We support creative start-up entrepreneurs to develop technology for space. Or to use space technology for smart applications on Earth. Start-ups with a strong idea can get off to a flying start at the ESA Business Incubation Centre, or ESA BIC for short.

ESA BIC began in 2004 as an experiment on the grounds of ESTEC in Noordwijk. ESA and the government of the Netherlands wanted to stimulate knowledge transfer from space and invited start-up entrepreneurs to come forward with good ideas. Since then, ESA BIC has grown into a hub for entrepreneurs in space, with locations in several ESA Member States.

“ESA BIC gave us a certain credibility with customers. If you complete ESA BIC successfully, it is a mark of quality.”

– Thomas Parry, Spherical

The ESA BIC programme is open to start-ups working with space technology for use in space or on Earth. Participants gain access to ESA’s technical expertise, but attention is also given to other aspects of a young company, such as governance, marketing and finance.