ESA BIC Austria

ESA BIC Austria operates under the management of Science Park Graz, a government-funded organization dedicated to fostering technology-driven startup development throughout the Styrian region. As a pivotal innovation hub, Science Park Graz not only houses the European Space Agency's Business Incubation Centre for Austria but also serves as the ESA Business Applications Ambassador, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for space-related entrepreneurship. Their mission centers on transforming innovative concepts into viable commercial ventures, particularly those leveraging space technologies for terrestrial applications.

The organization delivers extensive support during the critical pre-startup phase, offering professional guidance, mentorship, necessary infrastructure, and crucial financial backing to a diverse community of innovators. This assistance extends to university students, recent graduates, academic researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs across multiple disciplines. What distinguishes Science Park Graz is its robust network of industry experts who provide specialized knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges of early-stage business development.

At the core of Science Park Graz's value proposition is its comprehensive mentoring program, which synthesizes expertise from Styria's prestigious university institutions and successful business leaders. This collaborative approach ensures that startup founders receive practical, real-world guidance as they establish their companies. The program focuses on bridging the gap between theoretical innovation and market implementation, addressing the specific challenges faced by technology-intensive ventures. Through this structured mentorship, entrepreneurs gain invaluable practical experience while building connections within Austria's innovation ecosystem.

As the official ESA IAP Ambassador for Austria, Science Park Graz facilitates significant opportunities for both SMEs and established industry players to enhance their business operations through space-derived technologies. This role enables the organization to offer multiple funding pathways and partnership opportunities for companies seeking to incorporate space systems into their service innovations. The organization specializes in technology transfer from space applications to various economic sectors, creating commercial opportunities that might otherwise remain unexplored. This cross-sector approach has positioned Science Park Graz as a key facilitator in Austria's growing space economy and broader innovation landscape.