2025-09-02
- "By space-related startups we mean companies that either use space technology, such as satellite data, to solve societal challenges here on earth, or companies that develop products and services that create benefits in space," says John-Erik Hassel, business coach and head of ESA BIC at Innovatum Science Park.
Through ESA BIC, start-ups receive, among other things, SEK 500,000 in development grants, expert help from ESA experts, access to contacts and networks, and business development support from the incubator to which they geographically belong. The incubators running the program are Arctic Business in the north, Uppsala Innovation Centre in central Sweden, Innovatum Science Park in the west and Ideon Science Park in the south.
In total, more than 60 start-ups have gone through the program since its inception 10 years ago. The business ideas span a range of industry sectors - from technological solutions for smarter agriculture and self-driving boats to 3D metal printers for space.
For startups in 3D printing, Trollhättan is an important node.
- Trollhättan is a hub for both space technology and advanced 3D printing, with GKN Aerospace as a global leader. We at Innovatum Science Park are involved in running the Production Technology Center, which opens the doors to a world-leading ecosystem in metal 3D printing, and creates great opportunities for startups.
Now John-Erik hopes that more entrepreneurs will take the chance and apply to ESA BIC in the fall.
- The application closes on October 6, but if you are interested, we encourage you to get in touch now. ESA BIC is also offering a webinar on September 19 for anyone who is curious, where we will delve into how the application process works and answer questions. We will also have an entrepreneur with us who has previously attended the program and who will share his experiences," concludes John-Erik.
