Espoo, Finland — ESA BIC Finland, coordinated by Aalto University’s Startup Center, boosts Finland’s space innovation landscape by welcoming four new high-potential startups to its program in June 2025. The European Space Agency-backed incubator supports startups that turn space technology and data into business breakthroughs.
ESA BIC Finland, an integral part of ESA’s incubation network, hosts biannual application rounds to attract startups with unique space-related business propositions. Eligible startups must be based in Finland, less than five years old, and demonstrate a connection to the space industry—whether through satellite data applications, positioning, timing, and navigating, or materials designed for extreme environments. Aalto Startup Center at Aalto University spearheads the program with support from the University of Vaasa and city collaborations across Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, and Turku.
“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to apply for ESA BIC. Many startups already use space-related data or have applications in space domain.” remarks Kaisa Ahonen, Manager at ESA BIC Finland. “I encourage everyone to contact our team and find out your space potential.”
Startups that successfully pass the selection process gain access to comprehensive resources, including business coaching in areas such as financing, communication, marketing, and team building. Additionally, they benefit from the technical expertise provided by partner companies. Integration into the international networks of Aalto Startup Center, ESA BIC, and Finnish partners introduces them to pivotal connections and insights. Financial backing up to EUR 90,000 is jointly offered by ESA and Business Finland, amplifying the growth potential during the project.
The recent cohort of startups joining ESA BIC Finland in June 2025:
- MoniCardi provides pioneering solutions for cardiovascular health monitoring.
- SemiQon delivers cryogenic CMOS chips for next-generation critical technologies.
- Nordic Nano provides high-performance nanomaterials optimised for extreme conditions in space.
- Aavuus is solving the global space debris challenge by creating a novel approach for space debris detection and tracking.
These innovative startups join a prestigious alumni network alongside previous participants like Solar Foods, Kuva Space, Aurora Propulsion Technologies, Elfys, and WinsePower. These companies’ path has taken them to several ESA commercial projects, CASSINI and NATO Diana accelerators and even the Helsinki Stock Exchange.
“Joining ESA BIC is a perfect fit for us. This collaboration allows us to leverage ESA’s cutting-edge signal processing expertise—together with our partners—to further advance our biosignal analytics for both every day and extreme environments,” says Esa Räsänen, CEO of MoniCardi.
“ESA BIC Finland is the ideal environment to gain expertise in the space industry and to expand our network within the Finnish space ecosystem. Through the ESA BIC program, we aim to extend our business operations into the space sector”, comments Business Development Director Yukihisa Tsuruta, SemiQon Technologies.
ESA BIC Finland is now accepting applications for its upcoming call until September 14, 2025.
To learn more or apply, join our info webinar on August 19th , visit esabic.fi or contact the ESA BIC Finland team at esabicfinland@aalto.fi
About ESA BIC Finland
ESA BIC Finland, (European Space Agency- Business Incubator Center Finland), coordinated by the Aalto Startup Center, is a business incubator that propels space-related entrepreneurial ventures through strategic support, networking, and funding.
Media Contact:
ESA BIC Finland
Kaisa Ahonen
+358 50 3503573
https://esabic.fi
This press release is intended for informational purposes only and reflects the current operations and offerings of the ESA BIC Finland program.