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Contact Person
Amanda Borup Pedersen
ESA BIC MANAGER, DTU
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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
Download documents
Download the ESA BIC application document package and write your application. Please only fill out the documents in the application folder. The supporting documents are for your guidance and reference only. Once you have filled out the necessary documentation, please upload it via our application portal below. The application portal usually opens 1-2 months before the deadline.
ESA BIC INCUBATION:
Next deadline: 05.03.2026 at 23:59
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% self-owned
- 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 2 days after the deadline to ensure it meets ESA’s formal requirements. If any issues are identified, you will 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.
Following the Tender Evaluation Board, we will select the companies accepted into incubation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome latest one week after their pitch.
Approximately 1 month after the TEB, the new incubatees will meet for a 2-day kickoff and workshop on client readiness, facilitated by Priel Manes, an international profile with more than a decade of experience in accelerating space startups. ESA BIC will cover your travel and accomodation expenses in connection to the workshop
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
€100K
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, you don’t need a CVR number in order to apply, but if you are accepted into the incubation program, you must found your company before you start your incubation period.
What can the incentive money be used to pay for?
The incentive money may be used for research anddevelopment (R&D costs), IP protection, third-party consultancy and (to adefined limit) market research. Salaries for non-shareholderemployees can be included as a cost in the project proposal.
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 (Eligible/ Non-Eligible)· 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 4 Danish ESA BIC hubs.
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?
Startups not in compliance with all formal requirements will be rejected. Other than not meeting the formal requirements, the most common reason for rejection is a lack of knowledge about the market and customers for your proposed solution.
How long is the incubation period?
The incubation period may run from 12-24 months.It is up to the startup to suggest how much time they would need to finish their proposed project.
Is ESA BIC incentive subject to the European Union's de minimis state aid regulation?
No, the ESA BICincentive does not qualify as de minimis aid.
Can I be part of other programmes while in ESA BIC? E.g. Danish Tech Challenge or Innofounder?
Yes
Does ESA BIC offer free office space for my startup?
ESA BIC does not have free office space, but collaborates with local partners to offer rented officespace if your startup needs it. The terms for renting offices differ for each region. Reach out to us to hear more.
If I get accepted into incubation, when will the €60.000 incentive be paid out?
The incentive moneywill be paid out in 3 separate installments; €20K at the kickoff of theproject, €20K at the midterm review and €20K after the final review.
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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