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Apply to ESA BIC Finland and spin your business to new heights!

Eligibility criteria

First, it’s important that you meet both the following criteria to be eligible to apply for ESA BIC Finland:

  • Your startup is less than 5 years old
  • Your startup is or will be a registered business in Finland
  • You have the space connection

Three steps to apply to ESA BIC Finland

If you are eligible to apply, please read and follow the below steps (01,02,03), to apply to ESA BIC Finland. We strongly suggest that you contact our team to ensure a smooth application process!

01

IDENTIFY YOUR SPACE CONNECTION

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. Examples include:

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

Still unsure about your space connection?

Please download the full documentation to learn more.

Download
02

APPLY TO BUSINESS FINLAND

02 APPLY SIMULTANEOUSLY FOR FUNDING DECISION TO BUSINESS FINLAND

Business Finland has online application process for Finnish ESA BIC companies. The application to Business Finland must be done before call cutoff date, do not wait for ESA BIC approval.

Instructions are as follows:

Submit the funding application to Business Finland via it’s online service Online   services – Business Finland. The 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”.

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

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

ESA BIC Finland can’t incubate a startup if co-funding is not granted.

Please note that you will not receive a funding decision from Business Finland until later in the process, so 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

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). Read the ESA BIC Finland Open call first.

Mandatory documents to submit the application are:

  • Cover Letter and Requirement Checklist -Please make sure you fill and mark all of the list.
  • 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.

Kaisa Ahonen
Project Manager ESA BIC Finland
Aalto University, Aalto Startup Center
kaisa.ahonen@aalto.fi
(+358) 50 350 3573

ESA BIC Finland, Vaasa Site
Riccardo Notarangelo
(+358) 29 449 8693 
riccardo.notarangelo@uwasa.fi

ESA BIC Finland, Tampere Site
Tero Kyckling
(+358) 40 5524 355
tero.kyckling@businesstampere.com

ESA BIC Finland, Turku Site
Tapani Talvitie
(+358) 50 518 8466
tapani.talvitie@businessturku.fi

Natalie Gaudet
Project Coordinator ESA BIC Finland
Aalto University, Aalto Startup Center
natalie.gaudet@aalto.fi
(+358) 505 999 442

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.

The new application documents are now available!

The application files will be sent directly to your email inbox.

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Are you a non-EU team?

You can apply for a Finnish startup visa.

Read more

Faq

How long does the program last?

A typical incubation period last one year but may go up to 24 months. This depends on your incubation plan.

Where can I find my connection to space?

In our everyday life, the use of space technologies has become so commonplace that we barely notice their presence: satellite TV, cordless tools, smoke detectors and many more. Several national space agencies as well as ESA develop and support the development of many technologies, systems, data sets, methods, patents, etc. Like the examples mentioned before, all these assets contain enormous “reuse” potential, which is accessible to you, as an entrepreneur, researcher, student or company. Space is the starting point for generating your business idea or providing the innovative edge your company is searching for! See the links below for some inspiration:

Can we apply if we are not a company yet (we do not have a Finnish Trade Registry number, in Finnish: Y-tunnus)?

Yes, you can send us an application even prior to incorporation. However, Business Finland cannot make a funding decision before you have incorporated your company. 

In such cases, the applications to ESA BIC Finland are conditional and depending on actual incorporation and a positive funding decision from Business Finland. 

*More information in Business Finland website.

Does ESA take any equity in my company? What strings are attached to the financial support?

No. We do not take any equity in your company. But we will request some reporting from you.

What happens after I submit my application?

After the open call, the Tender Opening Board will prescreen your application. If you pass the prescreening phase, you will be invited to pitch to the Tender Evaluation Board. TEB will make the final funding decisions, with input from both ESA and Business Finland.