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BOOsT Your Space Related Start up
Join the ESA BIC incubation program and benefit from equity free funding, complimentary business coaching, technical support, investor matchmaking, access to ESA's international network and more.
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We help many types of startups with a space connection
ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) offers incubation for startups across many industries that have connections to space. You can apply if you plan to develop technology that could be relevant to the space industry in many ways, or if you provide a space-based service based on satellite communication, navigation or earth observation.
Basic criteria for application
- Incorporated in Denmark
- Company must be <5 years old
- min. 50% self-owned
- The business has a connection to space
- We also accept Entrepreneurs with an intention to set up a startup
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A free full-service package
to launch your start-up
All startups accepted into ESA BIC receives €60K in non-equity funding (meaning that ESA BIC will not take any ownership in the company). We offer an additional €140K for selected startups planning to develop technology that can be launched into space (ESA BIC Booster).
ESA BIC Denmark has offices at several Danish universities and is deeply connected to both ESA’s international network and the Danish space sector. Through this network, we can help your startup connect with technical experts whether in academia or across the European space industry.
Your startup will be assigned a dedicated business developer to support you throughout the incubation process. Together, you’ll take part in an incubation planning workshop, where you’ll map out your goals and tailor the incubation program to fit your startup’s specific needs.
In collaboration with the ESA Business Incubation Centres in Sweden, Norway and Finland we are hosting a series of webinars, aiming to support founders of space connected startups. The topics cover everything from practical advise on raising capital to understanding supply chains.
Our business developers are actively building relationships with investors who are interested in space-related ventures — and can help connect your startup with the right people. In addition, ESA BIC supports selected startups in gaining access to pitch competitions at relevant conferences.
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.
Our Local hubs
Diplomvej 372 2nd floor, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Space Ventures DK is a national project managed from our headquarter at DTU. Our office is part of DTU Space and located next to the innovation ecosystems in Skylab and DTU Science Park.
Universitetsbyen 14, 8000 Aarhus
ESA BIC in Aarhus is part of AU Space and is based at the Kitchen, where your startup will have access to a vibrant innovation community.
Thomas Manns Vej 25, 9220 Aalborg Øst
Our team at AAU Space is invovled with the Open Entrepreneurship initiative and Space Connect North, and we have strong ties to the many space companies in the area.
Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M
Our hub at SDU is part of a dynamic innovation environment in Odense, closely connected to Odense Robotics and local tech communities.
50+
incubated space start-ups
300m
DKK external investments raised
5+
Years of running ESA BIC in Denmark.
200+
FTEs across all startups
ESA BIC BOOSTER
Startups that are accepted into ESA BIC's incubation program might be selected to recieve additional funding for developing upstream technology - that is tech that is meant to be used in space.
€140K IN additional FUNDING FOR upstream STARTUPS
- Up to 50 hours of free consulting for funding applications
- Access to technical expertise from DTU and ESA
- International network and matchmaking
- Knowledgesharing with clusters
- Education of space-ambassadors in various industries
GET INCUBATED
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€60K IN NON-EQUITY FUNDING FOR ALL STARTUPS
- Up to 50 hours of free consulting for funding applications
- Access to technical expertise from DTU and ESA
- International network and matchmaking
- Knowledgesharing with clusters
- Education of space-ambassadors in various industries
GET INCUBATED
The incubation period can last up to two years and is tailored to match the specific needs of your startup. Follow the link below to learn more about how the program works — and what it takes to become part of it.
€60K IN NON-EQUITY FUNDING FOR ALL STARTUPS
- OPtion for an additional €140K for selected upstream startups
- Access to technical expertise from ESA and Various danish universities
- Tailored business development and coaching
- Matchmaking with investors and potential partners.
- Community and promotion at events
GET INCUBATED
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
€60K IN NON-EQUITY FUNDING FOR ALL STARTUPS
- Up to 50 hours of free consulting for funding applications
- Access to technical expertise from DTU and ESA
- International network and matchmaking
- Knowledgesharing with clusters
- Education of space-ambassadors in various industries
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Know the process
How to apply
The first (mandatory) step of your application is to book a short meeting with us to assess your eligibility for the programme. After you've talked to us, you will be ready to write your application, which will be submitted online through the apply page. Once submitted, your proposal will be reviewed for compliance with ESA requirements. If anything needs adjusting, you’ll receive feedback and have 48 hours to make corrections.
Pitch your startup
Once you have submitted your application you will be invited to pitch your startup to the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB), which makes the final decision on admission to the incubation programme. The TEB includes experts from ESA, EIFO, and participating Danish universities. This is an in-person meeting, so be sure to save the date. You can find more details on the Apply page.
Plan your incuubation prgram
Once your startup is accepted into the incubation programme, we’ll kick things off with an Incubation Planning Workshop alongside our team of business developers. During this session, we’ll map out your journey and tailor the programme activities to fit your startup’s specific needs.
Incubation activities
Your incubation period can last up to two years, depending on your startup’s needs. Throughout this time, you’ll receive ongoing business coaching from your dedicated business developer and have progress meetings with the ESA BIC manager. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities — including pitch week, demo days, Nordic Academy and other relevant events designed to support your growth. Most of the activities are optional so you can choose what fits your needs.
Reviews
There will be a mandatory mid-term review and a final review, where we’ll evaluate your progress and impact. These sessions are also a chance for you to share feedback with us. At the end of the incubation period, you’ll complete a short survey to report your results to the European Space Agency.
Let's talk
Name
Amanda Borup Pedersen
Job Title
ESA Bic Manager, DTU
ambpe@dtu.dk
+45 93 51 12 81
Thinking space might be relevant to your startup but not quite sure how? Let’s explore it together.