Applications are open until 3 May for ESA BIC Tagus, the incubation programme of the European Space Agency (ESA), aimed at startups developing innovative solutions for the space sector or leveraging space technologies or data.
The ESA BIC Tagus programme aims to support entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into sustainable businesses, promoting the transfer of space technologies into terrestrial market applications.
ESA BIC Tagus is coordinated by Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, through the Técnico Venture Lab. Targeted at early-stage projects and startups, the programme offers a comprehensive support package to accelerate development and market entry, including:
- Up to 2 years of incubation: access to a structured programme with specialized mentorship, business development support, and technical and commercial guidance;
- Up to €60,000 in non-dilutive funding: financial support for product development, validation and early market steps, without equity dilution;
- Access to an international network: connection to ESA and a European network of partners, including industry, research institutions and investors, enabling collaboration and growth opportunities.
Técnico is looking for the next generation of Portuguese startups that combine space technology with global challenges.
Eligible projects include those using satellite data, space engineering knowledge, downstream applications, or space technology projects, with market potential and growth ambition.
Startups less than four years old (or projects in formation), based in Portugal, developing products or services based on space technologies or data, and demonstrating commercial potential, are eligible to apply.
Throughout the programme, selected startups will have the opportunity to develop and validate their solutions, accelerate market entry and integrate into a highly specialised international ecosystem.
