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FAQ

Who can apply to ESA BIC Slovakia?
ESA BIC Slovakia is open to Slovak companies, start-ups, or individual entrepreneurs with innovative ideas linked to space technologies, data, or applications. To qualify, applicants must be or become legally registered in Slovakia before signing the incubation contract, and the company must be no older than five years at the time of application. This ensures that ESA BIC Slovakia supports early-stage innovators — those at the beginning of their commercial journey, ready to turn bold ideas into viable businesses within the European space ecosystem.
Do I need to develop a space technology to qualify?
Not necessarily. Projects can use existing space assets (like satellite data or positioning services) or adapt non-space innovations to the space sector. The key is a clear connection to space technology or data use.
Can I participate in other accelerator or funding programmes at the same time?
Yes — participation in other complementary programmes is possible, provided there is no conflict with ESA BIC rules. Many start-ups later continue into other European initiatives such as ESA ACCESS, EIC Accelerator, or Horizon Europe calls.
What happens after the two-year incubation period?
Graduates join the ESA BIC Alumni Network, which provides ongoing visibility, networking, and access to European investors, ESA events, and new funding opportunities. Successful alumni are often invited to join trade fairs, demo days, and ESA’s annual Investment Forum.
How can I apply?
The first Open Call for Applications has just been officially announced at today’s launch event. Innovators, start-ups, and researchers with ideas connected to space technologies or data can now begin preparing their submissions. Each application will include a concise business plan, a technical overview, and a clear description of the space connection — whether through technology, data use, or innovation potential.

Detailed guidelines, templates, and deadlines are available on the newly launched ESA BIC Slovakia website and through our partner institutions. If you’re ready to take the first step toward joining Europe’s largest space innovation network, contact us directly at info@esabicslovakia.eu or speak with a member of the consortium.

How are start-ups selected?
The selection process for ESA BIC Slovakia is fully transparent and follows the standards of the European Space Agency. Applications are evaluated by experts from ESA and national partners to ensure that each selected start-up demonstrates strong innovation potential and a meaningful connection to space. Detailed information about the evaluation process, timelines, and criteria is available on the ESA BIC Slovakia website, where applicants can also find all necessary guidelines, templates, and support materials for preparing their proposals.
What benefits extend beyond incubation?

ESA BIC Slovakia acts as a gateway into a broader European network. Graduates gain access to:

  • The ESA Technology Broker programme for technology transfer,
  • The ESA Commercialisation Ambassador network for international partnerships,
  • The ESA Phi Lab Network for advanced R&D collaborations,
  • Funding and scaling opportunities under the ESA ACCESS Programme, connecting start-ups to investors and new markets.