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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
Apply for incubation and get €60k for your startup
Take your startup to the next level with tailored support and funding designed to help you create a strong business in the space economy.
Step-by-step guide
step 1
Contact us
Step 2
Check Compliance
step 3
Write application
Download the application documents by clicking the links below and write your application.
Application documents:
A business plan (max. 15 pages + 5 pages of annexes)
An Incubation Proposal (max 10 pages incl annexes)
Tables & Figures (to be inserted into the business plan and proposal)
Supporting documents:
Innovation readiness level (supporting document for the business plan)
Space connection assessment (assess your space connection prior to writing your application)
Draft incubation contract (for your reference).
ESA BIC INCUBATION
What is it?
ESA BIC Denmark supports early-stage startups working with space-connected technologies — whether you’re bringing space solutions down to Earth or taking terrestrial tech into orbit. We offer a structured path to help you grow from an early concept into a market-ready company, backed by targeted business development, tailored coaching, and access to a strong commercial and technical network.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Start-ups up to 5 years old with a valid space connection
- Headquartered in Denmark
- Minimum 51% selfowned
- Registered with CVR
- Entrepreneurs with the intention to set up a business can also apply.
- See the full list of requirements in ESA's Requirement Checklist
What is offered?
Selected startups join a two-year incubation programme that combines non-equity funding, expert guidance, and network access. Each startup receives €60,000 to support product or business development, along with ongoing coaching and technical advice from ESA and national partners. The programme is designed to help you strengthen your technology, validate your business model, and take confident steps toward commercial success.
Application process
We review your application within 3 days after the deadline to ensure it meets ESA’s formal requirements. If any issues are identified, you’ll receive feedback and have 48 hours to make the necessary adjustments.
After you have submitted your application you will be invited to pitch your startup to evaluators from ESA, ESA BIC DK, Innovation Fund Denmark, and Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund who makes the final selection.
After you have submitted your application you will be invited to pitch your startup to evaluators from ESA, ESA BIC DK, Innovation Fund Denmark, and Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund who makes the final selection.
After signing the contract with the European Space Agency, the incubation activities can begin.
What is Included?
Before we start working together, we scope the activities to fit the specific needs of your company.
€60K
For all Incubates
Equity-free funding
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.
Technical support
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.
Business coaching
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.
Space academy for founders
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.
Matchmaking with investors
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.
Local and international community
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.
Office facilities
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.
International network
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.
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.
Your Questions, Answered
What kind of space connection is needed to be eligible for the ESA BIC DK?
ESA BIC welcomes startups with a relevant space technology background or heritage. This can include experience in downstream application of space technology in non-space industries, new space/upstream development, technology transfer between space and non-space sectors, or licensing a patent from the ESA patent portfolio.
Must I already have founded a company to apply?
No, it is not essential to establish a business but it must have a CVR number in order to apply to and be accepted into the incubation program. The company must be created at the latest by the middle of the incubation period if there isn’t an entry in the commercial register when it starts.
What can the incentive money be used to pay for?
The incentive money may only be used for research and development (R&D), IP protection, third-party consultancy and (to a defined limit) market research.
What technologies are considered?
Your proposal should focus on supporting, leveraging, or exploiting space systems or space technology in a non-space domain, including:
- Downstream applications (Earth Observation, Satellite Navigation, Satellite Communications),
- Upstream/NewSpace (exploiting new technology in the space domain/supplying the space sector),
- Technology transfer from space (Hardware or Software, Knowledge or IPR).
The space-related solution must be crucial to the business and exhibit a high level of innovation.Does ESA take any equity in my company?
No. but we will request some reporting from you.
Which standards will be used for evaluation?
These are the evaluation criteria:
Formal Aspects (ON/OFF)Background & Experience (25%)
Technology/Service (20%)Value proposition (20%)Business Modelling and Risk (15%)
Activity Proposal (20%).Who is on the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB)?
The TEB consists of representatives from ESA, The Innovation Fund, EIFO, and the 3 ESA BIC hubs in Denmark.
Can apply again if my first application has been rejected?
Yes. You can apply as often as you wish.
Can you state some reasons why some applying startups are not selected?
It is essential that all formal requirements — such as the existence of a connection to space — be met. But in addition to the legal requirements, the TEB board judges the startups mostly on their business case. This applies to the group, the market, etc. The Open Call on the application site has all of the selection criteria, though, as this is a fairly transparent process.
Does a startup have to commit to the entire two years of the program?
No, the startup is free to suggest how long the incubation period should last. This might run from 12 to 24 months.
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 hello@esabic.dk.
Name
Amanda Borup pedersen
Job role
ESA Bic Manager, DTU
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