Space Park Leicester calls on ambitious innovators to seize European Space Agency business opportunity
Innovative start-ups and ambitious entrepreneurs with ideas that could transform the future of space technology are being encouraged to apply for one of Europe’s most prestigious business incubation programmes before the next application deadline on 28 August 2026.
The European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC UK) at Space Park Leicester is searching for the next generation of businesses ready to turn cutting-edge ideas into commercial success.
Based at the University of Leicester’s internationally recognised £100 million space research and innovation hub, the programme supports both companies already operating in the space sector and those looking to apply space technologies, satellite data or Earth observation capabilities to solve challenges across industries including climate, transport, agriculture, healthcare, communications and finance.
Successful applicants receive a tailored package of business and technical support designed to accelerate growth and bring products to market faster. Alongside access to Space Park Leicester’s world-class facilities, companies benefit from expert guidance from University of Leicester scientists specialising in space and Earth observation, experienced entrepreneurs in residence, intellectual property advice and a grant package worth €60,000 to support eligible development costs.
The programme has already helped launch a number of high-growth companies that have gone on to achieve significant commercial success.
Among them is Frontier Space, which is developing biotechnology laboratories for use in space and has secured major investment while expanding its international partnerships. Communications technology company Messium has continued to develop innovative satellite communications systems following its time on the programme, while Exobotics has advanced robotic technologies designed for future in-orbit servicing and space operations. Carbon insurance specialist Kita also used its ESA BIC support to develop sophisticated risk models using Earth observation data, helping it build credibility with investors and customers, secure Lloyd’s coverholder status and gain international recognition, including a nomination for The Earthshot Prize.
Vinay Patel, Head of Commercial and Innovation at Space Park Leicester, said:
"ESA BIC is about helping ambitious businesses turn innovative ideas into commercially viable products and services with real-world impact.
"Many people assume they need to be building rockets or satellites to qualify, but that's simply not the case. We're looking for companies that can harness space technology, satellite data or expertise developed for the space sector to solve problems here on Earth as well as businesses developing technologies directly for the growing space economy.
"Successful applicants gain far more than financial support. They become part of a thriving innovation community with access to world-leading research expertise, experienced business mentors and a powerful European network that can open doors to new partnerships, customers and investors."
The incubation programme runs for either 12 or 24 months, depending on the needs of each business. During that time, companies receive up to 80 hours of dedicated business coaching, 50 hours of technical support from University of Leicester experts and specialist intellectual property advice, while being based within the collaborative co-working environment at Space Park Leicester.
Applications are assessed through a competitive process, with support also available for eligible businesses needing help to develop their business plans and incubation proposals before submission.
With the global space economy continuing to grow rapidly and space technologies playing an increasingly important role across multiple industries, ESA BIC offers an opportunity for early-stage companies to accelerate innovation with the backing of one of the world’s leading space organisations.
The next application deadline is 28 August 2026.
Businesses interested in applying or finding out whether their idea is suitable for the programme are encouraged to contact the ESA BIC team at Space Park Leicester for an informal discussion.
For more information about ESA BIC UK at Leicester, visit the Space Park Leicester website or contact: Innovate@space-park.co.uk.
To explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products, visit space-park.co.uk or to learn more about the University of Leicester visit le.ac.uk/.
Main image: Shield Space are current incubatees on the ESA BIC programme at Space Park Leicester
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