Building Space Businesses

The first and only space incubator in Southern Italy part of the ESA Business Incubation Centre network.

We support startups and early-stage teams building space-connected products, at any stage, across a wide range of sectors. We give you:

- €50,000 in non-dilutive funding, zero equity, zero repayment

- 80 hours of technical, business, and legal mentorship

- Access to more than 70 investors via the ESA Investor Network

- ESA BIC network spanning 32 centres in more than 20 countries

- Labs, office space, and R&D infrastructure

Assess Your Eligibility

We support startups and early-stage teams building space-connected products, at any stage, across any industry. We give you €50,000 in non-dilutive funding, technical and business mentorship and access to the biggest European Space network.

Managed by

Supported by

Incentive for Incubatees co-financed by

Your research could be a space startup.
Ready to find out how? Join the Infoday

Managed by

Supported by

Incentive for Incubatees co-financed by

Space is More than Rockets and Satellites

ESA BIC Brindisi supports startups and teams developing products, services, or applications connected to space technologies, satellite data, navigation, communication systems, or space-derived know-how.

Have a question? Send us a message

Application Requirements

Startup under 5 years old, or structured team ready to incorporate

Clear connection to space technologies, satellite data, navigation, or space-derived know-how

Incorporated in Italy, or willing to incorporate if selected

Founding team retains at least 50% ownership

Space-Related Domain Examples

Integrated Connectivity · Human Spaceflight · Aviation Applications · Security & Defence · Digital Engineering · In-Space Manufacturing · Advanced Materials · Ground Segment · Mission Control · Space Robotics · Photonics · Blue Economy · Life Sciences

High-Performance Computing · Finance, Investment & Insurance · Environmental Monitoring · Satellite Communications · Advanced Manufacturing · Emergency Management · In-Orbit Servicing · Maritime Surveillance · Space Propulsion · Quantum Technologies · Additive Manufacturing · Smart Cities · Spacecrafts · Payloads

Positioning, Navigation & Timing · Cybersecurity of Space Systems · Transport & Logistics · Guidance, Navigation & Control · Disaster Risk Reduction · Agriculture & Food · Space Stations · Optical Systems · Satellites · Energy · GNSS · Health · Tourism · Rockets

What We Offer

Technical and Business Mentorship

Receive up to 140 hours of tailored technical, business, and legal mentorship to develop your space-connected product, service, or application. ESA BIC Brindisi supports selected teams in refining their technology, strengthening their business model, and preparing for market adoption.

Non-Dilutive Funding

Access up to €50,000 in non-dilutive funding to support product development, validation, and early market activities. The funding requires no equity and no repayment, helping startups advance their projects while retaining full ownership.

ESA BIC European Network

Join the ESA BIC European network and connect with a qualified ecosystem of startups, technical experts, industry partners, investors, and institutions. Selected teams can benefit from networking opportunities, visibility, and access to relevant European space and innovation communities.

Facilities and Infrastructure

ESA BIC Brindisi connects selected startups with technical facilities, specialised laboratories, and aerospace expertise across the DTA and partner network. Access to facilities can be arranged depending on project needs, availability, and coordination with the appropriate partners. Workspace is also available at DTA headquarters in Brindisi.

Book an Introductory Call to Assess Eligibility

Discover the Process

Capabilities

01

Meet Us: Book a call

Check requirements and book a meeting. Review the eligibility criteria and schedule an introductory meeting (mandatory). The process is straightforward: if your innovation has a space connection, we want to hear from you.

02

Application

Prepare and submit your proposal. After the introductory meeting you will be ready to prepare your application. The application must be submitted online through the apply page before the cut-off date.

03

Selection

Get selected. You will pitch your startup to a panel composed of ESA and ASI representatives and space experts, against technical and business criteria.

04

Incubation

Join the programme. includes €50,000 in equity-free funding, expert coaching, technical support and facilitated access to the partner ecosystem.

Start the Process: Book a Call

Develop Your Space-Connected Business with ESA BIC Brindisi

Complete the form to receive detailed information about the ESA BIC Brindisi programme and understand how to apply. Selected startups can access €50,000 in non-dilutive funding, up to two years of incubation, technical and business guidance, and connections with the ESA BIC European network of investors, partners, and experts.

Get Started

Who We Are

Managed by Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale

DTA is an italian aerospace organization that for the past 20 years has been working on promoting research and innovation projects, supporting technology transfer, and coordinating technical, industrial, and institutional initiatives to strengthen the Apulian and Italian aerospace ecosystem. Through ESA BIC Brindisi, DTA supports startups and SMEs in advancing their technologies, strengthening their business models, and preparing for market readiness.