SBIC’s Soft Landing programme attracted four companies to the Netherlands in 2023

SBIC offers a variety of programmes that enable the transformation of space-related business concepts into successful commercial companies. To join, you first need to be resident in the Netherlands – and our specially-designed Soft Landing programme can help with that. You receive assistance geared towards relocating, including introductions and help with the Dutch tax and legal system, as well as business support, coaching, help with visa applications and much more. In this article, we introduce you to the four companies that started the programme in 2023.

The Soft Landing programme was launched in 2021 and has been gaining momentum in attracting new companies to the region, which in turn contributes to the development of the space business network of the Netherlands. SBIC Noordwijk is ideally situated to manage this initiative. Our position and expertise in the Dutch innovation ecosystem is recognised from abroad, having received considerable interest from companies outside of the Netherlands that are keen to join us and several of them have joined our Soft Landing programme. Recently, the presentation of Martijn Leinweber (SBIC COO) during the Aerospace Delta session at the 2023 Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany garnered the attention of numerous entities seeking an entry into the Dutch space industry landscape.

Land your company in the heart of the Dutch space ecosystem

There could be various reasons why you would like to relocate to the Netherlands. One key reason for moving might be to join the Dutch business incubation centre of the European Space Agency (ESA BIC Noordwijk). Yes, you could choose any location from the largest incubation network in Europe but only one (i.e. ours) – the flagship and first ever ESA BIC with almost 20 years of operation – is a stone’s throw away from ESA’s main research and development site at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), which can be very beneficial during your incubation.

Another reason to join the Soft Landing programme could be that you wish to expand your company, acting as a gateway to Europe through your new Dutch location, or you simply wish to establish your new startup here. Whatever your impetus, we are here to support you with a smooth transition into the Netherlands.

Meet the companies that joined the programme in 2023

We are thrilled to have been able to help four companies relocate in 2023 and it is exciting to see each of the teams begin creating a base at SBIC Noordwijk through this programme and becoming established in the local network. Progress has been swift and there have been a number of benefits coming to fruition in the short time since starting the programme in the summer; for instance:

• 4 Earth 2 Mars is creating new contacts for its sustainable habitats system
• G-Wave is founding a base in the Netherlands for its wireless connectivity activities
• KM Sense is forging connections with startups in the ESA BIC programme and investigating collaborations via the ESA Technology Broker for the Netherlands
• Qubitrium is establishing connections with industrial partners and academic research in order to contribute to the burgeoning field of space-based quantum technologies.

Discover more via the information listed below and on the companies’ own websites.

---

Why join the programme?
To facilitate communication, connection and collaboration with like-minded stakeholders for building affordable, accessible and sustainable habitats on Earth and beyond.

What was your draw to the Netherlands?
The Dutch economy is based on international trade, working towards a sustainable future, with the possibility to communicate in English.

Company profile:
The company 4 Earth 2 Mars tackles the climate-housing crisis by reducing environmental impacts and costs in the construction sector. It does this by using geometry, origami and circular design principles. The startup develops circular architectural techniques that enable locals to build with just four modules. The initial projects are Circular Tiny Habitats and Circular Extraterrestrial Hostel. 4omid.com

Why join the programme?
To facilitate the establishment of our project in the Netherlands.

What was your draw to the Netherlands?
The Netherlands boasts one of the most powerful economies in Europe, coupled with an approachable bureaucratic system and easy access to technology.

Company profile:
G-Wave is at the forefront of innovating fixed wireless access technology. As a collective of seasoned industry experts, the company is passionately driving the next wave of wireless connectivity. With a clear vision for the future, the team members are not just responding to industry changes – they are anticipating and shaping them. g-wave.nl (in development)

Why join the programme?
To achieve our commercial and technological goals, we thought it beneficial to be integrated into the European space ecosystem, for collaboration and business opportunities.

What was your draw to the Netherlands?
Noordwijk is geographically an ideal place to enter the European space ecosystem, being close to ESTEC and other organisations. Alongside that, the Netherlands is a great place to do business with its economy, stability, geographic position and mindset. Thirdly, we really like the Netherlands as a country.

Company profile:
The mission of KM Sense is to enhance the safety and reliability of space operations and contribute to the democratisation of space. It delivers reliable and accurate altitude determination sensors for satellite manufacturers. KM Sense was established in the Netherlands in 2023 and is a spin-off from the Turkish company Karakamlar. kmsense.com

Why join the programme?
To anchor within the thriving space ecosystem of the Netherlands and integrate into the quantum and space sectors of Europe – a crucial step in our mission to advance space-based quantum technologies.

What was your draw to the Netherlands?
We strategically chose the Netherlands for expansion due to its thriving space ecosystem, particularly the ESA campus near SBIC Noordwijk. Being in such close proximity allows us to tap into the rich resources and expertise available.

Company profile:
Qubitrium develops advanced quantum technologies on the verge of the second quantum revolution. The company offers solutions to problems in quantum cryptography, communication and quantum sensing. In addition to developing and producing advanced quantum products, services are provided to deliver quantum technologies to industrial organisations. qubitrium.com.tr

Soft Landing partners:

If you wish to find out more about the Soft Landing programme, we invite you to get in touch.

Related:

• To receive updates the SBIC programmes, you can sign up for news here.