European Space Agency logo
European Space Agency

ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs)

Gives space startups €60,000 in equity-free funding plus ESA technical support.

Between cyclesEuropean Space Agency

Each ESA BIC gives incubated founders EUR 60,000 in equity-free funding, access to ESA's technical expertise, and customised business support; applicants apply directly to their own regional BIC rather than to ESA headquarters, since each of the more than 35 centres runs its own selection process. The Financial Times ranks ESA BIC 2nd among European incubator networks and 10th globally. Since its

Open to entrepreneurs turning space technology ideas into start-ups -- either upstream work within the space sector itself, or downstream use of space data and technology in other fields -- applying through one of more than 35 ESA Business Incubation Centres across 20+ European countries and 100+ locations.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Sign up free to see how to apply

Sign up free to see where teams trip up

Guides for this application

All guides →