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THE INCUBATOR AND ITS SERVICES
The ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) form Europe’s largest network of incubators dedicated to supporting space-related startups. Their primary goal is to help entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas with a space connection into viable and scalable businesses, supporting them from early concept development through product validation, market entry and commercial growth.
ESA BICs play a key role in strengthening Europe’s space ecosystem by fostering entrepreneurship, accelerating technology transfer and helping build dynamic space clusters across the continent. Each ESA BIC is managed by a local organisation that connects startups with industry, universities, research institutes, public authorities, investors and other key stakeholders, combining strong links to local and national innovation ecosystems with access to the wider European ESA BIC network.
The network supports startups developing applications based on space systems and data, including Earth Observation, satellite navigation and satellite communications; companies transferring space technologies to non-space markets; and ventures creating innovative technologies, products and services for the space sector itself. This Europe-wide network also provides valuable opportunities for startups to identify customers, partners, investors and new business opportunities across borders. Collectively, ESA BICs support more than 200 new startups every year.
To date, the network has supported over 2,000 companies, creating a rapidly growing community of alumni contributing to Europe’s competitiveness in the global space economy and attracting substantial private investment. In this way, ESA BICs help turn space innovation into companies, jobs, investment and economic growth, building the future of Europe’s space economy one startup at a time.
The establishment of ESA BIC Greece, a joint initiative of the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and the European Space Agency (ESA), represents a strategic step in strengthening Greece’s space sector and developing a competitive national space economy.
The primary objective of ESA BIC Greece is to support the creation and growth of space-related startups in Greece by helping entrepreneurs develop their technologies, products, services and business models, and by guiding them from early-stage development through market validation, commercialisation and sustainable growth.
Since its launch, ESA BIC Greece has selected and supported 32 high-potential startups, providing incubation services in line with ESA’s common framework and connecting them with technical expertise, business support, investors, customers and the wider European space ecosystem.
Beyond the incubation of individual companies, ESA BIC Greece plays an important role in strengthening Greece’s space cluster and the broader national innovation ecosystem. It promotes the development and uptake of space-based applications, facilitates technology transfer between the space and non-space sectors, supports the creation of university and research spin-offs, strengthens links between research and industry, attracts investment, and contributes to the creation of highly skilled jobs and economic growth.
ESA BIC Greece therefore acts as a catalyst for building a vibrant, internationally connected and sustainable space entrepreneurship ecosystem in Greece, contributing both to national strategic priorities and to Europe’s broader ambitions in space innovation, commercialisation and competitiveness.
ESA BIC Greece is operated by Corallia, a Unit of the Athena Research Center, which is responsible for the overall management, coordination and development of the incubator’s activities across Greece.
Corallia leads the initiative in close cooperation with a broad network of more than 100 supporting organisations in Greece and across ESA Member States. This network includes ministries and public agencies, universities and research centres, large companies and SMEs, financial institutions and investors, industry associations, other ESA BICs, and non-profit organisations.
Through this extensive support network, ESA BIC Greece provides startups with access to specialised technical and business expertise, mentoring, funding opportunities, customers, partners and international networks. This collaborative model enables the incubator to connect participating companies not only with the Greek space and innovation ecosystem, but also with the wider European space economy and ESA commercialisation network.
ESA BIC Greece offers selected startups the flexibility to choose from a range of office and incubation locations across Greece, enabling them to establish and develop their activities in the environment that best suits their needs.
Following selection into the programme, the ESA BIC Greece team works with each startup to identify the most appropriate accommodation option and to define the relevant arrangements, including office type, size, available services and contractual terms. These arrangements are offered under favourable conditions and are tailored, where possible, to the specific needs and development stage of each company.
ESA BIC Greece provides selected startups with a comprehensive support package covering technical, business, legal, financial and networking needs throughout the incubation period. The package includes:
- a) support from one of the most experienced incubation teams in Greece, with a track record of having supported more than 600 startups;
- b) the right to use the ESA BIC brand during the incubation period, in accordance with ESA’s applicable visual-identity rules;
- c) €80,000 in non-equity incentive funding;
- d) case-by-case access to advanced infrastructure, equipment, technical resources, specialised expertise, hardware, software packages and licences, and data, with an indicative overall value of around €100,000;
- e) access to additional financial instruments and funding opportunities;
- f) at least 20 hours of technical support;
- g) at least 50 hours of business development and coaching support;
- h) at least 10 hours of IPR and legal advice;
- i) entrepreneurial training and capacity-building activities;
- j) access, on favourable terms, to office space and business facilities;
- k) access to ESA’s international commercialisation, investor and business networks;
- l) access to the extensive networks of Corallia, the si-Cluster, ESA BIC Greece supporting partners and the wider Greek and European space ecosystem; and
- m) opportunities to participate in ESA events, pitching sessions, workshops, networking activities and other international business-development initiatives.
Through this combination of funding, expert support, infrastructure and international connectivity, ESA BIC Greece helps startups accelerate technology development, strengthen their business model, access customers and investors, and prepare for successful market entry and growth.
ESA BIC Greece is supported by a broad network of partners at both European and national level, providing startups with access to expertise, infrastructure, business opportunities, investment networks and a wide range of preferential services.
The support ecosystem includes the ESA EPIC Partner Network, the ESA Investor Network, and the ESA BIC Greece Local Supporters.
The ESA EPIC Partners provide startups with access to a growing range of benefits and preferential services offered by leading international companies and organisations, including Airbus, Novaspace, ICEYE, OVHcloud, Planet and others. The network continues to expand, creating additional opportunities for ESA BIC startups across Europe.
The ESA Investor Network is designed to strengthen connections between space startups and investors with an interest in the space economy. It helps facilitate access to potential funding partners and increases the visibility of promising space ventures within the European investment community.
The ESA BIC Greece Local Supporters complement this European network by offering a wide variety of services tailored to the needs of incubated companies, including business coaching, technical support, mentoring, IPR and legal advice, access to infrastructure and expertise, networking opportunities, and other preferential benefits.
A complete and up-to-date list of ESA BIC Greece Support Partners and the benefits they provide is available in the “ASD3.ESA-BIC-Greece-Supporters-Catalogue”, included in the Permanent Open Call Package.
ESA BIC Greece has selected and supported a total of 32 startups since the programme was launched. The companies already accepted into ESA BIC Greece can be found here.
Under the new programme period 2026-2030, ESA BIC Greece plans to select and support 20 additional startups, further expanding Greece’s space entrepreneurship ecosystem and strengthening the pipeline of innovative companies entering the European space market.
Each startup is incubated for a period of 12 to 24 months. The proposed duration is defined by the applicant and finalised in consultation with the ESA BIC Greece team following selection, taking into account the company’s maturity, objectives and development needs.
Each incubatee follows a tailored incubation programme structured around clearly defined activities, milestones and deliverables. The programme is adapted to the specific strengths, gaps and priorities of the startup and may be organised through focused development sprints.
ESA BIC Greece supports each company in progressively strengthening its Technology, Business, Customer, Human Resources, Intellectual Property and Funding Readiness Levels. Progress is monitored against agreed milestones and measurable outcomes, using a structured approach inspired by the Real-Win-Worth framework to assess whether the opportunity is technically feasible, commercially attractive and strategically worthwhile.
This structured but flexible approach ensures that each startup receives support aligned with its own development path and is better prepared for market entry, investment and sustainable growth.
For further information about ESA BIC Greece, its services, application process and upcoming opportunities, please contact us at info@esa-bic.gr.
You can also visit www.esa-bic.gr and follow ESA BIC Greece on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest news, events, open calls and updates from our startup community.
APPLICATION AND EVALUATION
To be accepted for incubation at ESA BIC Greece, applicants must present a business idea with a clear and valid Space Connection. Space must be central to the proposed product, service or technology and provide a meaningful technological or commercial advantage. Eligible ideas generally fall into three main categories:
- a) Downstream applications, using space-based systems, services or data such as Earth Observation, satellite navigation and satellite communications;
- b) Upstream/New Space technologies, involving the development or application of innovative technologies, products, components, systems or services for the space sector; and
- c) Technology transfer from space, involving the transfer or adaptation of space-derived hardware, software, know-how, processes or Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to non-space markets.
In all cases, the proposed solution should demonstrate a clear need for space and a meaningful degree of innovation, rather than relying on a standard or purely incidental use of space technologies or data.
Further guidance on how the Space Connection is assessed is provided in the Permanent Open Call document included in the ESA BIC Greece Permanent Open Call Package. Examples of technologies and applications already supported by ESA BIC Greece can be found here.
Applications may be submitted by eligible legal entities established in Greece, as well as by natural persons intending to establish a company in Greece. In the case of an existing company, its first registration must have taken place no more than five years before submission of the application. If the application is submitted by natural persons, the corresponding company must be formally established and registered before the Incubation Contract can be signed.
Applicants must also comply with the applicable ownership and control requirements, qualify as an SME, have the appropriate nationality status according to the esa-star self-assessment by the time of contract signature, operate for their own account and risk, be able to communicate in English, and comply with the applicable State Aid requirements. The company must not provide consultancy as its main business activity.
In addition, the proposed product or service must have a valid Space Connection, meaning that space technology, space systems or the space market must be fundamental to the proposed solution or business model.
The complete list of requirements is provided in the ESA BIC General Application Requirements and the ESA BIC Greece Specific Application Requirements of the Application Form, included in the Permanent Open Call Package.
In case of doubt regarding eligibility or the Space Connection, applicants are encouraged to contact ESA BIC Greece at info@esa-bic.gr before submitting their application.
No. You may apply to ESA BIC Greece before establishing a company.
However, if your application is successful, the corresponding legal entity must be formally established and registered in Greece before the Incubation Contract can be signed. At the application stage, natural-person applicants should provide the intended company structure, ownership and planned registration details and demonstrate that they are ready to proceed with incorporation.
The legal entity ultimately established should remain consistent with the company and ownership structure presented in the application. ESA BIC Greece reserves the right not to proceed with contracting if the legal entity eventually established differs materially from the entity described in the successful application.
Yes. Applicants are required to complete the official ESA BIC Greece Application Form, which is included in the Permanent Open Call Package.
The template provides detailed guidance on the information to be submitted, the structure of the application and the requirements that applicants must address. Instructions are included directly within the document to help applicants prepare a clear and complete application.
All relevant information, application documents and guidance on the submission process are available at https://www.esa-bic.gr/apply.
Applicants are required to carefully follow the instructions provided in the ESA BIC Greece Permanent Open Call Package when preparing and submitting their application.
The application must use the official ESA BIC Greece Application Form and comply with all formal, eligibility and submission requirements. The Application Form must be signed by the majority shareholder or by authorised representatives who together hold more than 50% of the company’s shares. By signing the Application Form, the applicant confirms compliance with the ESA BIC General and Specific Application Requirements and accepts the conditions of the Draft Incubation Contract.
Applicants should also provide all required supporting information and documents, including the intended use of the incentive funding and any supporting material required for the specific type of application. They should review the Draft Incubation Contract carefully before submission, as amendments are only expected in exceptional cases.
Only applications that meet the formal and eligibility requirements will proceed to evaluation. Applicants are encouraged to regularly consult the ESA BIC Greece website and communication channels for the latest cut-off dates, procedures and guidance.
Letters of Intent or similar evidence of customer or partner interest are highly recommended. For upstream-related applications, they are mandatory.
Yes. The Application Form must be submitted as a single PDF file of no more than 10 MB. The main application, excluding annexes and the cover page, has a strict maximum length of 15 pages.
Yes. Applicants remain fully responsible for all content generated with AI tools. AI-generated material must be reviewed and validated, including for accuracy and IP compliance, and applicants are requested to identify sections that were generated partly or fully using AI.
No. Applications may not be submitted simultaneously to more than one ESA BIC. This restriction also applies where different legal entities contain the same founders or entrepreneurs. Non-compliance may result in disqualification and restrictions on subsequent applications.
All applications to ESA BIC Greece are evaluated in accordance with the common ESA BIC procedures and standards.
Following each application cut-off date, ESA BIC Greece first assesses submitted applications for formal and administrative compliance. If a minor non-compliance is identified, the applicant may be invited to submit a corrected application within 48 hours. If an application is considered non-admissible, the applicant is informed in writing and the reasons are explained. A revised application may subsequently be submitted at a future cut-off.
Applications that meet the formal requirements are invited to present before the Selection Board, typically a few weeks after the relevant cut-off date. Applicants give a pitch presentation followed by a Q&A session. The application and presentation are assessed against the predefined evaluation criteria and their respective weighting factors.
All applicants are informed in writing of the outcome. Applicants may request an oral debriefing within 10 calendar days of receiving the notification. Any re-application should properly address the feedback received during the debriefing, and applicants wishing to submit a formal complaint must first request a debriefing.
Successful applicants are invited to enter into contract discussions with ESA BIC Greece, taking into account any recommendations made by the Selection Board. If the Incubation Contract has not been signed within three months of notification and the delay is attributable to the applicant, ESA BIC Greece reserves the right not to proceed with the contract.
The Tender Opening Board (TOB) is responsible for checking whether submitted applications comply with the formal and administrative requirements of the ESA BIC Greece Open Call. It includes representatives of ESA and Corallia and verifies that each application satisfies the applicable eligibility and submission criteria before it can proceed to evaluation.
Applications that pass the TOB stage are invited to the Selection Board (SB). The Selection Board includes representatives of ESA, Corallia and the space and innovation ecosystem. Its role is to assess the quality and potential of each application against the predefined evaluation criteria.
Each applicant is invited to present the proposal to the Selection Board, followed by a Q&A session during which Board members may request clarifications or further information.
Following the evaluation, the outcome is communicated to the applicant in writing. To be recommended for contract negotiations, an application must achieve a minimum overall weighted score of 60/100, while also achieving at least 40/100 in each individual evaluation criterion.
Applications are evaluated against five criteria, each with a specific weighting:
- a) Background & Experience – 25%
- b) Value Proposition & Market – 20%
- c) Technology & Service – 20%
- d) Business Modelling & Risk – 15%
- e) Incubation Objectives & Planning – 20%
Together, these criteria assess the strength and experience of the team, the relevance of the problem and market opportunity, the validity of the Space Connection and technical feasibility, the business and financial model, the key risks, and the quality and ambition of the proposed incubation plan.
The complete evaluation criteria, including the topics considered under each criterion and their respective weighting factors, are provided in the Permanent Open Call Package.
Prospective applicants can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to ESA BIC Greece before preparing a full application. Based on the information provided, the ESA BIC Greece team will offer initial feedback and guidance on the appropriate next steps.
To ensure a fair and transparent selection process for all applicants, this pre-application feedback is limited to formal and administrative aspects of the application and to the assessment of whether the proposed idea has a sufficiently clear Space Connection. It does not constitute a preliminary evaluation of the business case, technology, team or overall likelihood of selection.
Submitting an Expression of Interest is therefore a useful way to clarify eligibility, confirm the Space Connection and address potential formal issues before investing time in the preparation of a complete application.
If you are unsure whether your business idea or proposed application falls within the scope of ESA BIC Greece, please contact us at info@esa-bic.gr.
The ESA BIC Greece team will review your question and provide guidance on the eligibility and Space Connection of your idea, as well as on the appropriate next steps before you submit a full application.
ESA BIC Greece operates through a permanent Open Call for the 2026–2030 period, with typically one or two application cut-off dates and evaluation cycles per year.
Applications may be prepared and submitted throughout the year, but they are assessed according to the next published cut-off date.
For the latest information on upcoming deadlines and application cycles, please visit https://www.esa-bic.gr/apply.
The evaluation process normally takes two to three from the relevant application cut-off date.
For successful applicants, the subsequent contracting and onboarding process is typically completed shortly thereafter, allowing the incubation to start approximately two and a half months after the application cut-off date, provided that all legal, administrative and contractual requirements are fulfilled on time.
Yes. Applicants whose proposals are not selected may submit a revised application at a future cut-off date.
ESA BIC Greece generally encourages reapplication where the evaluation indicates that the business idea has the potential to become suitable for incubation. Applicants are expected to take into account the feedback received during the evaluation or debriefing process and to clearly demonstrate how the identified weaknesses have been addressed.
Applications may not, however, be submitted simultaneously to more than one ESA BIC. This restriction also applies where different legal entities contain the same founders or entrepreneurs. Such simultaneous applications may lead to automatic disqualification and restrictions on submitting further applications for a period of 12 months. Once an application has been evaluated and rejected, a new application may be submitted to the same or another ESA BIC.
Yes. Applications submitted to ESA BIC Greece are treated as confidential, subject to any disclosure obligations imposed by applicable law.
All individuals involved in the formal review and evaluation process, including members of the Tender Opening Board, Selection Board and any experts who are granted access to the application materials, are subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations.
Applicants can therefore include the technical, business and other sensitive information necessary for the evaluation of their proposal. Nevertheless, applicants should clearly identify information they consider proprietary or particularly confidential and should ensure that appropriate intellectual property protection measures are in place before submission, where relevant. The Open Call specifically recommends that applicants consider protecting their ideas before applying where disclosure could affect their IP position.
Yes. A university or research spin-off company (established under Law 4864/2021) may apply to ESA BIC Greece, provided that it also meets the general and specific eligibility requirements of the programme.
These include, among others, the requirements relating to company age, ownership and control, SME status, establishment in Greece, legal personality and a valid Space Connection for the proposed product or service.
No. ESA BIC Greece does not impose a specific Technology Readiness Level (TRL) as a strict eligibility requirement.
During the evaluation process, the technical feasibility and maturity of each proposed solution are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the technology, the development plan and the objectives to be achieved during incubation.
No. Applicants may submit an application before completing esa-star registration or the nationality self-assessment. However, successful applicants must register the company in esa-star and complete the nationality self-assessment before signing the Incubation Contract.
As a general rule, ESA BIC Greece incubatees may not simultaneously be hosted by another business incubator, another ESA BIC or an organisation providing similar support during the incubation period. Participation in complementary programmes may be permitted case by case.
An applicant may request an oral debriefing within 10 calendar days of receiving the evaluation outcome. A debriefing is mandatory before submitting a formal complaint.
Yes. The Application Form forms the basis of the funding and contractual arrangement. Material changes must be reported to ESA BIC Greece and are subject to approval.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVE
The ESA BIC Greece incentive funding is paid to the startup in three instalments linked to the successful completion of key incubation milestones:
- a) €20,000 – Progress I: following the successful completion of the first Progress Meeting (Kick-Off Meeting), submission of all applicable deliverables, and completion of the Incubatee’s registration in the relevant ESA systems;
- b) €30,000 – Progress II: following the successful Mid-Term Review (MTR) and acceptance of the Mid-Term Report and all related deliverables; and
- c) €30,000 – Final Settlement: following the successful Final Review, acceptance of all deliverables due under the Incubation Contract, and fulfilment of all contractual obligations.
The Incubatee is also required to submit a Cost Report documenting the costs actually incurred under the Contract. The final amount of incentive funding is subject to verification of eligible expenditure and satisfactory completion of the agreed activities and deliverables.
If the total eligible costs actually incurred are lower than the maximum incentive amount of €80,000, the financial contribution is reduced accordingly. Any amount already paid in excess of the final eligible amount must be returned to ESA BIC Greece.
No. ESA BIC Greece does not take any equity or ownership stake in the startups it supports.
The €80,000 incentive funding and the accompanying incubation services are provided on a non-equity basis, allowing founders to retain ownership of their companies while benefiting from ESA BIC Greece’s technical, business, legal, financial and networking support.
The Incentive Funding is granted in net amounts, excluding VAT.
The €80,000 represents the maximum contribution. If the eligible costs actually incurred and accepted under the Incubation Contract are lower, the contribution is reduced accordingly and any excess amount already paid must be returned.
The cash incentive may be used only for costs and activities that are directly linked to the objectives of the ESA BIC Greece incubation and that are included in the agreed expenditure plan and Incubation Contract.
Eligible spending may include, for example, equipment, materials, third-party services, personnel costs other than founders’ salaries, and other costs necessary to achieve the agreed technical, commercial and business-development milestones.
As a general rule, the incentive should be spent in Greece. Spending outside Greece may be permitted only in justified cases and with the prior approval of ESA BIC Greece.
Any significant change to the agreed use of the incentive or to the contractual activities should be discussed with ESA BIC Greece and, where required, formalised through a Contract Change Notice (CCN).
The incentive is non-equity funding and does not have to be repaid, provided that it is used in accordance with the Incubation Contract, the agreed objectives are pursued, the required deliverables are provided, and the corresponding costs are accepted.
Yes. The incentive funding may be used to cover direct personnel costs for employees whose work is directly related to the development of the prototype or to other agreed incubation activities.
However, the incentive cannot be used to pay the salaries or wages of the founders, entrepreneurs or applicants themselves. It may be used for personnel hired by the startup, provided that the corresponding costs are directly linked to the Incubation Contract and the agreed expenditure plan.
As a general rule, the incentive funding must be spent in Greece.
Expenditure outside Greece may be permitted only in justified cases, for example when the required product or service is not available in Greece or is available only at a significantly higher price.
In all such cases, the startup must obtain prior approval from ESA BIC Greece before committing or incurring the expenditure.
INCUBATION
No. Submission of an application does not transfer ownership of the applicant’s idea, technology or existing Intellectual Property Rights to ESA BIC Greece.
During the incubation period, the Incubatee retains ownership of the Intellectual Property Rights arising from the activities performed under the Incubation Contract, subject to any pre-existing or third-party rights.
ESA BIC Greece and ESA do not acquire ownership of the startup’s technology or IP. The Incubation Contract provides ESA with limited rights to use non-proprietary information contained in agreed deliverables for communication, dissemination and publicity purposes. Information identified as Proprietary Information is excluded from these licence rights.
The applicable IP provisions are described in detail in the ESA BIC Greece Open Call Package, particularly in Article 11 of the Draft Incubation Contract.
No, it is not mandatory. ESA BIC Greece startups may operate from their own premises. They may alternatively use office space, desks and business-centre facilities at ESA BIC Greece or participating Supporters’ premises under preferential conditions.
Yes, but material changes must be agreed with ESA BIC Greece and may require a formal Contract Change Notice (CCN). The information included in the application is binding and any changes must be reported and approved.
Incubatees are required to participate in the first Progress/Kick-Off Meeting, Mid-Term Review and Final Review and to submit the applicable reports and deliverables. The incubation plan, milestones and deliverables are agreed contractually.
No. Startups are not required to relocate to Athens in order to participate in ESA BIC Greece and may continue operating from their existing premises.
However, applicants should take into account that certain meetings, workshops, reviews and networking activities may require physical presence at ESA BIC Greece premises or other designated locations in Greece.
The programme therefore offers flexibility for remote participation in day-to-day incubation activities, while maintaining in-person engagement where this is important for effective support, evaluation and integration into the ESA BIC Greece community.
Yes. Alumni have post-incubation reporting obligations and may continue to use the ESA BIC Greece Alumni Text Line subject to the applicable rules. The Contract also regulates continued reporting and logo use after incubation.
Incubatees may use the ESA BIC Greece logo and approved Text Line in accordance with the applicable visual-identity rules and subject to prior approval where required. The official ESA emblem itself may not be used unless expressly authorised.
STARTUP WITH A STRONG PARTNER
The team at ESA BIC Greece is here to support you and your team to be successful.