European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre Estonia (ESA BIC Estonia) had three new start-ups join the incubation program focusing on ground-based application of space technologies.
ESA BIC Estonia, opened end of last year, held a successful second round with six applicants. In March 22nd, an official evaluation board was held with representatives form ESA and ESA BIC Estonia’s consortia partners, choosing three start-ups to join ESA BIC Estonia.
Andrus Kurvits, member of board of Tartu Science Park and ESA BIC Estonia said, that the first two calls for start-ups show that Estonia is a Space Nation and thanks to programs like ESTCUBE we have lots of people and companies interested in natural sciences and engineering, developing innovative products and services. “We count the second round a great success and it seems that we have a lot of teams and start-ups with high potential, who could potentially take part in next rounds to come. The companies that were chosen to the incubation program are all related to ground-based application of space technologies. The next round for new teams will be in November 2018,” said Kurvits.
The head of Tehnopol Startup Incubator Martin Goroško encourages start-ups to think about the space. „Often entrepreneurs do not think that their activities could be related to space at all. Two companies, that joined the incubator in the last round, are not classical space businesses. But at the same time the technology that they use is space related and together with European Space Agency and cities of Tallinn and Tartu we can offer them 50 000 euros to support their development and offer top expert guidance to boost the development of their companies,“ said Goroško.
Hepta Airborne is focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles and data analysis based on power line control system development. This technology helps the companies which manage power grids to increase safety, quality and frequency of inspections while lowering significantly their expenses.
KappaZeta spin-off company from Tartu Observatory, using earth observation data to monitor grass meadows and to develop smart farming applications.
Powerup Energy Technologies is developing new generation of hydrogen fuel cells. Company’s purpose is to bring the space-based hydrogen fuel cell-based power generator technology for maritime vehicles, because it is more energy efficient, ecological, portable and maintenance free.
The deadline to apply for the third round is 8th of November 2018 and further information is available here: https://www.esabic.ee/
ESA BIC Estonia – creating new business opportunities
European Space Agency Estonian business incubator (ESA BIC Estonia) is the first of its kind in the Baltic States. The main goal of the ESA BIC Estonia is to create new jobs and to develop local economy. ESA BIC is European-wide network of incubators, with 17 space incubators from 15 countries, supporting the growth of 140 new companies yearly. The incubator has its premises in Tartu and Tallinn with main focus on helping 20 Estonian start-ups into the national market within five years, offering them 50 000 euros to develop their product or service with the support of ESA and an active mentor program.
The lead partner of ESA BIC Estonia is Tartu Science Park, offering incubation services in cooperation with Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol in Tallinn and Tartu.
The consortium of ESA BIC Estonia has eight partners: Tartu Science Park, Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol, City of Tartu, City of Tallinn, University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, Tartu Observatory and Kredex.
More information about ESA BIC Estonia can be found here.
