The first edition of the Benelux Space Startup Competition took place on 1 and 2 May 2025 at the Rotterdam Science Tower, organised by the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). Over two days, more than ten teams of students and young professionals developed business ideas addressing real-world challenges in the space sector.
The competition provided a valuable launchpad for early-stage entrepreneurs. Participants received tailored mentoring, joined preparatory webinars, and pitched their solutions to industry experts. Several teams are now continuing to grow their ventures with support from SBIC Noordwijk’s Ignition Programme, alongside coaching sessions, technical advice, and career support provided by competition partners.
The success of the Benelux SSC was made possible by the incredible support of the sponsors and partners: Technoport SA, One Space Hub, NSO – Netherlands Space Office, Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk, Redwire Space Europe, HE Space Operations, LuxSpace, G-nous, European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC), ALITECH Consulting, Exolaunch, Italian Institute for the Future, ClearSpace, Parsec Scale, and Airbus Defence and Space. Their contributions extended far beyond funding, offering mentorship, feedback, and prizes to help participating teams move forward.
Prizes included coaching sessions with C-level executives, one-to-one career advice, technical and commercial consulting, and entry into SBIC Noordwijk’s pre-incubation programme. Several of the winning teams are now further developing their business ideas with this continued support.
A second edition of the Benelux SSC is already in preparation. Building on the strong foundation of this first edition, it will continue to connect aspiring space entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to grow.
This event was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of the SGAC organising team. All volunteers contributed their time over the past eight months to coordinate partners, develop the programme, secure the venue and prizes, and support participants. A special thanks to Francesco Ventre, Alice Pellegrino, Ian van den Broek, and the wider team of leads and volunteers who made the event such a success.
SGAC will continue to create opportunities for the next generation of space professionals. To learn more or get involved, visit spacegeneration.org.
For more updates on space entrepreneurship in the Netherlands, visit www.nlspacecampus.eu