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Contact Person
Amanda Borup Pedersen
ESA BIC MANAGER, DTU
What we do
Programs
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Contact Person
Poul zimmermann nielsen
ESA Technology broker, DTU
Up to 40h of free consultancy to explore space-related business opportunities
Is your company ready to explore the growing commercial potential of the space sector? ESA Technology Broker DK offers free guidance and training to help both space and non-space companies find commercial opportunities in the space economy.
Step-by-step guide
step 1
Initial meeting
Step 2
Download documents
Click the links to download:
Prepare for Space Guide (a guide on how to apply)
Prepare for Space Application Template (to be completed by applicant)step 3
Write application
Prepare for space
What is it?
The Prepare for Space (P4S) initiative is designed to support companies in finding commercial opportunities in the space industry to access the space market, and to take advantage of satellite services to grow business in other sectors. The P4S initiative’s scope is to help newcomers to start activities in space-related business areas, which can be divided into two major types of companies: Bringing terrestrial innovations into the space sector, and using space assets and satellite services to solve challenges on Earth.
WHO CAN APPLY?
ESA Prepare for Space is targeted at mature startups, SMEs and larger entities in Denmark including the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Typically, these entities are either new to the space market or need to know more about ESA’s funding opportunities. To be eligible for Prepare for Space the applicants must be:
- New to doing business with space (upstream or downstream).
- In case you are not new to space, the reason for support must be justified.
- Registered in Denmark with a CVR number + be registered for VAT (MOMS).
- Headquartered in Denmark, The Faroe Islands or Greenland.
- Applying for Prepare for Space with an activity or project that will be carried out in Denmark.
- In contact with ESA Technology Broker DK for the correct preparation of the application..
What is offered?
Through targeted workshops and one-on-one consultations, our Technology Brokers will help you identify high-potential market opportunities in the space economy that is relevant to your company. They will also guide you through the process of applying for ESA Invitations to Tender (ITTs) and other industry funding calls to support your innovation project
Application process
We begin with an informal chat to explore how we can best support your company and check your eligibility. We recommend talking to us before you start your application, so we can make the process as smooth and effective as possible. You can reach us at techbroker@esabic.dk or simply book a meeting using the link below.
To start an innovation project and receive our support, we will complete a short application and contract together, which will be submitted to the European Space Agency, who funds our services. This application will outline the project scope and the expected outcomes. We will guide your company through filling out the necessary documents and ensure the process is smooth and straightforward.
The Prepare for Space call is permanently open—there’s no deadline. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. First, ESA Technology Broker Denmark will review your application within about 5 business days. If accepted, it will be forwarded to ESA’s Tender Evaluation Board for the final decision.
The Tender Evaluation Board meets approximately once a month. In Q1 and Q2 2025, meetings are scheduled for 26 Feb, 19 Mar, 30 Apr, 28 May, and 18 Jun.
You will usually receive the final decision within 10 days after the board meeting.
What is Included?
Before we start working together, we scope the activities to fit the specific needs of your company.
40h
of complimentary consultancy
Workshops and 1-to-1 meetings
We host workshops and 1-to-1 meetings to identify competencies relevant to the company and its goals. It may cover the evaluation of technologies and needs, activities to get ready to bid for an ESA invitation to tender, and developing concepts and paths to move forward.
Tailored training sessions
Tailored training sessions to help companies understand the space sector, along with its requirements and opportunities. Topics can include space technology standards, project management, and regulatory compliance.
Value Proposition
Definition of value proposition to help determine where the company could be positioned within the space value supply chain.
Funding support
Funding opportunity support to coach companies on responding to specific calls and writing applications.
Long-term coaching
Long-term coaching to jointly work with a company to connect with space ecosystems, such as through matchmaking with partners and customers in Denmark and internationally.
ESA BIC has centres in more than 100 locations across europe. Through this network we can help to connect your startups with potential business partners or potential clients who can provide early stage feedback on your product.
We host a range of events aimed at connecting the space ecosystem in Denmark. As an ESA BIC incubatee, you may also be invited to join us at Danish or international conferences, where you can get the opportunity to meet potential customers, investors, or new employees.
If your startup needs office space, we may be able to arrange it at the university where you’re incubated. This depends on availability and is coordinated in collaboration with the university.
Your Questions, Answered
Why do I need to fill out an application and contract if the service is free?
Although our Prepare for Space support is provided free of charge to your company, it is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). To access this funding, ESA requires basic documentation in the form of an application and a short contract. These documents ensure that the project scope, objectives, and expected outcomes are clearly defined, and they allow ESA to approve and track the use of their resources.
The process is designed to be simple and efficient, and our team will guide you through each step so that completing the paperwork is quick and straightforward.
Can my company receive funding through Prepare for Space?
Prepare for Space does not provide direct financial funding beyond the value of our consultancy time and expertise. However, as part of the program, we offer dedicated support to help you navigate relevant funding opportunities in the space sector. This includes guidance on identifying suitable calls, such as ESA Invitations to Tender (ITTs) and other industry grants, as well as coaching on how to prepare strong, competitive applications.
While we cannot fund your project directly, our goal is to give you the tools, knowledge, and connections to successfully secure funding from other sources.
How is my application evaluated?
Once an application has been submitted by the applicant to the ESA Technology Broker Denmark, a first assessment is done by our brokers to ensure compliance with the open call.
If the application is found non-admissible, the applicant will be informed with the reason explained. In such a case an applicant is eligible to submit a revised proposal later.
If the application is compliant with the formal requirements, the proposal will be submitted for final evaluation at the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB), with ESA and ESA Technology Broker Denmark, to approve or reject the application.
Please read the Prepare for Space Guide for a full overview of the evaluation criteria. You can download the guide in the Prepare for Space application package in the step by step guide.
Other relevant funding opportunities
ESA BIC Incubation is for startups less than 5 years old. After the incubation period we can support your startup with our other programs from ESA Technology Broker aimed at small and medium-sized companies.
ESA BIC Booster
€140K
For selected upstream startups in ESA BIC developing technology for the space industry
Kickstart
€75K
For your feasibility study for more mature start-ups and SME's.
GSTP
€1M
In ESA funding to develop space technology within various technology areas.
Other Questions?
We're happy to guide you on a smooth application process and help you access your eligibility for the program. Book a meeting or shoot us an email at techbroker@esabic.dk.
Name
Poul Zimmerman Nielsen
Job role
Esa Technology Broker
We’d love to have an informal chat about how we can support your company, completely obligation-free.