Get ready to transform your early-stage innovation into a market-ready venture. Specially designed to improve your space-focused business model, we are now seeking applications from aspiring entrepreneurs for the ESA-supported Ignition Programme. This is the perfect step to investigate the feasibility of your idea via pre-incubation. Join the training course to receive tailored support and get prepared for ESA BIC Noordwijk’s incubation opportunities, which includes up to €60K equity-free funding, to take your idea to new heights! Secure your place on this free 4-week pre-incubation programme without delay. Apply by 6 Aug
Core programme with training over 4 weeks (1 day per week)
The exclusive programme is designed to fit the needs of most founders and entrepreneurs – with a primary purpose to be a pre-incubation programme that can lead to ESA BIC Noordwijk. This means a space connection is advised before submitting your application.
The Ignition Programme offers dedicated training with a core programme of 4 days (spread over 4 weeks). The goal is to deepen the various aspects of a successful idea. In essence, the programme educates startups to develop an insight-based and validated business plan. The programme will help to develop and strengthen promising ideas by guiding startups through the what, how and why of market validation.
All this will take place at the inspiring location of the SBIC headquarters in Noordwijk. Get the link to the application form here and, if you have any questions, please get in touch.
You will learn about:
- Research the space link of your business
- Discover the technical feasibility of your idea
- Learn about finance and IP
- Improve your business model
- Research the market need
These topics cover the requirements to create an insightful business plan, which will be required if you progress to apply for ESA’s business incubation programme in Noordwijk. So, join us in August if you want to improve your chances to succeed when/if you apply for the next ESA BIC 2026 selection round later this year.
Don’t take our word for it
Since its initiation in 2019, the Ignition Programme has been supporting entrepreneurs to get on track to launch their space related businesses. In fact, a whole host of ESA BIC graduates – such as Marmoris, Revolv Space, Soilspect and Spherical Systems – have previously been participants in this vital pre-incubation programme. See more testimonials for this unique training course on this page.
Take action to join this edition!
The Ignition Programme takes place at the SBIC headquarters in Noordwijk and the core dates are mandatory. Attendance is required (from 10:00 to 16:00) for one day per week across the four weeks of the programme; on three Fridays and then the last day will be on a Tuesday, with final presentations to an audience of peers from the space business community at SBIC:
Dates: 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 4 Sep and 11 Sep
Onboarding will happen (online) in the week prior to the start of the programme.
Best of all: It’s a free programme. We only ask you to be present at all the sessions.
Deadline to apply: 8 Feb 2026 (23:59 CEST)
GOOD TO KNOW:
1. The programme will be in English.
2. There is no application fee.
3. After validating your space business idea, why not apply to join ESA BIC?
Sign up to be updated about deadlines (click the Ignition & ESA BIC boxes)!
