In 2024, the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre network (ESA BIC) has reached its 20th anniversary of activity. Whilst the idea for a start-up support programme was already conceived in the early 2000s, it was in 2004 that the programme got its first round of funding appropriated and as such become an official instrument in ESA’s commercialisation toolset.
From the first ESA BIC in Noordwijk, in October 2024 the network has grown to over 30 ESA BICs in 21 Participating States, supporting more than 1,450 start-ups. As part of an international network, we celebrate 20 years of new business development, with an open and universal mindset, fostering creativity and innovation through cross-sectoral collaboration.
“As Europe moves into a new economic era, space is emerging as a critical sector for innovation, private investment, and societal impact. The ESA BIC programme has been instrumental in this shift, empowering entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into businesses that benefit not only the space sector, but the world beyond. The 20th anniversary of ESA BICs is not just a celebration of the programme’s past achievements, but also a recognition of the incredible future that lies ahead“, said Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA.
The celebration event
After more than two decades of catalysing the commercialisation of space technologies through entrepreneurship, a celebration event will be held in Munich, Bavaria (Germany), to reflect on this journey. Entrepreneurs, experts, innovators will come together on the 13th and 14th February 2025 to commemorate the past success and impact of the ESA BICs, complete with start-up highlights, an award ceremony, networking opportunities, and a look towards the future.
The Celebration & Award Ceremony will be held on February 13, starting at 17:30 CET, in presence at the Munich Residence. Its current programme:
17:30 | Welcoming Guests
18:00 | Opening of the Awards Ceremony - Official welcome by ESA and the Free State of Bavaria
18:20 | Honorable Mention Award
18:30 | 20 Years of ESA BICs – Past Success and Impact
18:40 | Panel Discussion - ESA BIC Ecosystem & Behind the Scenes
19:15 | Highlight Video
19:20 | Panel Discussion - 20 Years of Growth: A Bottom-Up Perspective on the Future
20:00 | Award Ceremony - Junior and Senior Category
20:20 | Closing Remarks
20:30 | Networking with Flying Buffet
23:00 | Party Night
The full agenda and practical information about the event are available on ESA BIC's official website. On LinkedIn, the public group "ESA BIC 20 Years Anniversary" can be joined to read all the updates about the event and the winners of the awards.
