The largest incubation network in Europe
ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) are the largest network of incubators supporting space related start-ups in Europe. The objective is to support entrepreneurs with a space-based business idea and help them developing their product while getting their company off the ground. In the process, they create and grow clusters of space-related start-ups across Europe.
Each incubation centre is managed by local champions who connect their ESA BIC to local industry, universities, research organisations, government, and investor communities. All the centres are embedded in local communities, but also have strong regional and national links.
The network provides excellent opportunities to connect start-ups with new business partners across Europe.
The ESA BICs seek entrepreneurs who develop applications that use space-based systems (such as satellite navigation, earth observation, or satellite communication); use space technologies in a non-space domain; and/or who develop innovative products and services for the space sector.
Up to two years of business incubation at an ESA BIC of your choice
Technical support from leading experts in the region and from ESA
Business coaching
Legal and IPR advice
Access to business partners and networks
Workshops and trainings
Fundraising guidance and opportunities
€50k equity free funding for product and IP development
Find the website for the ESA BIC where you intend to apply (see the map below). Each ESA BIC has its own local website with contact details, application documents, information about cut-off dates, etc. It is recommended that you contact the ESA BIC in advance to inform about your intention to apply and to receive guidance. The ESA BIC will assist you in determining whether the business idea is suitable for incubation and explain what is needed from the applicant.
Download the application documents from the ESA BIC website where you intend to apply or request to receive them directly. Make sure you understand both the general and the local requirements (see the requirements checklists in the Cover Letter template). Only applications that fulfil all requirements will be considered. If in any doubt, please contact the ESA BIC for clarification before starting to write the application.
All applications received before a certain cut-off date will be reviewed by the Tender Opening Board (TOB). If your application is found eligible, the ESA BIC will invite you to present your business idea at the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB) that normally takes place a few weeks later.
You will have the opportunity to give a short presentation about your business idea and answer questions to the board. The TEB will evaluate your application and, if successful, you will be invited to sign an incubation contract.
From the ESA BIC you will receive the incubation contract and possibly a service/rental agreement. Since a contract can only be signed with a company (not with a person), if you have not registered a company earlier, this is the time to do so.
Once the contract (and the service/rental agreement, when applicable) is signed by both you and the ESA BIC, the journey of your company can start. During the kick-off meeting, you and the ESA BIC will decide on the next steps.
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