The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with partners in the United Arab Emirates, is pleased to announce the launch of the first EPIC European–UAE Space Startup Competition 2025. This landmark initiative aims to foster transnational innovation and entrepreneurship within the global space economy by building strategic commercial bridges between Europe and the UAE.
Launched on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) and under the umbrella of ESA’s Partnership Initiative for Commercialisation (EPIC), this competition seeks to identify and support European space startups and scaleups with compelling business potential in the UAE or collaborative opportunities with UAE-based partners targeting export markets such as the EMEA region.
Competition Objectives:
- Encourage partnerships between European and UAE entities for joint space-related commercial ventures.
- Provide tailored support for companies aiming to establish a long-term presence in the UAE or broader EMEA space markets.
Prizes and Benefits
First Prize:
- An ESA voucher valued up to €50,000, to be used toward professional consultancy services of the winner’s choice. The consultancy will assist in developing a business presence in the UAE and evaluating entry strategies for UAE/EMEA markets.
- One complementary Vista Pod (booth) (sponsored by VISTA Startup, the leading aerospace startup platform in the UAE) to showcase the company at the Dubai Airshow (includes branding, access to the investor meetings , and networking events).
- Accommodation at the Rove Hotel for five nights, sponsored by VISTA.
- ESA sponsorship of €1,500 to offset travel costs for a single company representative at the Dubai Airshow. Complementary entry ticket to attend the Dubai Airshow (17–21 November 2025) — one of the world’s premier aerospace events (sponsored by VISTA).
Second Prize:
- An ESA voucher valued up to €50,000, to be used toward professional consultancy services of the winner’s choice. The consultancy will assist in developing a business presence in the UAE and evaluating entry strategies for UAE/EMEA markets.
- ESA sponsorship of €2,000 to contribute to entry ticket to attend the Dubai Airshow (17–21 November 2025), accommodation and travel for at least one company’s representative at the Dubai Airshow.
Third prize:
- ESA sponsorship of €2,000 to contribute to entry ticket to attend the Dubai Airshow (17–21 November 2025), accommodation and travel for at least one company’s representative at the Dubai Airshow.
Fourth prize:
- ESA sponsorship of €2,000 to contribute to entry ticket to attend the Dubai Airshow (17–21 November 2025), accommodation and travel for at least one company’s representative at the Dubai Airshow.
Why Apply?
- Visibility: Present your solution at a global event attended by top aerospace stakeholders.
- Network Expansion: Meet customers, investors, institutions, and potential partners from the EMEA region.
- Tailored Support: Gain expert consultancy for your market-entry strategy in the UAE.
- Growth Potential: Unlock access to a high-growth market with strong institutional and commercial space ambitions.
Application Requirements
Participants must submit the following documents:
- Business Proposal (max 500 words):
Briefly describe your company and its space-related innovation or service. Outline the problem you address and , including Unique Value Proposition. - Market Relevance (max 500 words):
Explain why your offering is particularly suited to the UAE & EMEA market (upstream or downstream), or how collaboration with UAE partners could help target export markets such as the EMEA region. - Support Needs (max 400 words):
Specify the type of institutional or business support you would require from European or UAE entities. Describe in particular the potential added value of collaborating with UAE partners, both commercial and institutional. - Customised Market Analysis Request (max 400 words):
Detail the kind of market analysis you wish to receive from a consultancy firm to guide your UAE business entry. Additionally, please outline the key objectives you expect the consultancy to help you achieve. These could include, but are not limited to (including cases where related details appear in other sections):- Market entry strategy development
- Regulatory and legal landscape assessment
- Competitive positioning and benchmarking
- Identification of potential UAE partners or customers
- Business model adaptation for the UAE/EMEA region
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (max 400 words)::
List the KPIs you will use to evaluate the impact of your proposed UAE business initiative after 6 and 12 months. Examples of KPIs include “Market Engagement, Commercial Progress, Operation Milestones, Strategic Development, Visibility & Outreach” - Team Overview:
Provide an overview of your team’s experience, skills, and current investment stage. Additionally, submit a 1-minute team introduction video.
These six components form the basis of the jury’s evaluation. Criteria include market relevance, partnership potential, impact metrics, and team capability.
In the event of a tie, preference will be given to applicants who have not won any previous ESA startup competitions in 2024–2025 (e.g., India, Japan, Singapore, Australia, or Prix Bulles Pierre Cardin).
Eligibility Criteria
- Companies must be incorporated and registered in a European ESA Member State or EU Member State.
- Open to both startups and scaleups in the space sector.
- Companies must engage a consultancy legally established in an EU or an ESA Member State; subsidiaries registered in those jurisdictions also qualify.
Key Dates & Submission
- Deadline: 30 September 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Learn More
Dubai Airshow: https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/en/home.html
This is a unique opportunity for European space entrepreneurs to gain a foothold in one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving aerospace regions in the world. We invite you to take part in this journey of innovation, collaboration, and international growth.
We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your next leap into space entrepreneurship.
