Turn your space idea into a thriving business.
ESA BIC Sweden supports ambitious startups using space technology, space data or space-enabled solutions to build scalable businesses.
Three steps to apply.
ESA BIC Sweden has a Permanent Open Call, which means you can apply at any time. Applications are evaluated at selected decision dates during the year.
Read the Open Call
Review the requirements and make sure ESA BIC Sweden is the right programme for your company and business idea.
Prepare your application
Complete the required application documents, including your Cover Letter, Business Plan and Incubation Proposal.
Submit
Send your complete Business Application Proposal to ESA BIC Sweden.
application@esa-bic.seEverything you need to apply.
Start with the Open Call, then download and complete the three application templates. Supporting documents are available below.
ESA BIC Sweden Open Call
Read the complete requirements before preparing your application.
Cover Letter Template
Application cover letter and requirements checklist.
Business Plan Template
Template for presenting your company, market and business case.
Incubation Proposal
Plan your milestones, activities, support needs and incubation period.
Tables & Figures
Supporting tables and figures for your application.
Innovation Readiness Level
Reference document for assessing the maturity and readiness of your innovation.
Space Connection Assessment
Assess and describe the space connection of your business idea.
Your local incubation agreement.
ESA BIC Sweden is operated through four incubation centres across Sweden. Review the draft agreement for the centre relevant to your application.
Useful resources for space startups.
Explore ESA and EUSPA resources for intellectual property, Earth observation data, technology, software, learning and opportunities across the European space ecosystem.
ESA IP for commercialisation
Explore ESA intellectual property and technologies available for commercial applications.
Explore resource ↗Where and how to access EO data
A practical guide to finding and accessing Earth observation data and services.
Open guide ↗Earth Observation guide for newcomers
An introduction to Earth observation imagery, applications, data access and available satellite systems.
Explore guide ↗ESA Earth Observation Database
Search available ESA Earth observation datasets and resources.
Search database ↗EO industry and service providers
Explore companies and organisations working with Earth observation data, products and services.
Explore providers ↗ESA Nebula
Explore ESA's library of space-related hardware, software and technology resources.
Explore Nebula ↗ESA Open Source Software Repository
Discover open-source software developed and published across ESA.
Browse software ↗CASSINI Initiative
Discover European space entrepreneurship programmes, accelerators, hackathons and investment opportunities.
Explore CASSINI ↗EU Space Academy
Access online learning, workshops and resources for entrepreneurs working with EU space technologies.
Visit Space Academy ↗A step-by-step guide to take your business off the ground.
Why should I join?
Be part of the space startup community.
Join a growing community of space-related startups and entrepreneurs connected to ESA BIC Sweden and the wider European ESA BIC network.
€50,000 in incentive funding.
Receive up to €50,000 in incentive funding from ESA and Vinnova to support the development of your business and technology.
Support to build, validate and grow your business.
As an ESA BIC Sweden incubatee, you get access to business development, technical expertise, funding opportunities and an international space startup network for up to 24 months.
Up to 24 months of incubation.
Be accepted to one of the four Swedish ESA BIC incubators and receive business development support, advice and access to an effective working environment.
- Business coaching and advice
- Support to develop your company and business model
- Access to funding opportunities
- Support to secure venture capital, loans and grants
Up to 80 hours of technical support.
Get access to technical partners and expertise that can help you develop, validate and strengthen your technology.
- Up to 80 hours through technical partners
- Business and technical advice
- Access to experts and specialist knowledge
- Access to ESA IP for commercialisation
Become part of the European ESA BIC community.
Connect with other space startups, experts, suppliers, investors and opportunities across Sweden and Europe.
- International ESA BIC community
- Access to international ESA events
- Preferred access to experts and suppliers
- Connections to investment capital
- Network with space startups across Europe
Turn space technology into new business opportunities.
Develop an innovative idea based on space technology, apply space technology in terrestrial markets or bring new innovations into the space sector.
Is ESA BIC Sweden right for your startup?
ESA BIC Sweden is open to entrepreneurs and young companies with an innovative business idea that has a clear connection to space.
A young company or entrepreneur
Your company should generally be no more than five years old. You may also apply as an individual and establish the company if your application is accepted.
Eligible within the ESA framework
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements stated in the ESA BIC Sweden Open Call, including the requirements related to ESA Member States.
A clear space connection
Your business idea must use space technology, space data or space-enabled solutions, or develop technology and services intended for use in the space sector.
Always check the Open Call before applying.
The Open Call contains the complete and current eligibility requirements for ESA BIC Sweden.
Read the Open Call ↗For the applicant to ESA BIC Sweden.
You will be able to develop a new start-up, with high potential to be successful and create wealth, based on your terrestrial technology to target Space applications.
You want to be an excellent entrepreneur in the space industry.
Satellite navigation
mobile services
Earth Monitoring
Transportation
(road, sea, air)
Robotics /
Mechatronics
Materials
Energy
Agriculture
Satellite
Communication
Your business idea needs a valid space connection.
To be accepted for incubation in an ESA BIC, the applicant must present a business idea with a valid space connection. Below is a guideline that will help you and all parties to assess the space connection of your business idea.
Please contact ESA BIC Sweden to discuss the space connection in advance of submitting your application.
Applications for the ESA BIC Sweden are typically considered with the following types of space connections.
Utilising space systems or exploiting space technology in a non-space domain.
- Satellite Navigation
- Earth Observation
- Satellite Communication
- Hardware
- Software or Firmware
- Knowledge, processes
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Exploiting new technology in the space domain or supplying the space sector.
Your idea is about exploiting new technology in the space domain, or you intend to be active as a supplier to the space sector, in one of the following areas, including systems, sub-systems, components and services.
- Launchers
- Satellites
- Ground systems
- Human spaceflight
Contact us for clarification and guidance.
If the space connection of your business idea is in one of the above areas, please continue the initial assessment. Otherwise please contact ESA BIC Sweden for clarification and guidance.
If in doubt, please contact ESA BIC Sweden to understand whether a Letter of Interest is advisable.
Note that such a letter is always useful and that it is never too early to engage potential customers.
Find your ESA BIC Sweden contact →Talk to the ESA BIC Sweden team.
Not sure about your eligibility, space connection or application? Get in touch with the ESA BIC Sweden team before you apply.
Find your contact →