ESA BIC Andalucía, the European Space Agency’s only business incubator in Andalusia, managed by CATEC, has successfully concluded its first call for applications from new start-ups in the space sector; the deadline for submissions closed at the end of 2025, with a significant number of applications received.

These applications, relating to initiatives and projects linked to space activities, have already undergone technical evaluation, and the final selections will be announced publicly in the coming days.

The proposals submitted in this first call for applications were assessed by the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB), a technical committee that met at CATEC’s headquarters in Seville, comprising the European Space Agency (ESA); the Spanish Space Agency (AEE); the Directorate-General for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Continuing Education of the Regional Ministry of Universities, Research and Innovation of the Regional Government of Andalusia; CATEC, and ESA BIC Andalucía.

This first call for space startups from ESA BIC Andalucía was aimed at both entrepreneurs in the process of setting up a startup and established companies less than five years old, and focused on initiatives with the potential for scaling up, technological applicability and a direct link to the space sector.

The selected projects must be developing innovative products, services or business models with a connection to the space sector, either through the direct use of space technologies, infrastructure or data, or through derived applications.

During an incubation period of up to two years, the selected startups will have access to a comprehensive support package designed to accelerate their business development. This package includes:

  • €60,000 in direct, non-repayable funding, co-financed equally by the ESA and the Regional Ministry of Universities, Research and Innovation.
  • 80 hours of specialist advice, combining business coaching, legal consultancy on intellectual property, and technical support for the development and validation of technological solutions.
  • Free access to the facilities and infrastructure of ESA BIC Andalucía in Seville, provided by Seville City Council, throughout the incubation period.
  • Support in securing funding, including access to investors and public funds,
  • And participation in networking and visibility activities within ESA’s European network of ESA BICs.

ESA BIC Andalucía plans to launch its second call for applications from start-ups or innovative companies operating in the space sector in the second half of 2026.

Managed by CATEC and supported by the European Space Agency, the Spanish Space Agency, the Regional Ministry of Universities, Research and Innovation of the Regional Government of Andalusia, and Seville City Council, the main objective of ESA BIC Andalucía is to support innovative start-ups with links to the space sector, facilitating their development and growth in a specialised environment, providing financial support, technical and legal advice, and the opportunity to join an international network with access to collaboration opportunities and visibility within the European space ecosystem.

The ultimate aim of the initiative is to strengthen Andalusia’s space entrepreneurship ecosystem, promote the creation of new companies and attract talent and investment to the sector.