ESA BIC Andalusia is part of the European Space Agency’s network of Business Incubation Centres, dedicated to transforming space-related ideas into successful businesses. Located in Andalusia, we provide startups with access to ESA’s expertise, funding, and a vibrant community of space entrepreneurs.
ESA BIC Andalusia is managed by CATEC (Center for Advanced Aerospace Technologies), the largest private aerospace research center in Spain, and supported by the Spanish Space Agency (Agencia Espacial Española – AEE), the regional government, Junta de Andalucía, and the Seville City Council.
ESA BIC Andalusia is strategically located in the Naves de Renfe building in the San Jerónimo district of Seville, Spain. Positioned near the headquarters of the Spanish Space Agency, this location offers startups unique opportunities to collaborate with key national and international players in the space sector, fostering growth and innovation.
€60,000 Funding (Non-Equity)
Non-dilutive funding to accelerate your growth
Access substantial financial support without giving away equity, empowering your startup to scale faster and more efficiently.
Technical Support
Technical support provided by CATEC
Benefit from the latest technologies and technical assistance provided by CATEC and ESA experts to bring your ideas to life.
Business Coaching and Advice
Personalized business coaching and strategic advice from industry leaders
Receive tailored mentorship and business insights to ensure your startup’s success and sustainable growth.
Legal and IPR Support
Secure your intellectual property rights
Get comprehensive support in managing and protecting your innovations, ensuring your ideas are safeguarded as you grow.
Strategic Location
Proximity to the Spanish Space Agency and key aerospace players
Leverage our location near key industry players, including the Spanish Space Agency, to foster collaborations and expand your startup’s reach.
Innovation Ecosystem Connection
Connect with Andalusia’s innovation ecosystem, including key players in the aerospace industry
Become part of a dynamic network of innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers driving the future of space technology.
ESA BIC Community
Join a vibrant ecosystem of space entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry experts
Engage with a collaborative community that offers exclusive networking opportunities and access to a wealth of knowledge.
Office Facilities and Incubation Support
Up to two years of business incubation at ESA BIC Andalusia
Benefit from office spaces and shared facilities designed to support collaboration and growth during your incubation period.
To apply for ESA BIC Andalusia, your startup or business idea must meet the following eligibility criteria:
ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) are the largest network of incubators supporting space related start-ups in Europe. The objective is to support entrepreneurs with a space-based business idea and help them developing their product while getting their company off the ground. In the process, they create and grow clusters of space-related start-ups across Europe.
Each incubation centre is managed by local champions who connect their ESA BIC to local industry, universities, research organisations, government, and investor communities. All the centres are embedded in local communities, but also have strong regional and national links.
The network provides excellent opportunities to connect start-ups with new business partners across Europe.
The ESA BICs seek entrepreneurs who develop applications that use space-based systems (such as satellite navigation, earth observation, or satellite communication); use space technologies in a non-space domain; and/or who develop innovative products and services for the space sector.
ESA BIC Andalusia is part of the European Space Agency’s network of Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs), specifically established to foster the growth of space-related startups in Andalusia. The centre aims to establish Andalusia as a key hub for space innovation by providing startups with the necessary resources, expertise, and access to a network of industry leaders, universities, and investors, both locally and across Europe.
ESA BIC Andalusia is operated by CATEC (Center for Advanced Aerospace Technologies), a leading entity in aerospace innovation and research. CATEC plays a crucial role in managing the incubator, leveraging its extensive expertise in advanced aerospace technologies to support the development of space-related startups. Headquartered in the Aerospace Technology Park of Andalusia (Aerópolis), CATEC is uniquely positioned to provide startups with access to cutting-edge research facilities, a network of industry connections, and specialized knowledge in the aerospace sector.
To apply to ESA BIC Andalusia, you should follow these steps:
- Download and complete the Open Application Package.
- Email your proposal to opencall-esabic-andalusia@catec.aero by the deadline.
- Pass the TEB evaluation and obtain your TEB Selection Certificate.
- Submit your regional co-funding request via the Junta’s e-Office portal (see Regional Co-Funding FAQ for details).
Some of the key eligibility criteria for ESA BIC Andalusia include:
- Focus on space-related technologies or applications.
- Being a company less than 5 years old, or committing to form one if selected.
- Being based in or willing to establish operations in Andalusia.
- Having a viable business plan with clear market potential.
- Full commitment to the programme.
For a complete list of criteria and more detailed information, please review the Open Call documentation.
ESA BIC Andalusia is located in the historic Naves de Renfe building, situated in the San Jerónimo district of Seville, Spain. This strategic location places the incubator in close proximity to the Spanish Space Agency’s headquarters, providing startups with enhanced opportunities for collaboration with key players in the aerospace sector.
Additionally, CATEC, which manages ESA BIC Andalusia, is headquartered in the Aerospace Technology Park of Andalusia (Aerópolis), in Seville, with access to high-tech assets for the research, development, and validation of aerospace systems. Aerópolis is the only scientific and technological park in Spain specializing in aerospace, providing a cutting-edge aerospace business environment that is ideal for the growth of technology startups.
This dual-location setup offers startups at ESA BIC Andalusia access to both the vibrant innovation environment in Seville and the specialized aerospace ecosystem at Aerópolis.
ESA BIC Andalusia launches its first call for applications and seeks space startups
ESA BIC Andalusia, the only European Space Agency business incubator in the region, managed by CATEC, is funded by the Spanish Space Agency (which is part of the Ministry of [...]
CATEC participates in the Space Forum at Seville City Hall
Joaquín Rodríguez Grau (CEO of CATEC) and Gracia Catalina Piñero (director of ESA BIC Andalusia) represented CATEC at the Space Forum session held in the Colón Hall of Seville City [...]
