ESA BIC Denmark: Space technology means great business potential for companies and startups on Earth

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While many may associate it with astronauts and NASA, space technology is not just reserved for space. 

Many technologies developed for the space sector have so much potential that they represent new opportunities for companies and startups on Earth. This is according to the incubatorAn incubator is a supportive environment that helps early-stage startups by offering resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a physical workspace. More ESA BIC Denmark, that since 2020 has worked to support space startups and strengthen the commercial space sector. 

“The space sector has developed a lot of platform technology: technologies that can be used in many other functions than those originally intended,” begins Poul Zimmermann Nielsen, co-founder and Space Commercialisation Manager at ESA BIC Denmark.

Twice a year, the incubator admits promising startups to a 1-2 year incubation programme where they receive support in the form of technical skills, business development and funding, plus access to a massive industry and innovation network across Europe.

“Especially within drone, satellite and navigation technology, there is a huge potential for many startups and Danish companies to find new applications in all other industries. We want to do our part to help young companies realise this potential,” explains Poul Zimmermann Nielsen.

• In 2004, the first European Space Agency Business Incubation Center was opened in Noordwijk in the Netherlands. Today, the organisation counts a large network of space incubators with 29 centres in 21 countries and hubs in more than 60 different cities.

• The ESA BIC Denmark programme’s first period runs from 2020-24, where a total of approximately DKK 30 million has been allocated to help 40 startups through the incubation programme, with €50,000 each in non-equity funding.

• The next application deadline is December 11th 23:59 for their incubation programme. Learn more at www.esabic.dk

But it is not only startups who benefit. With the Nordic Launch initiative, ESA BIC Denmark also runs a programme for budding space entrepreneurs who have not yet reached the company stage, and the centre also helps existing companies to make better use of space opportunities.

“Through our hubs, we invite in students and graduates with great ideas. We do this to help them get started, set a sensible direction and make a plan for how they can use space and satellite technologies in new ways. Because there is no doubt in our minds that this area has a great future,” says Poul Zimmermann Nielsen.

Today, ESA BIC Denmark has helped more than 50 companies and 35 startups capitalise commercially on the space sector. And the incubator hopes to get even more startups involved in the future. 

You can meet ESA BIC Denmark at the Digital Tech Summit including three of their portfolio startups to learn more about the possibilities in using space technology and satellite data.