If you're an entrepreneur or early-stage start-up working with space technology — or applying space-derived solutions to terrestrial challenges, the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) at DCU:Innovate Hub offers technical, business, financial, and incubation support to grow your business. 

As part of Ireland’s ESA BIC network, DCU:Innovate supports businesses using space-enabled technologies, data, or know-how across a variety of sectors — from transport and logistics to climate tech, AI, and health. The programme is specifically designed to help start-ups navigate the early, high-risk stages of commercialisation.

What We Offer

Through ESA BIC at DCU:Innovate Hub, start-ups can benefit from a tailored package of technical, financial and business support, including:

€50,000 in non-equity grant funding to accelerate product and business development

Business and technical mentoring from DCU:Innovate Enterprise and wider ESA BIC partners

Access to office space and prototyping labs at DCU:Innovate Hub

Access to a cluster of like minded spacetech entrepreneurs already established at DCU:Innovate Hub, including companies like Ubotica, Enbio, Pilot Photonics, Taoglas and the Irish Space Association amongst others.

An opportunity to collaborate with DCU researchers, especially in areas such as sensor tech, AI, Earth observation, and data analytics

Opportunities for networking, investor engagement and visibility through the wider ESA BIC Europe and Irish Space Industry networks

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is open to start-ups (typically less than 5 years old) with global ambitions and a base in the Republic of Ireland that are:

Developing technologies originally designed for the space sector

Using satellite data, signals, or systems in non-space application

Bringing innovative solutions to market that benefit from ESA’s technical legacy or infrastructure

Whether you’re working on drone navigation, precision agriculture, sustainable logistics, or climate risk monitoring, if your technology has a connection to, or potential application in space you may be eligible to apply.

Why DCU?

DCU:Innovate hub is home to a growing community of deep-tech and connected hardware start-ups tackling global challenges. Co-located with DCU’s renowned research centres and supported by DCU:Innovate Enterprise, the ESA BIC programme at DCU offers an integrated ecosystem of innovation, funding, mentorship and technical collaboration.

Further Information 

For further information on how to apply, see https://www.esaspacesolutions.ie/esa-bic-ireland/ or contact ronan.cunningham@dcu.ie

Applications are open on a rolling basis throughout the year. We encourage early conversations before submission.