Want to build a space tech related business and join the Noordwijk space community? Great! Just head over to the application page, read everything about the contents of the programme… But wait. Before you apply, there is something else you need to know. And that is about mutual commitment.
What do we mean by that? To really understand it, have a look at three points in which we stand out from other startup programmes.
- We are super niche
In the Netherlands, there is simply no other incubation programme dedicated to space tech as much as ESA BIC Noordwijk. This has extreme advantages, like great contact with ESA and offering very specific support tailored to the space industry (technical, business, IP). - We ask no equity or fee
A lot of the popular incubators and accelerators ask for shares in your company in exchange for being in the programme. Not here. No shares, no convertibles, no hidden costs. You even get compensated* up to 50,000 euros** (in trenches) for product development and IP. It is your idea; your business. - Strong space community
We have a vast network of experts, partners, alumni and startups in the space tech business. Many of them started here in ESA BIC Noordwijk. We identify as a community that intrinsically aspires to create solutions for “bigger” issues in the world (and beyond).
Points 1 and 2 above is our commitment to the incubated startups. The reason we mentioned mutual commitment is that in point 3 we need to mutually work together to have the strongest community.
*This means you will need to be able to pay the bills yourself in the beginning! We cannot stress this enough.
**The incentive amount for the 2-year programme was increased to 60,000 euros in 2024
The hidden glue
While we strive to build and continue to develop a community based around our HQ, we simply cannot do that without the startups in the ESA BIC programme getting involved. All ESA BIC startups (during incubation and even after graduation) are at the heart of our community. See it like this: #1 and #2 are bricks to building a house. But #3 is the cement. It is keeping everything together. Basically, you are the hidden glue of our local space community! Without it, we have just some loose bricks – and we cannot build a proper house. And that is a waste of the bricks.
We are doing our very best to give you the best programme possible – and in return we expect you to give back that same commitment. At ESA BIC Noordwijk, we are here for building and creating value together.
Commiting to being active in the community
So, here is what we expect from you – simply, that you are active in the community. This means:
- Being in the offices in Noordwijk regularly (min. twice a week ). We also ask to incorporate your business at our address and rent workspace here;
- We firmly believe that working side-by-side with other entrepreneurs – whom are facing or already faced the same challenges – helps you with growing your company;
- Attend all monthly Entrepreneurs Coffee sessions (sharing business updates);
- Attend all monthly network drinks (networking with the space sector);
- Attend all bi-monthly meetings with business development manager Jacobo Domingo;
- Attend all bi-monthly marketing meetings with marketing manager Carmel McNamara;
- Participate in sparring sessions with other entrepreneurs;
- Be willing to join most of all other organised events and opportunities that arise;
- Make the most of all the exclusive invitations that incubatees receive;
- Contribute to the community by sharing your experiences, celebrate successes and lessons learned after failures;
- At the end of the programme, we ask you to give a closing presentation to the community;
- After the programme we stay in touch. We ask you to fill in an annual progress report, we will keep you inviting for our events.
Take it from entrepreneurs who have been through the programme, commiting to all the above points will totally enrich your experience of being incubated at ESA’s business incubation programme.
It takes two to tango
So, we are all about making the commitment to our community. This is how we believe you can create the most value out of your stay at ESA BIC Noordwijk. Yes, it takes two to tango. So, if you feel you are ready to dance – then fill in the application!
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