About
Strategic economic catalyst
ESA BICs are high-efficiency instruments for national growth, delivering a €4 return for every €1 invested within five years. Beyond direct SME productivity and employment gains, the programme bridges the gap between Slovak academia and global industry by commercializing research and securing private investment. By fostering dual-use technologies and retaining high-value talent, ESA BIC Slovakia transforms the nation from a technology consumer into a sovereign technology creator, driving long-term economic resilience and entrepreneurship within scientific communities.
Our offer to selected projects
We provide a strategic launchpad into Europe’s space ecosystem, offering two years of tailored business and technical acceleration. Beyond incubation, entrepreneurs gain a direct gateway to industry experts, specialized laboratories, and professional guidance to refine products for the global market. This journey provides the credibility and networking needed to transform local innovation into a market-ready, international venture.
The potential of Slovakia’s space sector
The future beyond incubation
Our BIC is the foundation of a broader national journey into the European space ecosystem. Through upcoming initiatives like the ESA ACCESS Programme and Technology Broker, Slovakia will bridge the gap between initial incubation and full commercial success. By integrating specialized ambassadors and the Phi Lab research network, the country is moving from participation to leadership in Europe’s space transformation.
National consortium
East Slovak Space Cluster (ESSC)
University of Žilina (UNIZA)
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU)
As consortium leader, the East Slovak Space Cluster (ESSC) coordinates national space innovation from the technological hub of Košice. By uniting TUKE, UPJŠ, SAS, and Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions, ESSC drives multidisciplinary collaboration between academia and private industry. Leveraging the region’s deep engineering heritage, ESSC positions Eastern Slovakia as the strategic heart of national space activity and innovation leadership.
Technical University of Košice (TUKE)
As a pioneer in applied research, TUKE provides the technical backbone for ESA BIC Slovakia. Through its University Science Park TECHNICOM, Startup Centre, and Incubator, the university has accelerated over 200 projects in aerospace, data tech, and AI. TUKE delivers mission-critical expertise, offering startups access to advanced laboratories, prototyping facilities, and specialized mentoring in engineering and space systems design.
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJŠ)
Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS)
Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia (DT ITS) / Innovlab Startup Centre
Serving as the hub for Central Slovakia, UNIZA focuses on applied research, technology transfer, and student entrepreneurship. Its Technology Incubator UNIZA has guided multiple start-ups from concept to market, including aerospace projects such as Straton Technologies. UNIZA provides access to advanced laboratories in optics, laser technologies, and electronics — vital for prototyping and testing new space applications.
As the hub for Western Slovakia, STU contributes two decades of experience in business incubation through its University Technology Incubator InQb. Since 2004, InQb has helped more than 95 companies succeed commercially, generating over €64 million in revenue. STU brings extensive expertise in technology transfer, digital innovation, and industry collaboration with partners such as ESET, IBM, and Google, making it an essential driver of ESA BIC Slovakia’s entrepreneurship model.
Advisory board
3IPK
Aliter Technologies
Crowdberry
DLA Piper
GEODETICCA VISION
Groundcom.space
ICKK – Innovation Center of the Košice Region
INOVIA – Innovation Centre of the Žilina Region
M2M Solutions
Needronix
Orbitaly Solutions
Satlantis
Touch4IT
UpVision
YEESS
Zaitra
Zero One Hundred
3IPK, founded in Slovakia in 2019, develops blockchain-based software for the space and defense industry, focusing on data integrity, authenticity, and traceability in Earth Observation and supply chains. The company has proven its expertise through multiple successful European Space Agency contracts. It has also expanded into national and European defense initiatives, strengthening its portfolio. 3IPK’s participation in top European space accelerators like Seraphim, SpaceFounders, and Cassini shows its ambition to grow within the European space community. A major milestone was achieved with Thales Alenia Space and Microsoft on the Imagin-E mission, where 3IPK’s solution ran on the International Space Station to secure hyperspectral data.
Aliter Technologies is a Slovak-Canadian company specializing in information and communication technologies, supporting organizations and governments with secure and efficient data communication and sharing. The company develops solutions in tactical communications, builds information infrastructure, and provides both on-site and cloud security. Its quality is recognized by global leaders such as AIRBUS, BAE Systems, Ericsson, and General Dynamics. With more than 300 completed projects, Aliter Technologies has contributed to rescue operations, special units, electromobility, and multinational information management initiatives. As a NATO-registered supplier and the first Slovak ICT company with a BOA agreement with the NATO Communication and Information Agency, its certified products meet US military MIL-STD standards.
Crowdberry is one of Central Europe’s most active private investment platforms, helping innovative companies secure capital from both individual and institutional investors. With offices in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, it has built a strong track record in supporting start-ups and scale-ups across technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and digital services. Crowdberry combines investment strategy, due-diligence expertise, and hands-on portfolio support to help young companies strengthen their business models, refine financial planning, and prepare for long-term growth. Through its ecosystem of investors, corporate partners, and advisory services, Crowdberry enables founders to access not only funding but also market opportunities, mentorship, and strategic know-how essential for scaling in competitive European markets.
DLA Piper is a global law firm with more than 4,200 lawyers in over 90 offices across 40+ countries, providing fully integrated legal services worldwide. Its clients include multinational corporations, Fortune 500 companies, Global 1000 enterprises, governments, and public sector bodies, with over half of the Fortune 250 and nearly half of the FTSE 350 among them. The firm operates seamlessly across five continents, combining international reach with deep knowledge of local laws, languages, and cultures. Its global presence enables strategic advice on issues shaped by geopolitical and legislative changes, such as Brexit, COVID-19, and new international policies. DLA Piper’s strength lies in its international network, sector-based approach, and full-service capabilities, covering all areas of law from daily corporate matters to complex cross-border negotiations.
GEODETICCA VISION is a GeoAI company specializing in the fusion of Earth Observation data, Artificial Intelligence, Geospatial Technologies, and High-Performance Computing. Founded in 2008, the company brings over 15 years of experience in geospatial data collection, processing, analysis, AI model development, and their integration into WebGIS applications and services. As both Prime Contractor and Subcontractor in several ESA projects, GEODETICCA VISION has built a strong track record in developing applied GeoAI solutions for downstream services. Our ongoing mission is to converge all our technologies and experience into a scalable Earth Digital Twin platform.
Groundcom.space s.r.o. is a technology-focused company founded in 2020 that specializes in satellite communication infrastructure, with the mission to build and operate a global network of ground stations for small satellites in low Earth orbit. Operating under the Ground Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS) model, it provides cost-effective and scalable solutions for satellite constellation operators, particularly in Earth observation and the Internet of Things sectors. In addition to network services, the company designs and manufactures its own ground station systems for VHF, UHF, S-band, and X-band frequencies. With expertise spanning hardware design, software integration, production, and operational support, Groundcom delivers both standalone ground station systems and mission-critical satellite communication services. Its ground stations are built for deployment in challenging environments, featuring remote control, monitoring, and autonomous operation to ensure high reliability without direct supervision.
ICKK, the Innovation Centre of the Košice Region, is a Slovak organization established on August 4, 2021, as an interest association of legal entities involving the Košice Self-Governing Region, the City of Košice, the University of Pavel Jozef Šafárik, the Technical University of Košice, and the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, aimed at fostering the development of the regional innovation ecosystem, boosting innovation potential, and creating sustainable growth conditions for new businesses to curb brain drain. Led by CEO Peter Breyl, ICKK supports startups through acceleration programs, modern coworking spaces like the Startup Campus on Strojárenská Street, talent development in secondary schools, and assistance for SMEs in international business expansion, while connecting innovation actors, science, research, education, and technology.
INOVIA was founded in 2021 as an association of legal entities, with founding members including the Žilina Self-Governing Region, the City of Žilina, and the University of Žilina. Its mission is to strengthen regional competitiveness, attract young talent, and foster sustainable development through innovation. Since its establishment, INOVIA has supported nearly 100 companies by helping them define strategies, solve challenges, connect with experts, access funding, and bring new solutions to market. It also develops the entrepreneurial ecosystem through technology transfer, networking, competitions, and events for entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, and public administration. INOVIA is a member or co-founder of major networks such as the CEE Startup Network, YNOVATE, and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), ensuring strong connections across Europe.
M2M Solutions is an innovative technology company focused on developing supply chain management solutions based on Industry 4.0 standards. With over a decade of rapid growth, its solutions have been implemented in more than 12 countries worldwide. The company’s development team covers the full cycle from product design to implementation in transport and internal logistics, aiming to reduce inventory, optimize warehouse processes, and deploy intelligent contactless systems. Its technologies enable efficient supply chains while minimizing environmental impact. In recent years, M2M Solutions has also expanded into the space industry, contributing to unique aerospace projects.
Needronix s.r.o., a family-owned Slovak company based in Bratislava, specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality, compact components for CubeSats and SmallSats, including sun sensors and space-grade RF components, with a focus on innovation, reliability, and low power consumption. As Slovakia’s only NATO DIANA test center for space technology, it played a key role in integrating the country’s first satellite, skCUBE, and the GRBAlpha nanosatellite, the world’s first to detect gamma-ray bursts. Collaborating on multiple European Space Agency projects and mentoring young innovators, Needronix drives Slovakia’s space industry growth through international partnerships and a spinoff, Needronix CZ s.r.o., in Prague, focused on aerospace research and development.
Orbitaly Solutions is a consulting company with a mission to help businesses succeed in the space industry. It supports startups in developing the business side of their ventures, with a focus on guiding them in getting customers, building strong business cases, and applying for grants and public funding. The company brings extensive expertise in bridging the gap between technical innovation and market adoption, ensuring that promising ideas become commercially viable. By leveraging its network and industry know-how, Orbitaly Solutions empowers entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of scaling in a highly competitive sector.
Satlantis, a New Space company headquartered in Bilbao, Spain, specializes in developing high-performance optical payloads and full end-to-end solutions for small satellites (SmallSats), focusing on Earth observation and universe exploration technologies. Founded in 2013 as a spin-off from the University of Florida and relocated to Europe in 2014, the company designs innovative, compact imagers like the iSIM series for high-resolution imaging in visible-near infrared (VNIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectra, enabling applications in sectors such as energy, environment, security, defense, and agriculture. With a team of around 45 experts, Satlantis has launched multiple missions since 2020, including demonstrations on the International Space Station and CubeSats for methane detection and infrastructure monitoring, while achieving 55% revenue growth to €18 million in 2023 through international partnerships and contributions to European Space Agency projects.
Touch4IT is a strategic technology consultancy with a strong presence in Europe and the U.S., working with organizations from emerging leaders to Fortune 500 companies to solve complex challenges and deliver secure, scalable digital solutions. Its end-to-end services cover digital strategy, product design, and custom software development, with a focus on measurable outcomes and long-term value. The company specializes in cloud-native platforms, AI-driven automation, enterprise applications, and systems that boost operational efficiency across industries such as healthcare, aerospace, logistics, manufacturing, and retail. Proven results include a telehealth platform used by over 1 million patients and aerospace solutions that reduced MRO turnaround time by 23%. Touch4IT holds ISO 9001, ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, HITRUST, and HIPAA certifications, ensuring compliance and security while delivering clarity, trust, and execution excellence.
UpVision provides top-tier airspace management and airspace access services for efficient drone use. We simplify the complex issue of safe navigation and the integration of drones into applications and services. UpVision develops dual use technologies that facilitate teaming between pilots, system operators and other cooperating systems. Our focus is on innovative safety concepts, a high level of automation, secured technology and advanced operational procedures.
YEESS (Young European Enterprises Syndicate for Space) is an international non-profit association founded in 2021 in Brussels, Belgium, by a group of emerging European space startups and SMEs—including founding members like Satlantis, ANYWAVES, EXOTRAIL, and PANGEA AEROSPACE—to represent and accelerate the New Space sector across Europe. The syndicate advocates for greater integration of innovative young companies into public procurement, fair competition with established players, transparency in space contracts, and broader utilization of space technologies to address global challenges, while fostering collaboration between institutions, primes, and SMEs. With over 13 members as of recent updates, YEESS engages in policy lobbying, attends major events like the European Space Conference, and promotes sustainable public investments in space, aiming to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the €9 billion space market through hybrid sector partnerships and direct interfaces with bodies like the ESA.
Zaitra, a Czech space tech startup founded in 2020 in Brno, develops AI-powered onboard data processing solutions for satellites, enhancing mission autonomy and optimizing Earth observation data by filtering noise and reducing bandwidth usage. Its flagship product, SKAISEN, enables AI-based cloud screening, and its high-performance data processing units support missions like VZLUSAT-2, Biomission19 on the ISS, and SLAVIA CubeSat. Zaitra secured €1.7 million in pre-seed funding in 2024 from Sunfish Partners, Czech Founders VC, and others, driving innovation in the Czech space sector with cost-effective, high-tech solutions.
Zero One Hundred is a Slovak venture capital firm based in Bratislava, founded around 2019, that invests in early-stage startups (pre-seed to Series A) across Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, with a focus on innovative, high-growth companies in sectors like proptech, healthtech, and fintech. Backed by experienced private investors and institutions such as Slovak Investment Holding, it manages a €22 million first fund (Zero Gravity Capital) that has invested in over 28 portfolio companies, including Reado (real estate sales predictions), Powerful Medical (ECG analysis), Simplicity (municipal communication tools used in New York and Miami), and recently Vestberry (VC fund management platform, which raised €2.2 million in 2025 with Zero One Hundred’s backing). In 2022, the firm launched its second €60 million fund to expand regionally, including LP commitments to other CEE VCs, while also operating under the 0100 Ventures umbrella for venture building, international VC conferences (like the Zero One Hundred Conference series), co-working spaces, and innovation consulting, driving ecosystem growth in Slovakia and beyond.
Supporting organisations
Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency
Slovak Space Office
Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic
Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic
Košice IT Valley
Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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