

Application process, criteria and support
Next application deadline: October 1st, 2026
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
- Secured local co-funding from Innovation Norway, Norwegian Research Council or Norwegian Space Agency
Unsure about your space connection? Reach out!
Application Process
1Contact us
Send an e-mail to our project Manager, Oda
2Open Call Documents
3Secure 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
4Fill in the application
- Cover Letter template
- Business Plan template
- Incubation Proposal template
- Tables & Figures templates
- Open Call
Tip: Read the evaluation criteria,
you will be assessed on a set of areas of your business
5Send the application
What happens after you have sent your application?
1Confirmation
Witin 24 hrs - Confirmation of received application.
2Formalities check
Within 1 week - 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.
3Pitch to evaluation board (TEB)
3+ 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 HQ and partners, Norwegian Space Agency and Innovation Norway.
4Contract Negotiation
The startups selected will be offered a contract followed by contract negotiations.
5Onboarding
Kick-off incubation.

Pre‑Incubation Program: Info Webinar & Q&A
May 12th - 08.30 - 09.00 CET
Oda Rønning Danielsen from ESA BIC Norway and Kjeller Innovasjon explains how the ESA BIC Norway Pre-Incubation Program helps early-stage founders develop space-enabled business ideas and prepare for future incubation.
- What the Pre-Incubation Program is and how it works
- Who the program is designed for
- How space technology and space data can create new business opportunities
- What you can gain from participating, including support, guidance, and access to a relevant network
- How to apply and what the next steps are
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.

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.
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 ESA incentive cover in expenditures?
What is the exchange rate used for the ESA incentives? (Updated yearly, currently 11,7907)
What is the procedure when I apply for incubation in the ESA BIC Norway program?
What are the evaluation criteria? (Tips)
Is it mandatory to have one person permanently located at one of the BIC-office?
How long does the incubation last?
Do I have to have already founded a company to apply?
Can I re-apply if my first application has beed rejected?
Will the Incubator or ESA take equity in the incubated company?
Can I apply other ESA funded opportunties within Incubation? (Be aware of the risk of double funded activities)
What is the goal of ESA BICs?
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