APPLY NOW

01 IDENTIFY YOUR SPACE CONNECTION

Please identity your own space connection out of the following three types: 1) An upstream space connection; 2) A downstream space connection; or 3) A technology transfer. For more detailed information about the three types, download and read the document below.

Upstream

Your idea exploits or introduces 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 spaceflights

Downstream

Your idea is about utilising space systems or exploiting space technology in a non-space domain (e.g. on Earth) in one of the following areas:

• Satellite Navigation
• Earth Observation
• Satellite Communication

Technology transfer

Visit ESA Space Solutions and ESA IP for commercialization websites and search for technology you can use. Access to EO data here. Examples include:

• Hardware
• Software or Firmware
• Knowledge, processes
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

02 APPLY SIMULTANEOUSLY FOR FUNDING DECISION TO BUSINESS FINLAND

Business Finland has online application process for Finnish ESA BIC companies. 

Instructions are as follows:

Submit the funding application to Business Finland via it’s online service Online   services – Business Finland. Funding service’s name is ”Accelerators and preparations for international projects”. On the page “Basic information for application” is a list of ”Programmes and other connections”, from which select  ”ESA BIC”.

If you’ve confirmed your space connection by checking our criteria in step one (01), you can now move onto step two (02): Apply for funding decision to Business Finland.

Business Finland is our co-funding partner. The typical (maximum) funding available to ESA BIC Finland companies during incubation is 90.000 EUR consisting of:

– 60.000 EUR from Business Finland (if the company applies and receives positive decision for their funding application)
– 30.000 EUR from ESA BIC Finland via European Space Agency Scale-up program

If Business Finland’s funding is utilized the company must follow Business Finland’s funding terms and conditions related to the funding instrument used.

ESA BIC Finland funding (30.000 EUR) must be used according to incubation contract.

ESA BIC Finland can’t incubate a startup if co-funding is not granted. It does not necessarily need to be from Business Finland, but usually is. 

Please note that you will not receive a funding decision from Business Finland until later in the process, so please do not wait for their decision at this stage. It is still important to submit your application to both Business Finland and ESA BIC Finland before the open call closes.

03 FILL IN THE APPLICATION WITH ESA BIC FINLAND

Please carefully download and review all ESA BIC Finland application documents below as part of step three (03).

Mandatory documents to submit the application are:

• Cover Letter and Requirement Checklist
• Business Plan
• Incubation Proposal
• The applicant(s) shall provide a copy of an official identity document (passport or similar) with this application for each person signing the application. If applicable, a copy of relevant working permits and VISAs shall also be provided.
  
  The latest Application Templates can be downloaded by applying. Go to the end of this page to download.

Submit your application documents to esabicfinland@aalto.fi

If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us.

ESA BIC Finland selections panel takes place approximately one month after each ESA BIC Finland application deadline.

You will receive more information and instructions on how to apply by downloading the application documents.