ESA BIC Incubation Programme

The ESA BIC Incubation Programme, offered by Space Ventures Denmark, is a two-year incubation program designed for early-stage startups up to five years old that are working with space-connected technologies. This includes startups bringing space solutions to Earth or taking terrestrial technology into orbit. Eligible startups must be headquartered in Denmark, be at least 51% self-owned, and registered with CVR, though entrepreneurs intending to set up a business can also apply. The program offers €80,000 in equity-free funding to support product or business development. Participants receive expert guidance, ongoing coaching, technical advice from ESA and national partners, and access to a strong commercial and technical network. The program provides a structured path to help startups grow from an early concept into a market-ready company, including business development, tailored coaching, technical support, a Space Academy for founders, matchmaking with investors, and access to local and international communities. Office facilities may also be arranged at partner universities. The incentive money can be used for R&D costs, IP protection, third-party consultancy, market research, and salaries for non-shareholder employees. The program focuses on supporting, leveraging, or exploiting space systems or technology in non-space domains, such as downstream applications (Earth Observation, Satellite Navigation, Satellite Communications), upstream/NewSpace developments, or technology transfer from space. The space-related solution must be crucial to the business and exhibit a high level of innovation.

The application process requires a mandatory first step of booking a short meeting to assess eligibility. Applicants then need to check compliance with ESA Application Requirements and download the ESA BIC application document package. The application is completed and submitted directly through an online platform, which usually opens 1-2 months before the deadline, with the 'ESA BIC DK Submission Form' needing to be filled out separately and uploaded.