ESA has expanded its reach in Finland by inaugurating a new Business Incubation Centre (BIC) in the heart of Vaasa. The new ESA BIC, based within the University of Vaasa, brings new services to western Finland, enhancing opportunities for space start-ups and creating a fertile ground for innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialisation across the region.
The ESA BIC network aims to inspire entrepreneurs to commercialise viable and successful space-related business ideas, providing financial, technical and commercial support. The University of Vaasa is a key player in the emerging space economy and currently operates the Kvarken Space Centre, an innovation hub for the space economy. The new ESA BIC, formed in conjunction with Turku Science Park, follows a partnership agreement with the Aalto University Start-up Centre, which coordinates the activities of ESA BIC Finland.
Professor Heidi Kuusniemi, who directs space economy projects at the University of Vaasa, visualises a lively network where companies can thrive under ESA’s incubator program. She says: “In addition to funding from ESA and Business Finland, and individual and group coaching, the companies selected for the incubator will have access to ESA’s research infrastructure and programmes, and a valuable network of partners. Together, we will be able to expand ESA BIC Finland’s incubator services to the westernmost regions of Finland, from Southwest Finland to Ostrobothnia.”
The new BIC was launched with the centre’s first Tender Evaluation Board (TEB) event, which brought together experts and space-related start-ups from across Finland. TEBs facilitate the evaluation and selection of businesses to join BIC programmes. Stefan Gustafsson, Commercialisation Officer at ESA, officially opened the Vaasa TEB, where he discussed the key responsibilities and functions of ESA BICs, emphasising their vital role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the space industry and beyond.
The launch was a collective effort between the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia, the University of Vaasa, and the Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. This spirit of collaboration and support creates a highly encouraging foundation for the new ESA BIC, as it aligns with wider regional goals of harnessing space technology for sustained growth and development.
“In the space economy, entirely new, innovative solutions and services can be created by combining our regional strengths, technological expertise and business understanding,” adds Professor Kuusniemi. “These new solutions and services can cater to both scientific research needs and commercial applications.”
The creation of the new hub also supports Ostrobothnia’s Strategy for Innovation and Growth, which emphasises cooperation and digital competence for regional development, and aligns with the Ostrobothnian Regional Space Business and InnovaTion (ORBIT) project. Niklas Ulfvens, The Regional Council of Ostrobothnia, says: “This know-how enables the development of new operating models, the emergence of new business activities in the region, and new areas of knowledge that can be built on.”
Are you a space start-up interested in incubation opportunities?
The newly established BIC at the University of Vaasa offers a wealth of resources and an innovative and well-equipped environment for space-related ventures to thrive. If you are a start-up eager to explore incubation opportunities, visit our ESA BICs page to find out the nearest incubator.
