ESA Space Solutions is the part of ESA that supports European start-ups and SMEs to develop commercial solutions across society using space technologies and data. In this new series, we’re going to introduce you to the great teams across our network and share their highlights and advice. But first, here’s an overview of the support we offer entrepreneurs across the 22 ESA Member States.
“We aim that services and products based on European space assets will delight people so much that they become willing customers for successful businesses. Our aspiration is that ESA, through ESA Space Solutions and with our partners in Europe and worldwide, can help this dream to become a reality,” shares Nick Appleyard, Head of ESA Space Solutions.
“Our partners and team help to make ventures fly by adding financial, technical and business support as we all need more Space!” highlights Frank M. Salzgeber, Head of ESA’s Innovation and Ventures Office.
Our vision is to improve life on Earth through solutions powered by space. Some of the best ideas for doing this come from individuals and small companies, but it isn’t easy to convert innovative ideas into commercially successful businesses. So, our network across Europe offers entrepreneurs all sorts of assistance, including incubation and funding. You don’t need to travel far or learn a new language to get our support. This is ‘ESA Near Me’.
What we do
Our mission is to support entrepreneurs in Europe to develop businesses using satellite applications and space technologies to improve everyday life. We provide guidance. We help to de-risk new businesses so they can attract investment and we generate opportunities to apply space technology in new sectors or markets.
Frank M. Salzgeber, Head of ESA’s Innovation and Ventures Office, explains: “We’re passionate about innovation and leveraging space technology and data. Our partners and team help to make ventures fly by adding financial, technical and business support as we all need more space!”
Funding, business and technical support
In our network, we have 22 ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) in over 60 locations that help entrepreneurs turn space-connected ideas into commercial companies through a 2-year incubation programme. Over 1000 start-ups have already benefitted from ESA business incubation, 378+ technology transfers and over 700 million Euro invested in 2000+ businesses invested in 2000+ businesses, also with the support provided by ESA Technology Broker Network and ESA Business Applications Ambassadors.
We also provide zero equity funding, ranging from €50,000 to €2 million, to support space technology transfer, business incubation, Feasibility Studies and large-scale Demonstration Projects. In addition, our ESA Investment Forum offers members of the community of ESA Space Solutions a way to talk directly with experienced investors.
When you interact with any part of ESA Space Solutions, you get access to the largest space innovation network in the world. All of our network is seamlessly connected, with local partners ready to help you. If you want to know more about how we can help turn your ideas into commercial reality take a look at our partners pages and visit us here.