ESA BIC Sweden

ESA BIC Sweden was established in 2015 as part of the European Space Agency's initiative to foster space-related entrepreneurship across Europe. Operating through four strategic regional hubs—Arctic Business in Luleå/Kiruna, Uppsala Innovation Centre, Innovatum Startup in Trollhättan, and Ideon Innovation in Lund—the incubator creates a comprehensive support network spanning the entire country. This distributed model allows ESA BIC Sweden to leverage regional expertise while maintaining a unified national approach to space innovation and commercialization.

The incubator provides a robust support package designed to transform promising space technologies into viable commercial ventures. Each selected startup receives €50,000 in non-equity funding, eliminating early financial barriers while allowing founders to maintain full ownership of their companies. This financial support is complemented by professional business coaching, specialized mentorship from industry experts, and technical guidance tailored to the unique challenges of space-related ventures, creating a holistic development environment for emerging companies in both upstream (space-bound) and downstream (Earth applications) sectors.

Beyond financial and advisory support, ESA BIC Sweden offers practical resources critical for early-stage development. Portfolio companies gain access to specialized technical facilities and equipment that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive for startups. The incubator also provides office space and logistical support, creating a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can focus on innovation rather than operational challenges. Additionally, startups benefit from connections to an extensive network of investors, venture capitalists, and financing opportunities specifically interested in space technologies and applications.

As part of the broader ESA BIC network—recognized as the world's largest ecosystem for space-related entrepreneurship—the Swedish branch offers unparalleled international connectivity. This association enables portfolio companies to forge partnerships across Europe, access diverse markets, and tap into specialized expertise beyond national borders. The international dimension provides Swedish space startups with a significant competitive advantage, allowing them to scale globally from inception while contributing to Europe's growing prominence in commercial space activities. Since its founding, ESA BIC Sweden has established itself as a crucial catalyst in transforming Sweden's space technology expertise into commercial success stories with global impact.