operations, including Concept of Operations (ConOps) development, technical feasibility assessment, technology selection, and regulatory compliance planning.
- R&D & Engineering Services (CATUAV) Custom R&D projects, tailored engineering services, and technical consultancy delivered under the CATUAV trademark, including custom-built systems, hardware/software integration, and prototype development for UAS and eVTOL applications.
- Regulatory Compliance Services Regulatory pathway navigation covering Open Category, Specific Category Standard Scenarios, Operational Authorisation via SORA/PDRA, and LUC certification for autonomous UAS operations.
- Operations as a Service (OaaS) Turnkey drone operations solution enabling clients to validate use cases, conduct PoC missions, and launch compliant operations under BCN Drone Center's LUC privileges without building internal UAS operational capacity.
Quantifiable outcome
- Flight clearance in less than 2 weeks (vs. several months through traditional channels)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use BCN Drone Center
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
BCN Drone Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature4 records
BCN Drone Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
53 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- RigiTechcorePartnership for SAIL III BVLOS drone delivery operations in urban environments. RigiTech designed and manufactured the Eiger 3 UAS platform, providing the technical basis required for aircraft-specific approval. CATUAV (BCN Drone Center's parent company) serves as the UAS operator leading the operational implementation. This collaboration resulted in the first SAIL III operational authorization granted in Spain.
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)coreMSF (Doctors Without Borders) participated in STS operational drone training at BCN Drone Center facilities. The collaboration focuses on humanitarian applications including rapid flood and disaster assessment, accessibility analysis, safe route mapping, and aerial data acquisition in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
- TIC Salut Social FoundationcorePartnership for medical drone delivery trials in La Garrotxa and Barcelona metropolitan area. BCN Drone Center supports trials to move biological samples by drone between primary care centers and hospital laboratories, working with healthcare providers.
- ViasatcoreKey sponsor of Barcelona Drone Days 2025 conference. Collaboration on satellite communications for long-range BVLOS operations in medium-risk scenarios (SAIL III-IV).
- GotonomicoreKey sponsor of Barcelona Drone Days 2025. Partnership focuses on C3 link satellite solutions for long-range BVLOS operations in medium-risk scenarios.
- NATScorePublic institution essential for regulation and development of airspace. Participated in Barcelona Drone Days 2025 as key airspace stakeholder.
- ENAIREcoreSpain's air navigation service provider. Participated in Barcelona Drone Days 2025 as key public institution for airspace regulation and development.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreEuropean Space Agency participated in Barcelona Drone Days 2025 as key public institution supporting drone industry development.
- Videosoft GlobalminorSponsor of Barcelona Drone Days 2025 conference.
- Volant AutonomyminorSponsor of Barcelona Drone Days 2025 conference.
- AIR6 SYSTEMS | AIRBORNE ROBOTICSminorSponsor of Barcelona Drone Days 2025 conference.
- SkychargeminorSponsor of Barcelona Drone Days 2025 conference.
- EmbentioncoreEmbention specializes in safety-critical avionics for drones and eVTOL aircraft. Their systems are fully compliant with aviation safety certifications DO178C, DO254, and DO160G. Embention has been approved as POA and APDOA by EASA. BCN Drone Center hosted test flights validating Embention's systems installed in Flarebright aircraft.
- Flare Bright Ltd.coreFlarebright is recognized for GPS-Free navigation technology leadership. They partnered with Embention to integrate safety-critical avionics into autonomous aircraft. Successful test flights conducted at BCN Drone Center validated the reliability and robustness of their advanced drone systems.
- AeroWatch ConsortiumcoreInternational consortium of 16 companies led by CTTC and BCN Drone Center, named semi-finalist in XPRIZE Wildfire Autonomous Wildfire Response competition. The four-year, $11 million initiative aims to accelerate development of innovative tools to combat destructive wildfires. Consortium members include: Avy, BCN Drone Center, CTTC, Flare Bright Ltd., Flying Objects Technologies, Gotonomi, Near Space Labs, Pau Costa Foundation, Robotto.ai, Skycharge, Lerta, Viasat, Videosoft Global, Volant Autonomy.
- DronisoscoreDrone light show operator providing world-class drone show expertise and flawless operational skills. Collaborated with BCN Drone Center on the 600-drone spectacle at Port of Barcelona.
- Port de BarcelonacoreHosted the 600-drone light show event and coordinated logistics for the aerial performance over Port of Barcelona waters.
- SLiNK-TECHcorePartnership signed to increase drone autonomy while ensuring compliance with strict regulatory frameworks. Aims to advance applications such as infrastructure inspection, parcel delivery, and environmental monitoring.
- Clúster SIAMcoreBCN Drone Center became official member of Clúster SIAM, reinforcing commitment to building a stronger and more collaborative air mobility ecosystem in Spain.
- Murzilli ConsultingcoreCollaboration on SORA regulatory training courses, covering the Specific Operations Risk Assessment process crucial for operating safely and legally in the Specific category.
- Local99minorCollaboration on FPV Pilot Course delivery. Contact through BCN Drone Center for registration.
- Aena (Aeroports del Prat)minorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Applus+minorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Autonomy GlobalminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- AvyminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters. AeroWatch consortium member.
- Between TechminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- CAASminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
- Cambridge SensoriisminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- CCIC Europe TestingminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Cuby TechnologiesminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- DekraminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- DelairminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- DMD SolutionsminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Drone TalksminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- DronetagminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- ESSP (EGNOS)minorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- EurecatminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- GeonumericsminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Grupo ÁlavaminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- GSMAminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Harvard UniversityminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- HarwinminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- HPminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- LabsphereminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- NacexminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- Pix4DminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- PwCminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- RepsolminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- SemaiminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- T-SystemsminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- TelefónicaminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- WindshapeminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
- WingtraminorPartner listed in BCN Drone Center's network of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
BCN Drone Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ATLAS Center for Advanced Aerospace Technologies (Spain): Spanish flight test center located in Villacarrillo (Jaén) providing UAS testing infrastructure and segregated airspace. Domestic Spanish competitor and potential partner, comparable for general UAS testing services.
- Aalborg UAS Test Center (AAU): Aalborg University's UAS Test Center in Denmark offers segregated airspace and is one of the few EASA-recognized UAS test sites in Europe, directly comparable to BCN Drone Center for BVLOS, U-space, and certification testing.
- NLR Netherlands RPAS Test Centre: Royal Netherlands aerospace research centre (NLR) operates one of Europe's most established UAS test centres at Marknesse with segregated airspace. Direct competitor for European UAS testing and certification engagements, particularly for cross-border clients.
Others
- Drone Industry Insights: Leading UAS market intelligence and research firm. Not a direct competitor but an adjacent ecosystem player that influences buyer decisions and tracks the same European UAS testing/training market in which BCN operates.
- Embention: Spanish avionics supplier (DO-178C/DO-254 compliant) listed as both partner and supplier to the UAS ecosystem. Adjacent enabler whose hardware is tested at BCN Drone Center facilities, creating overlap with the supply chain BCN serves.
- Global UTM Association (GUTMA): Non-profit industry association coordinating U-space and UTM standards in Europe. Adjacent ecosystem organization whose member ecosystem overlaps with BCN's regulatory partners (ENAIRE, NATS, ESA).
Broad incumbents
- Applus+ IDIADA: Spain-headquartered testing and certification provider with significant aerospace capabilities. Partner of BCN and a broader incumbent that could expand UAS-specific testing adjacent to BCN's offerings.
- DEKRA: Global testing, inspection and certification giant that lists BCN Drone Center as a partner and competes in UAS conformity assessment, CE marking, and SAIL audits through its broader aerospace portfolio.
Emerging players
- Murzilli Consulting: Switzerland-based consultancy specializing in SORA, regulatory strategy, and UAS operator authorization. Overlaps with BCN's regulatory and training offerings (they co-deliver SORA 2.5 courses) and competes for regulatory advisory budgets.
- EuroUSC Europe: European UAS certification and training body focused on light UAS operator training (LUC) and specific category approvals. Competes with BCN for regulatory training and pre-LUC consultancy engagements.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BCN Drone Center social profiles
Digital presenceBCN Drone Center compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
BCN Drone Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BCN Drone Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
BCN Drone Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BCN Drone Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BCN Drone Center
What does BCN Drone Center do?
BCN Drone Center operates a private UAS test site and ecosystem in Moià, Barcelona, providing end-to-end drone testing, certification, training, and consultancy services. Its portfolio includes UAS Testing as a Service, Drone Certification (CE Marking, SAIL III/IV), official pilot training courses, feasibility studies, R&D and engineering under the CATUAV trademark, regulatory compliance support, Operations as a Service (OaaS), and a Business & Meeting Center for events. Customers are UAS manufacturers, R&D teams, drone operators, and end users from 120+ countries who use the segregated airspace (LETS31) and regulatory sandbox (LUC) to bring drone innovations to market.
Is BCN Drone Center a public or private company?
BCN Drone Center is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was BCN Drone Center founded?
BCN Drone Center was founded in 2000. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is BCN Drone Center based?
BCN Drone Center is headquartered in Moià, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does BCN Drone Center make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Testing Services are the primary driver. The others are training and Pilot School, certification Support Services, consultancy and Feasibility Studies, R&D and Engineering Services, operations as a Service (OaaS) and business and Meeting Center.
Who are BCN Drone Center's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ATLAS Center for Advanced Aerospace Technologies (Spain), Aalborg UAS Test Center (AAU) and NLR Netherlands RPAS Test Centre. Others are Drone Industry Insights, Embention and Global UTM Association (GUTMA). Broad incumbents are Applus+ IDIADA and DEKRA. Emerging players are Murzilli Consulting and EuroUSC Europe.
Does BCN Drone Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for BCN Drone Center.
What industry is BCN Drone Center in?
BCN Drone Center's product category is UAS Testing and Certification Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAL, UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure, with a secondary code of IMABAIAO, UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid). Its NAICS code is 54138 and its SIC code is 8734.