In 2016, the ESA BIC Network has been growing, there are now 16 ESA BIC Centres across Europe which supports startups using space technology for #downtoearth applications. Lots of new ideas have been submitted at the Copernicus Masters and at the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC), like the ESNC Netherlands 2016 prize winners. And a venture capital funds have been launched for space-based companies.
We have selected six new companies, two companies have started ( Skyflox and Cashrocket ) and five companies ( Solartechno Europe, Domus Roja, Opt-Net, Elbibi & eFarmer ) have finished the program.
Our online community on facebook and twitter has been growing and we have since this year also a showcase page on linkedin. And via our website our start-ups can now search for interns, staff and co-founders.
Two new partners have joined ESA BIC Noordwijk, Equidam and the ANWB, to support the startups and we will announce another new partner soon. In 2016 we organized two hackathons and the first one in 2017 ( the NASA Space Apps Challenge ) is planned for the weekend of 29-30 April, so save the date and like Space App your Life to stay up to date.
Next to the hackathon more events are already planned for 2017, we will again organize a number of workshops like “Technical Communication and How to create a TED-style talk” and for more events take a look at our calendar.
The first deadline for new applications in 2017 for ESA BIC Noordwijk has been set on the 8th of March. So if you are interested to apply click here. And if you not sure ESA BIC Noordwijk is the right place than sign up for the Space Business Innovation Day. At the Space Business Innovation Day you can get an impression of ESA BIC Noordwijk, be inspired and find out how space technology and data can be integrated into your start-up.
We would like to close with a presentation from Frank Salzgeber ( Head of ESA TTPO ), as a A New Year’s resolution: We need more Space.
