Apply - ESA BIC Norway

Application process, criteria and support
Next application deadline: September 1st 2025

Who can apply?
To be eligible to submit an application, you must meet the following checklist

A product or service with a clear space connection
A registrered company under 5 years of age
A legal work permit in Norway

Unsure about your space connection? Reach out!
Application Process

1
Contact us
Send an e-mail to our project Manager, Oda
2
Open Call Documents
Download the document package

3
Secure co-funding
Secure local co-funding of at least € 30k with:
Innovation Norway (Startup grant 2 or STUD-ENT or any other grant endorsed by ESA BIC NO)
Norwegian Space Agency (innovasjonstilskudd)
Selected grants at the Norwegian Research Council
4
Fill in the application
Cover Letter template
Business Plan template
Incubation Proposal template
Tables & Figures templates
Open Call template
Tip: Read the evaluation criteria,
you will be assessed on a set of areas of your business
5
Send the application
Send your application to post@esabic.no.
What happens after you have sent your application?

1
Within 24 hrs
Confirmation of received application.
2
Within 2 weeks
Your application and cover letter will be evaluated on formal requirements.
If we find any informalities, you will have 48 hours to update and resend application.

3
Within 6 weeks
All eligable applicants are invited to pitch their startup and application, followed by Q&A.
The panel consists of representatives from ESA, ESA BIC Norway, Norwegian Space Agency and Innovation Norway.
4
Contract Negotiation
The startups selected will be offered a contract followed by contract negotiations.
5
Onboarding
Kick-off incubation.
Join us for the Nordic Academy Webinar!
Unlock the secrets to successful fundraising with our Practical Guide on raising capital. This insightful session offers a hands-on approach, encouraging questions, discussion, and the sharing of real-world fundraising experiences.
Program highlights:
🔹 Intro to VC Funding – Kremena Toshev, SNÖ Ventures
🔹 Raising Capital: Best Practices – Nicolai Julsvoll, Haaron Malik and Elias Kjelløkken, all from Thommessen
🗓 Date: May 28th, 2025
🕐 Time: 13:00–15:00 CEST
📍 Location: Thommessen, Ruseløkkveien 38, Oslo or join us online via Teams
Nordic Academy is a webinar series designed to strengthen the competencies of startups and alumni in the ESA BICs across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The series features quarterly sessions focused on key topics relevant to these companies.
The Nordic Academy is organized in collaboration with the ESA BICs in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
More information and register here

Need help with your ESA BIC Norway Application?
Do you have questions or need guidance to finalize your application? We're here to help!
On January 14th, from 12.00 - 15.00 CET, you can book a private, one-on-one session with our team and get personalized advice and answers to your questions.
Secure your spot now! Fill out the questionnaire and receive a meeting invitation for a private session via Teams.
Sign up now!

Application webinar
Join the Application Webinar on December 5th: 09.00 - 09.45 CET

Oda Rønning Danielsen from ESA BIC Norway and Kjeller Innovasjon introduces our national space incubator and guides you through the application process.
• Gain insights into the benefits and opportunities of joining ESA BIC Norway.
• Learn about the support and resources available to incubated companies.
• Receive a step-by-step guide on how to apply and what we look for in applicants.
• Have the opportunity to ask questions directly to our team.

Sign up now!
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my product or service needs space technology and where can I find space technology?
What can the incentive money be used to pay for?
What is the exchange rate used for the ESA incentives?
Is it mandatory to have one person permanently located at one of the BIC-office?
What is the procedure when I apply for incubation in the ESA BIC Norway program?
How long does the incubation last?
Do I have to have already founded a company to apply?
What are the evaluation criteria?
Can I re-apply if my first application has beed rejected?
Will the Incubator or ESA take equity in the incubated company?
What is the goal of ESA BICs?

Next application deadline: September 1st 2025

Who can apply?

To be eligible to submit an application, you must meet the following checklist

Unsure about your space connection? Reach out!

Application Process

Contact us

Open Call Documents

Secure co-funding

Fill in the application

Send the application

What happens after you have sent your application?

Within 24 hrs

Within 2 weeks

Within 6 weeks

Contract Negotiation

Onboarding

Join us for the Nordic Academy Webinar!

Need help with your ESA BIC Norway Application?

Application webinar

Join the Application Webinar on December 5th: 09.00 - 09.45 CET Oda Rønning Danielsen from ESA BIC Norway and Kjeller Innovasjon introduces our national space incubator and guides you through the application process.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my product or service needs space technology and where can I find space technology?

What can the incentive money be used to pay for?

What is the exchange rate used for the ESA incentives?

Is it mandatory to have one person permanently located at one of the BIC-office?

What is the procedure when I apply for incubation in the ESA BIC Norway program?

How long does the incubation last?

Do I have to have already founded a company to apply?

What are the evaluation criteria?

Can I re-apply if my first application has beed rejected?

Will the Incubator or ESA take equity in the incubated company?

What is the goal of ESA BICs?

Join the Application Webinar on December 5th: 09.00 - 09.45 CET

Oda Rønning Danielsen from ESA BIC Norway and Kjeller Innovasjon introduces our national space incubator and guides you through the application process.