General Information
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.
Junta de Andalucía: The regional government provides 50% of the total funding for the incubator, helping to foster the growth of innovative startups. Their support reinforces Andalusia’s role as a key player in the aerospace sector and helps build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region.
Ayuntamiento de Sevilla: Sevilla City Council provides the historic Naves de Renfe building, which houses the incubator. Located in the San Jerónimo district, this strategic location near the Spanish Space Agency enhances collaboration opportunities for startups.
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.
How to Apply and Get Evaluated
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.
Yes, there are. To successfully apply to ESA BIC Andalusia, candidates have to fill in the Cover Letter, Business Plan, and Incubation Proposal documents strictly based on the corresponding templates provided as part of the ESA BIC Andalusia Permanent Open Call Package. Further instructions about the expected content and methodology to be followed for the completion of these documents are provided in the form of guidelines within these templates. All relevant information regarding the application process can be found at the APPLY page.
It is not mandatory, but we recommend attending the info sessions as they provide useful tips on completing a successful application. However, participation is not obligatory.
Yes, you can apply to ESA BIC Andalusia as an individual, a team, or a company.
- If you are applying as an individual or a team, you do not need to have a registered company at the time of application. However, you will need to demonstrate your readiness to establish and register your company in Andalusia during the proposal submission process. If your application is successful, you must complete the company registration in Andalusia before signing the incubation contract.
- If you are applying as an existing company, it must be less than 5 years old and already registered in Spain to be eligible for the programme.
For a startup to be accepted into ESA BIC Andalusia, your business idea must demonstrate a valid connection to space. Typical space connections include:
- Downstream: Utilising space systems or exploiting space technology in a non-space domain, such as satellite navigation, earth observation, satellite communication, or technology transfer (hardware, software/firmware, processes, IPR).
- Upstream: Developing or supplying technology directly for the space sector—launchers, satellites, ground systems, human spaceflight, and related components or services.
In all cases, the space connection must deliver a clear advantage or innovative step beyond existing solutions, and the required space resources or technologies must be available and accessible.
Please complete the Space Connection Assessment template included in the Open Call Application Pack to structure your analysis. We also highly recommend contacting ESA BIC Andalusia in advance to discuss your proposed space connection and ensure it aligns with programme requirements.
Your project may still qualify if its business model relies on data, services or technology derived from a space asset —i.e. if it cannot operate, or loses its competitive edge, without that asset. In any case, your space connection must deliver a clear advantage or innovation beyond existing non-space solutions.
To help you assess this, download and complete the Space Connection Assessment template included in the Open Call Application Pack. This document walks you through the key criteria —Downstream and Upstream connections— to demonstrate the validity and strength of your space link.
The evaluation criteria are the following:
- Background & Experience (25%)
- Technology/Service (20%)
- Value proposition (20%)
- Business Modelling and Risk (15%)
- Activity Proposal (20%)
The evaluation criteria and their descriptions are provided in full detail in the Open Call Package.
Remember that the application process for ESA BIC Andalusia begins with a review of the eligibility criteria, which are assessed on an “on/off” basis. This means that your application must meet all the basic eligibility requirements to proceed to the next stage.
The evaluation process involves two stages:
- First stage: The Tender Opening Board (TOB) ensures all formal requirements are met for the application to proceed.
- Second stage: The Tender Evaluation Board (TEB) evaluates the submitted documents and conducts pitch and Q&A sessions with the applicants. Based on the evaluation criteria, the TEB decides whether to invite a start-up to sign an incubation contract.
The TOB consists of representatives from ESA BIC Andalusia and other relevant stakeholders.
Once the submission deadline has passed, the TOB is responsible for assessing the formal aspects of the applications received. If a minor non-compliance is found, the applicant may be given 48 hours to correct the issue and submit an updated proposal. If the proposal is deemed non-admissible, the applicant will be informed of the reasons. In such cases, the applicant is eligible to submit a revised proposal at a later date.
The TOB plays a crucial role in ensuring that all applications meet the necessary formal requirements before moving on to the evaluation stage.
The TEB is composed of representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), ESA BIC Andalusia, the Junta de Andalucía as regional co-funder, and independent experts invited based on the nature of submitted projects.
Once your application passes the formal checks, you will be invited to present your proposal to the TEB in English, usually a few weeks after the submission deadline. This session includes a Q&A where the board can drill into technical and business details. The TEB evaluates both your written materials and presentation against the published criteria and weighting factors.
After the evaluation, all applicants receive written notification of the outcome. Unsuccessful candidates may request an oral debriefing to understand the board’s feedback and areas for improvement.
Once the TEB completes its review and interview sessions, all applicants will be notified in writing about the outcome of the evaluation. The applicant may require an oral debriefing explaining why the application was successful or not.
If your proposal is approved, ESA will issue your TEB Selection Certificate, confirming that you have passed the evaluation and are eligible to proceed with regional co-funding. With your TEB Selection Certificate in hand, the next step is to submit your non-competitive co-funding application to the Junta de Andalucía via their e-Office portal, following the procedures and deadlines outlined in the Open Call documentation and Regulatory Bases.
Once regional co-funding has been applied for, ESA BIC Andalusia will enter contract negotiations with successful applicants —taking the Evaluation Board’s feedback into account— while the regional grant is being processed. Only once the co-funding is formally confirmed will the final Incubation Contract be signed. Upon signature, your incubation officially begins, granting access to the full suite of programme services and financing package.
Yes, all individuals participating in the TOB and TEB and having access to the applications sign a secrecy and confidentiality agreement.
All the ESA BIC Andalusia application materials (Cover Letter, Business Plan, Incubation Proposal and supporting templates) must be submitted by email to opencall-esabic-andalusia@catec.aero before the specified deadline.
Once you receive your TEB Selection Certificate, you will need to prepare a separate set of documents for the regional co-funding request. This includes the completed non-competitive grant form, your TEB Selection Certificate and any additional administrative paperwork. These must be uploaded via the Junta de Andalucía’s e-Office portal according to the instructions and deadlines set out in the Open Call documentation and Regulatory Bases.
The TEB Selection Certificate is an official document issued by ESA upon positive evaluation by the Technical Evaluation Board (TEB). It confirms that your proposal has passed the TEB review and is needed to initiate your application for the regional co-funding from the Junta de Andalucía.
After you receive your TEB Selection Certificate, submit your non-competitive grant application via the Junta de Andalucía’s e-Office portal before the deadline specified in the Call. Complete the grant form as defined in the Open Call documentation and Regulatory Bases, attach your Certificate and the necessary administrative documents, and send your submission through the official channel.
The evaluation process, from the application deadline to the proposal being presented to the startup, typically takes about one to two months. This includes the time required to complete the necessary Technical and Business (TOB) and Technical Evaluation Board (TEB) reviews.
After successful selection by the TEB, you must first secure the regional co-funding award from the Junta de Andalucía. This involves submitting your non-competitive grant application within the deadline and awaiting the formal grant resolution. Once the regional grant has been officially awarded and accepted, ESA BIC Andalusia will proceed to issue and execute your Incubation Contract.
Every effort is made to complete this entire sequence —from TEB approval through grant award to contract signature— within three months of the TEB decision notification.
Yes, if your application is rejected, you will receive valuable feedback to improve your proposal, and you can re-apply in the subsequent selection periods.
It is essential that all formal requirements —such as the existence of a connection to space— be met. But in addition to the legal requirements, the TEB board judges the startups mostly on their business case. This applies to the group, the market, etc. The Open Call documentation has all the selection criteria, though, as this is a fairly transparent process.
Additionally, we encourage the candidates to contact the ESA BIC managing team during the application process to solve queries before sending the proposal. A non-feedbacked proposal may be one of the main potential causes of failure.
The call for ESA BIC Andalusia is always open, and there are usually two to three selection periods each year (cut-off dates). Exact dates for each cut-off date will be regularly posted on this website. Applications are welcome until the deadline date. Please check the relevant section for specific timing details.
Yes, an University spin-off company can apply to ESA BIC Andalusia, as long as it meets all the programme’s requirements and successfully passes the evaluation process. This includes meeting the eligibility criteria, such as being a company less than 5 years old and registered in Spain, as well as demonstrating a viable business plan focused on space-related innovation. The spin-off must also show readiness to engage fully with the incubation programme and leverage the resources available through ESA BIC Andalusia.
No, there is no Technology Readiness Level (TRL) as a strict prerequisite. During the TEB, the technical feasibility of each application is studied case-by-case.
Incubation Program and Support Services
The incubation programme is designed to have a maximum duration of 24 months. However, in the incubation proposal, the startup can propose a different period (from a reasonable minimum of 12 months) that can fit with its needs. This proposal should be discussed and approved by the incubator.
ESA BIC Andalusia is located in the Naves de Renfe building in the San Jerónimo district of Seville. The exact address is C/ José Galán Merino, s/n (Antiguas Naves de Renfe), 41015 Seville, Spain. This location is strategically positioned just meters away from the Spanish Space Agency, providing startups with unique opportunities for collaboration.
In addition to this main location, incubatees will also have the opportunity to access CATEC’s advanced facilities and laboratories. These facilities offer state-of-the-art resources for testing and validating applications that utilize space-based systems, technologies in non-space domains, or innovative products and services for the space industry.
The Incubator (ESA BIC Andalusia) and the Incubatee will sign a Rental Agreement dated the same as the Incubation Contract for the provision of workspace at no cost, granting the Incubatee use of ESA BIC Andalusia facilities for the entire duration of the incubation programme.
While full-time attendance is not mandatory, a reasonable level of presence at ESA BIC Andalusia facilities is expected to ensure you fully benefit from programme services—mentoring sessions, networking events, masterclasses, etc. Specific attendance requirements will be defined and mutually agreed during contract negotiations, based on your project needs. Any exceptions can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Incubation Contract can only be signed once the regional co-funding award has been formally granted and accepted. ESA BIC Andalusia will then issue the contract for your review and signature, officially launching the incubation period.
You sign your Incubation Contract once regional co-financing is confirmed. With signature in place, your incubation starts and you gain access to all program services as defined in the contract.
ESA BIC Andalusia provides an extensive support package focused on technical, business, legal, and financial support as well as networking. The services include:
- Financial Support: Startups receive up to €60,000 in non-equity funding, split equally, €30,000 from ESA and €30,000 from the Junta de Andalucía.
- Business Development: 50 hours of business coaching and mentoring, covering areas such as business modeling, market analysis, sales strategy, and investment readiness.
- Technical Support: 20 hours of technical support are provided, allowing startups to access expert advice and advanced facilities necessary for the development and testing of their technologies.
- Legal and IPR Assistance: 10 hours of legal advice focused on intellectual property rights (IPR) and other legal matters essential for protecting and commercializing innovations.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to a vast network of industry contacts, potential partners, and investors across Europe, along with participation in ESA events and other networking opportunities.
- Brand Use: The right to use the ESA BIC brand, which can enhance credibility and visibility in the market.
- Office Space: Startups are provided access to office space and business facilities in the Naves de Renfe building in Seville, with potential access to CATEC’s specialized facilities in Aerópolis.
These services are structured to ensure that startups have the necessary resources, expertise, and connections to succeed during and after the incubation period.
Incubated startups or alumni of the programme are eligible to use the approved “ESA BIC Andalusia” logo. No one else has permission to use the logo. No participants or companies can use the “ESA” branding alone in relation to this programme.
Yes, you can participate in a parallel programme during your incubation period at ESA BIC Andalusia, provided that certain conditions are met.
The primary requirement is that the ESA BIC Andalusia programme remains your main focus, and the parallel programme must be complementary, offering support not covered by the ESA BIC Andalusia.
You may engage in complementary initiatives—such as export programmes, accelerators, sector-specific boot-camps or other focused efforts (private or public, regional, national or international). However, the programme you join cannot be another incubator programme, and you cannot pause the ESA BIC Andalusia incubation to join another programme.
You must discuss your intention to join another programme with the ESA BIC at least two months before applying, ensuring that it won’t negatively affect your progress in the ESA BIC Andalusia incubation.
Additionally, you must present a plan demonstrating how you will manage both programmes without overlapping efforts or conflicts, and ensure that any additional funding does not exceed de-minimis limits.
For more details, please review the specific guidelines provided by ESA BIC Andalusia.
Intellectual Property Rights and Legal Considerations
The Incubatee shall own all Intellectual Property Rights arising out of the Activity performed under the Incubation Contract as may be granted by law, as far as no infringement of Third Party rights occurs.
Yes, ESA has the right to use non-Proprietary Information included in the deliverables under the Contract, for communication, dissemination and publicity purposes, on a royalty-free, non-exclusive and irrevocable licence under some conditions. For more details, please consult the Incubation Contract.
Funding and Financial Support
You can receive up to €60,000 in non-dilutive support—split equally as €30,000 from ESA BIC Andalusia and €30,000 co-funded by the Junta de Andalucía. For full breakdowns of instalments, eligible costs and disbursement schedules, please consult the draft Incubation Contract and the Regulatory Bases in the Open Call documentation.
Funding is split between ESA and regional co-funding, each following milestone logic.
As specified in the Incubation Contract (draft available in the Open Call documentation), ESA disburses its €30 000 incentive in three equal tranches of €10 000 at Progress Meeting 1 (PM1), Mid-Term Review (MTR) and Final Review (FR).
The Junta de Andalucía’s €30 000 co-funding is paid in two instalments: the first €15 000 once PM1 is passed, and the second €15 000 following approval of the MTR justification (including ESA’s Intermediate Technical Certificate and proof of at least 50 % expenditure).
For full details, please review the draft Incubation Contract and the Regulatory Bases referenced in the Open Call documentation or approach the ESA BIC Andalusia team.
As a general rule, both the ESA incentive and the regional grant must be spent within Spain.
Only in exceptional cases—where the required goods or services are unavailable domestically or are offered in Spain at a significantly higher cost—may a portion of the ESA incentive (€30 000) be used abroad. Such exceptions require prior written approval from your ESA BIC Andalusia incubation manager.
The regional incentive (€30 000 from the Junta de Andalucía) must always be used in Spain, in accordance with the Regulatory Bases referenced in the Open Call documentation.
Yes. ESA BIC Andalusia funding comes from two distinct sources, each with its own rules.
The ESA incentive (€30 000) may cover any cost directly linked to your incubation objectives and incurred in Spain, as defined in the Draft Incubation Contract. However, it may not be used for founders’ or entrepreneurs’ personal wages; office or facility rental fees; incubator service charges; or return on capital, interest, debt servicing, losses or similar financial costs.
The regional incentive (€30 000 from the Junta de Andalucía) follows the eligible cost categories established in the Regulatory Bases referenced in the Open Call documentation, namely direct personnel costs, costs directly related to product development, industrial and IPR protection, consultancy and external technical assistance, and activities to promote space innovation. Any expenses outside these headings —such as recoverable VAT, personal taxes, financial charges, or any other costs deemed ineligible by the applicable public-subsidy regulations— are ineligible.
For full details, please refer to the terms of your Incubation Contract and the Regulatory Bases as published in the Open Call documentation. If in doubt, contact ESA BIC Andalusia.
Yes, both funding sources (from ESA and from Junta de Andalucía) may cover direct personnel costs for staff working on your incubation project, including salaries and social security. However, as noted in the previous FAQ on funding restrictions, the ESA incentive may not be used to pay founders’ or entrepreneurs’ own wages, whereas the regional incentive can cover those costs where permitted under the Regulatory Bases.
No. ESA BIC Andalusia is a zero-equity incubation programme.
Life After Incubation: Alumni Network and Opportunities
Once the incubation period concludes, you graduate as an alumni of the ESA BIC Andalusia. As an alumni, you remain part of the ESA BIC community and continue to benefit from access to the network, resources, and support, although you will no longer receive direct funding or incubation services.
Becoming an ESA BIC alumni allows you to stay connected with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, experts, and mentors. You can benefit from collaboration opportunities, exclusive events and workshops for alumni, and ongoing support for business development. ESA BIC Andalusia is committed to fostering the continued growth and success of its alumni.
As an ESA BIC Andalusia Alumni, you will be required to provide periodic updates on your company’s progress to ESA BIC for a period of 5 years after graduation. These reports help ESA BIC Andalusia an ESA assess the long-term impact of its programme and support future startups.
After graduating as an ESA BIC Andalusia Alumni, you may continue using the ESA BIC Andalusia logo in your marketing and communication materials in accordance with ESA BIC branding guidelines. However, it is essential to understand that the use of the logo is subject to the conditions specified in the Incubation Contract and may require approval.
Alumni can contribute to the ESA BIC Andalusia community in various ways, such as:
- Sharing their experiences and knowledge with currently incubated startups.
- Participating as mentors or advisors to new companies.
- Engaging in ESA BICs events and workshops.
- Acting as ambassadors for ESA BICs and promoting its activities.
While direct support, such as mentoring and funding, may be limited after graduation, ESA BIC Andalusia can still offer assistance through its network of partners and alumni. You can leverage these connections for advice, partnerships, and funding opportunities.
ESA BIC Andalusia may facilitate an alumni network where you can connect with other alumni, share updates, and explore collaboration opportunities.
Yes, as an ESA BIC Andalusia alumni, you can explore and apply to participate in other ESA programmes.
If you have more questions or need additional information about ESA BIC Andalusia, you can reach out directly to us. For detailed inquiries, please contact us via email at info-esabic-andalusia@catec.aero. You can also visit our website for comprehensive information about our programs, services, and how to apply. Additionally, stay connected with us through our social media channels, where we regularly post updates and news related to the incubator and the space sector.
