5 October 2026, 23:59
Entrepreneurs and startups based in the Netherlands can apply for the next selection round of ESA BIC Noordwijk, the European Space Agency’s business incubation programme for companies using space technology or data, or developing products and services for the space sector.
Selected startups can receive up to €60,000 in non-equity funding for product development and IPR, up to 80 hours of technical support from ESA and/or partners, as well as business development support and access to the ESA Commercialisation Gateway community.
Who can apply?
ESA BIC Noordwijk is open to entrepreneurs with a valid space connection, including:
- startups using space technology, data or services for applications on Earth
- companies developing products or services for the space sector
- startups that are no more than five years old, or companies that still need to be incorporated
- applicants based in the Netherlands who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements
For upstream applications, approval from the Netherlands Space Agency (NLSA) is required before submitting.
Preparing your application
Applicants are advised to start preparing well before the deadline. Before applying, you should:
- assess the space connection of your business idea
- contact the ESA BIC Noordwijk team for an introductory meeting
- review the Permanent Open Call documentation
- join one of the optional information sessions for application guidance
- complete the required Business Application Proposal documents
Applicants who would like their documents to receive a pre-check can submit them by the end of 28 September 2026.
Application deadline
Deadline: 5 October 2026
Time: 23:59
Submission: application@esa-bic.nl
Applications submitted by the deadline will first be checked against the formal requirements. Eligible applicants will then be invited to present their business plan to the Tender Evaluation Board, usually around three weeks after the deadline.
More information
Read the application instructions and download the Permanent Open Call materials via the ESA BIC Noordwijk website.
Participation in the information sessions and other pre-incubation activities is optional, but applicants are encouraged to contact the programme team early in the process.