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ESA BIC Estonia

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Turn space technology into a thriving business. Join Estonia's leading deep-tech incubator backed by the European Space Agency.

What you get

Programme Benefits

€

€60K BIC Funding

Direct ESA BIC grant to fuel your early-stage development, prototyping and market entry.

🛰

ESA Network Access

Direct connection to the European Space Agency's global network of experts, labs, and institutional partners.

📅

Up to 2-Year Incubation

A structured programme in Tartu or Tallinn with dedicated workspace, coaching and milestones.

Who can apply

Eligibility Criteria

  • Your startup uses space technology, satellite data or ESA-derived solutions
  • Incorporated or ready to incorporate in Estonia
  • Pre-seed to early-stage — idea through to first product
  • Team of at least 2 committed founders
  • Committed to an active 2-year incubation programme
  • Working in one of the ESA priority technology domains

Programme at a Glance

  • BIC Funding €60,000
  • Business Dev Loan Up to €50,000
  • Duration 1–2 Years
  • Locations Tartu & Tallinn
  • Equity taken None
  • Applications Rolling / Annual

How it works

Application Process

  1. 1

    Download Documents

    Download and read the Permanent Open Call documents before filling in your application.

    Download Open Call Documents →
  2. 2

    Submit Your Application

    Complete and send your signed Business and Activity Proposal (BAP) to ESA BIC Estonia via Dealum. Your submission must include:

    • Cover Letter
    • Incubation Proposal
    • Business Plan
    • Appendixes
    Apply on Dealum →
  3. 3

    Selection Panel

    Shortlisted startups pitch to an independent panel of industry, ESA and investment experts.

  4. 4

    Onboarding

    Selected startups sign the incubation agreement and begin the programme with a dedicated business coach.

Common questions

FAQ

Does ESA BIC Estonia take equity?

No. We do not take equity in exchange for the programme or the BIC grant. You keep full ownership of your company.

My startup is not yet incorporated — can I apply?

Yes. You can apply before incorporation, but you must be able to register a company in Estonia within the first months of the programme.

Do I have to be based in Estonia?

Your company must be registered and operating in Estonia. Founders do not necessarily need to be Estonian citizens.

How is the €60K BIC funding structured?

The BIC grant is disbursed in tranches tied to milestones agreed with your business coach. It can cover R&D, prototyping, market validation and business development costs.

When are applications open?

We review applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, with formal intake rounds typically in spring and autumn. Check our news page for the latest deadlines.

Ready to launch?

Apply to ESA BIC Estonia

Join 39+ deep-tech startups using space technology to build real businesses. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Start Your Application

Questions?

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