The Moon is viewed as a critical and strategic outpost for space exploration. With its proximity to Earth, it offers unique opportunities for developing In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) capabilities.

To enhance the development of technological enablers that will trigger operational lunar ISRU activities, the ESRIC Start-up Support Programme was launched as the first worldwide incubation programme, entirely dedicated to space resource utilization technologies. Through the identification of disruptive technologies, the goal of the programme is to support early-stage ventures and innovative start-ups designing new technologies and/or repurposing terrestrial solutions for space resources applications.

Since the first call in 2021, the programme has been a success and has so far led to the incubation of companies such as FourPoint Space, Lightigo Space and Spacebackend in the local space ecosystem, leading to the first operating space resources cluster formed now by 18 active companies in commercial space.

For its fifth call for applications, the ESRIC Start-up Support Programme is strategically focusing on innovative solutions for space exploration and lunar prospecting technologies.

Be part of the future of Moon exploration!