The ESA Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom (ESA BIC UK) is a nationwide programme launched in 2011 that equips start-ups and small companies to help accelerate business growth.

Run on behalf of ESA, the programme is managed and co-funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), one of the largest multidisciplinary research organisations in the world, and is located at three sites across the UK at Sci-Tech Daresbury, Harwell Campus and the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.

Start-ups utilising space technology in any way at all can take part – from robots that weigh chickens using GPS, to insect proteins grown using life support technology from space stations.

Each year, the ESA BIC UK accepts start-up companies on a one–to–two year programme from a multitude of sectors including agriculture, digital technology, energy and healthcare.

Key benefits include:

• World-leading science and innovation campuses
• Unique ESA and STFC technical support and expertise
• Business development support and advice
• Access to strategic partnership and networking opportunities
• Office space and shared facilities
• £41,500 incentive funding

Being part of the ESA BIC UK was an important step in giving credibility to our concept, which at first seemed extremely technically challenging. From there, we have gone on to gradually build support and raise significant funding.”
Rob Spurrett, Co-founder, Lacuna Space
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The facilitation of our product development was the key benefit of our time as an incubatee at ESA BIC UK, but we also found that being in such a creative environment and having access to the business and industry expertise really helped us.”
Ian Dee, CEO, Energeo
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The ESA BIC UK has been very beneficial as we have learnt so much about space having come from outside the sector. The STFC team are very prompt in providing information, always helping us with any questions we have and ensuring that we network with the right people.”
Sushma Shankar, Co-founder, Deep Planet
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Who is it for?

We are looking for start-up companies with innovative ideas for

• Downstream applications of space technology or satellite applications in a non-space environment
• The development of upstream technologies for use in space

Unsure if your start-up qualifies? Get in touch and we’ll gladly advise.

How does it work?

• Application form & business plan submission
• Application review
• Tender Evaluation Board
• Invitation to join ESA BIC UK

How do I find out more and apply?

For more information visit www.esa-bic.org.uk
Contact: Rose May: rose.may@stfc.ac.uk