ESA BIC

The European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre in Estonia (ESA BIC Estonia) is the first of its kind in the Baltics. It is part of a Europe-wide network of 18 space business incubators. The goal of the incubator is to help Estonian startups enter the international market by offering them startup funding of 60,000 euros for product or service development along with specialised mentoring.

The lead partner of ESA BIC Estonia is Tartu Science Park, which, in collaboration with Science and Business Park Tehnopol, provides incubation services in both Tallinn and Tartu.

If you have an innovative idea for utilizing space technologies or are developing applications to create new products and services outside the space environment, the program can offer:

• Up to 60,000€ support for product development and intellectual property protection
• 50 hours of business consultancy, intellectual property mentoring (10h), and technical assistance (20h)
• Access to ESA BIC’s international network
• 50,000€ business development loan
• Administrative support (office space)
• The right to use the ESA BIC trademark

Who can apply?

• Companies with an innovative idea based on space-related technology, knowledge, and/or application, but targeting a non-space market
• Companies that are no older than five years or are newly established
• The founder is a European citizen, and the team can work in Tartu or Tallinn

What is the connection to space?

A connection to space includes any terrestrial use of satellite data, positioning, satellite communication, or technology developed for space.

When can you apply?

Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis, but they are collected twice a year.

What is expected in the application?

The application consists of a business plan and an incubation offer, totalling approximately 40 pages.

Program topics

New startups are accepted into the program twice a year – in spring and autumn. In addition to the focus topics, participants can request support from mentors as needed. The program director can always suggest the right mentor or community contact to address specific questions.

Program focus topics:

• Sales and intellectual property
• Management training and soft skills
• Finances and preparation for sTARTUp Day
• Marketing training and the sTARTUp Day festival

Find more information on the ESA BIC website!

The ESA BIC Estonia consortium consists of eight partners: Tartu Science Park, Tehnopol Science and Business Park, Tartu City, Tallinn City, University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, Tartu Observatory, and Kredex.