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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
ESA BIC startups can Get an additional €140K to develop space technology
Selected startups that join ESA BIC can get an additional booster funding to develop technology for space.
Step-by-step guide
step 1
Get incubated
To be eligible for the Booster funding, your startup must first be accepted into the ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Denmark. The funding is exclusively available to startups developing upstream technology (technologies that will be used in space) as part of the ESA BIC incubation programme.
Step 2
Get Selected
Startups cannot directly apply for the Booster funding. Instead, it is awarded to a select few startups that demonstrate strong growth potential. The ESA BIC management team will evaluate and choose eligible startups during their incubation period. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your ESA BIC Manager.
step 3
Contract with ESA
Once selected for the Booster funding, your startup will enter into a contract with ESA outlining how the funding will be spent. The funding is equity-free, meaning ESA will not take any ownership in your company. However, to receive the funds, your startup will need to provide some reporting.
Be aware that the prossesing time for the contract can take a couple of months.
Important Notice: All Booster funding for 2025 and 2026 has already been allocated. We are currently working with ESA to secure new Booster funding starting in 2027.
ESA BIC BOOSTER Funding
What is it?
The ESA BIC DK Booster is an additional funding opportunity available to select startups incubated in the ESA BIC Denmark program. It is designed to support space tech startups developing upstream technologies—that is, technologies intended for use in space. Startups cannot apply directly for Booster funding. Instead, recipients are nominated by the ESA BIC Denmark Manager based on their potential and progress. Typically, 1 startup is selected each year. The exact amount of funding available may vary annually, depending on updates to our agreement with the European Space Agency.
the incentive can be used for:
- Research and development (R&D)
- Intellectual property (IP) protection
- External consultancy services
- Market research
- Salaries for non-shareholder employees involved in the above activities
What is Included?
Before we start working together, we scope the activities to fit the specific needs of your company.
€140K
For selected upstream startups
Non-equity funidng
The booster can be used for R&D, IP, consultancy, market research or salaries for non-shareholders. ESA does not take any equity in the company, but we do require some reporting.
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
Prepare for space
40h
For small and medium-sized companies who needs guidance on space-connected innovation projects and funding.
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?
Do you have questions about the Booster funding? Shoot us an email at hello@esabic.dk.
Name
Amanda Borup pedersen
Job role
ESA Bic Manager, DTU
Thinking space might be relevant to your startup but not quite sure how? Let's explore it together