European Space Incubator is a European Space Agency initiative which aims to stimulate and promote new ventures with innovative ideas of how to use space technology and systems in non-space markets. The European Space Incubator (ESI) was developed by ESA's Technology Transfer Programme (TTP). It started in 2003.

Who can Apply?

ESI incubation offers are targeted to start-up business projects involving a qualifying field of activity and currently in early-stage development (which ranges from the first idea concept through start-up incorporation to the second-stage raising of capital).

Only proposed start-up business ideas which incorporate the following criteria will be considered by ESI for potential incubation:

 * It must be based on a transfer of space technology to, or utilisation of a space system in, a non-space environment.

 * There must be a real intention to create a new business and it must be a valid business concept (ie. existing identifiable market, technical feasibility, reasonable expectation of profit, etc).

 * It must not create new competition to existing space companies in space markets.

 * It must be deontological, non-military, comply with ethical guidelines and must adhere to the ESI Code of Conduct and all ESA policies.

Such start-up projects could be initiated by research centres or universities, space or non-space companies, or individual entrepreneurs.

European Space Incubator Selection Process

Before becoming eligible for incubation within the European Space Incubator (either physically or virtually via co-incubation with an ESINET partner) applicants must pass through each of the following steps of the ESI selection procedure, in sequential order:

1. Submission of business idea to ESI.
2. Assessment of business concept by Evaluation Board.
3. Invitation to present formal business proposal to ESI Selection Committee
4. ESA/ESI incubation offer extended to and accepted by successful' applicants for physical incubation at the ESI facility or at one of the other Incubator facilities within ESINET
5. Entry into the Incubator

The following ESA resources can be made available to ESI Incubatees, both physical (including Co-Incubatees) or virtual, with subsidy support schemes possible, depending on their specific needs:

1. Office Space and Shared Facilities

A private office rental within the ESI building on ESTEC premises is offered to physical Incubatees for the full duration of the incubation period at a low rental rate.

2. Seed-Funding

Access to funding can be facilitated by both internal and external sources. Contributions to pre-seed funding for start-up initiatives may be possible through ESA supporting programmes if applicable such as: Technology Transfer & Promotion Office (TTP), Open Call for Commercial Proposals for ISS, Telecom SMEs and Start-up Project Initiative and others.

3. Business Support

ESI offers tailor-made services, effective training, and professional advice to its entrepreneurs and assist to optimise the Incubatee's business plan and prepare presentations for targeting investors or for equity capital symposiums.

4. Space Technologies

ESI can help prospective Incubatees, even during the submission phase of their business idea, to search for a space-based solution for their down-to-earth product or service idea.

5. Laboratories and Technical Workshops

ESTEC is responsible for the management of all ESA space projects of the following directorates:

- Directorate of Applications (executes ESA¡'s Earth Observation, Telecom and Navigation programmes)
- Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity (co-ordinates European contributions to the International Space Station, including the Columbus Laboratory, the Automated Transfer Vehicle and the European Robotic Arm)
- Directorate of Space Science (responsible for ESA's Science Satellites and research in the exploration of the solar system, astronomy and fundamental physics).

6. Test Center

ESTEC Test Facilities provide a wide array of highly-specialised facilities for testing vehicles and systems prior to launch and space operation.

7. Concurrent Design Facility

The Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) is a state-of-the-art facility at ESTEC equipped with a network  of computers, multi-media devices and software tools, which allows a team of multi-disciplinary experts to apply the concurrent engineering method to space mission design. It facilitates a fast and effective interaction of all disciplines involved, ensuring consistent, high-quality results.

European Space Incubator links:

• ESI: European Space Incubator website

• Technology Transfer & Promotion Office (TTP)

• Open Call for Commercial Proposals for ISS

• ESI Start-Ups:

• Incubating European Industry:

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Updated: Saturday 28th, September, 2010