From Space Tech to Market
That's exactly where great startups begin
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
You don't need a registered entity to apply. If your team is committed and your idea has a clear connection to space, we'll help you turn it into a real business — from day one.
Managed by
Supported by
Incentive for Incubatees co-financed by
Do you meet the basic requirements?
You have a startup under 5 years old or a brilliant idea ready to become one
The business/ The Idea has a clear space-connection
Business Incorporated/To be Incorporated in Italy
Min. 50% self-owned
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
25%
Background & Experience
We assess the team’s relevant background and complementary skills, along with the clarity of the long-term vision. We also consider any support already in place, such as accelerators, research partners, industrial sponsors, or institutional backing, and how these strengthen execution.
20%
Technology & Service
We evaluate how solid and credible the space connection is, and whether the proposed solution is technically feasible within the incubation timeframe. We look at the development approach, including key technical choices and validation steps, and at how intellectual property will be protected or accessed.
20%
Value proposition & Market
We review the customer problem, the uniqueness of the value proposition, and the evidence supporting market need. We also assess market size and accessibility, target customers, and the competitive landscape, including why the startup can win and differentiate.
20%
Business Model & Risk
We consider whether the business model is coherent and scalable, with realistic assumptions on pricing, revenue streams, and key costs. We evaluate the financial logic and main risks (technical, market, regulatory, operational), and whether mitigation actions are identified.
15%
Activity Proposal Management
We examine the quality and completeness of the application, the clarity of the work plan, and the realism of milestones, timeline, and budget. We also assess management approach and whether the proposed activities make effective use of ESA BIC support, with a credible path to growth and investment readiness.
Background & Experience
We assess the team’s relevant background and complementary skills, along with the clarity of the long-term vision. We also consider any support already in place, such as accelerators, research partners, industrial sponsors, or institutional backing, and how these strengthen execution.
Technology & Service
We evaluate how solid and credible the space connection is, and whether the proposed solution is technically feasible within the incubation timeframe. We look at the development approach, including key technical choices and validation steps, and at how intellectual property will be protected or accessed.
Value proposition & Market
We review the customer problem, the uniqueness of the value proposition, and the evidence supporting market need. We also assess market size and accessibility, target customers, and the competitive landscape, including why the startup can win and differentiate.
Business Model & Risk
We consider whether the business model is coherent and scalable, with realistic assumptions on pricing, revenue streams, and key costs. We evaluate the financial logic and main risks (technical, market, regulatory, operational), and whether mitigation actions are identified.
Activity Proposal Management
We examine the quality and completeness of the application, the clarity of the work plan, and the realism of milestones, timeline, and budget. We also assess management approach and whether the proposed activities make effective use of ESA BIC support, with a credible path to growth and investment readiness.
Benefits and support
Joining ESA BIC Brindisi means accessing a complete package designed to help you grow faster and with less risk. Funding, tailored coaching, expert mentorship, investor and industry connections, and dedicated facilities work together to turn your space-connected idea into a scalable business.
The programme offers €50,000 in non-dilutive funding, equally provided by the European Space Agency (€25,000) and Regione Puglia (€25,000). The funding can be used across most cost categories—such as product development, IP protection, marketing, travel, employee salaries, and equipment—excluding founders’ salaries. The ESA contribution is disbursed progressively upon the achievement of specific technical milestones, while the regional contribution follows a reimbursement-based scheme.
50k
Your startup will be supported throughout the incubation period by DTA coaches, who will tailor the programme to your needs, provide one-on-one sessions, create connections, highlight opportunities, and help you tackle typical early-stage challenges related to business and technical strategy, go-to-market, investment readiness, and market validation. You will also have access to a network of mentors from partner organizations—C-level executives, tech leads, and senior consultants—to whom you may be introduced when relevant, alongside legal support on intellectual property, contracts, licensing, and overall strategy.
1:1
Access to the ESA BIC Network, a dynamic community of 2,000+ space startups alongside key industry and institutional players. You may also benefit from DTA’s industrial network, enabling connections with relevant companies, technology providers, and partners. The programme includes workshops, curated networking, and major industry events, with potential visibility through ESA stands and direct engagement with global stakeholders. Startups can also leverage the ESA brand to strengthen positioning and credibility, and the ESA Investor Network which includes 70+ VC funds and angel investors.
ESA
Flexible office and desk solutions are available at DTA headquarters within the Cittadella della Ricerca campus in Brindisi, providing a collaborative workspace for ESA BIC incubatees and enabling daily interaction with other startups and ecosystem players. In addition, you may benefit from a network of laboratories and facilities across DTA, ESA BIC partners, ESA, and ASI, which can be made available depending on project needs and feasibility. These resources are often offered under better-than-market conditions and may be complemented by additional financial support for lab activities, testing, and technical consulting, helping you accelerate development while optimizing costs.
Ecosystem
Grottaglie Airport Test Bed & Aerospace Network
Access Real-World testing Environments, Technical Facilities and Aerospace Infrastructure
Through the connection with the Grottaglie Airport Test Bed and the emerging Grottaglie Spaceport, incubated startups can test aerospace solutions in a real operational setting, leveraging a world-class testing infrastructure.
The ecosystem also includes dedicated aerospace laboratories, ITS infrastructure, and a wide network of industry players, creating an "open-air laboratory" where technologies, services, and new business models can be validated.
