ESA BIC Sweden
ESA BIC Sweden is Sweden's national space-tech business incubator, providing up to €50,000 in non-dilutive funding, ESA IP access, and 80 hours of technical support to early-stage space startups across four regional hubs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersLuleå, Sweden
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What ESA BIC Sweden does
ESA BIC Sweden is the National Incubator for Space Connected Startups in Sweden, operated as a public-private partnership under the European Space Agency's pan-European Business Incubation Centre network. Established in December 2015, the program is managed by Arctic Business in Luleå in collaboration with three regional operators: Uppsala Innovation Centre (Capital Region), Innovatum Science Park (Southwestern Region), and Ideon Science Park (Southern Region). It runs a Permanent Open Call application process accepting space-connected startups no older than five years, with a 24-month incubation period covering workspace, business coaching, mentorship, and up to 80 hours of technical partner support.
The program's core offering is non-dilutive incentive funding of up to €50,000 per accepted startup, jointly sourced from the European Space Agency and Vinnova (Sweden's government innovation agency). Beyond capital, incubatees gain access to ESA intellectual property for commercialization, ESA Earth Observation databases and Nebula open-source repositories, and a network of more than 25 technical partners including AAC Clyde Space, OHB Sweden, GKN Aerospace, Beyond Gravity, Swedish Space Corporation, Spaceport Sweden, and the Swedish Institute of Space Physics. Seven Swedish universities — Luleå University of Technology, Uppsala University's Ångström Space Technology Centre, Chalmers, University West, Stockholm University, Mälardalens University, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences — provide academic collaboration and talent pipelines. Additional programming includes the Nordic Academy webinar series (co-delivered with ESA BICs in Denmark and Norway), the annual Space Sweden Summit, and IP-management partnerships with IamIP, AWA, and Bergenstråhle & Partners.
The business model is structurally non-commercial: the incubator earns no application or membership fees and does not take equity in incubatees. Funding flows from ESA and Vinnova as grants, and the program's outputs are measured in cohort throughput (60+ supported startups since opening), not in revenue. The customer base is fragmented across highly varied downstream and upstream space verticals — including Earth observation analytics, satellite propulsion, forest-drone scanning, avalanche detection, hyperspectral medical imaging, and commercial astronaut training — and includes both ESA member-state and Swedish-domestic applicants. Operational control sits with Arctic Business as the managing partner of the Northern Region hub, where ESA BIC Manager Kristina Öhman and four regional business advisors coordinate national activity.
ESA BIC Sweden firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ESA BIC Sweden
- Legal name
- ESA BIC Sweden
- Website
- https://esa-bic.se
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- ESA BIC Sweden is Sweden's national space-tech business incubator, providing up to €50,000 in non-dilutive funding, ESA IP access, and 80 hours of technical support to early-stage space startups across four regional hubs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ESA BIC Sweden industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Startup Incubation Services
- NAICS
- Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accelerator / Incubator-Backed ETA Programs (FSANALAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Spacecraft Integration, Assembly & Test (IAT) (IMABACAK)
Keywords
Where ESA BIC Sweden is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Luleå
- HQ country
- Sweden
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
ESA BIC Sweden business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Government-funded startup incentives: ESA BIC Sweden provides up to €50,000 in incentive funding per accepted startup, sourced jointly from ESA and Vinnova (the Swedish government innovation agency). Funding is intended to accelerate startup development during the incubation period of up to 24 months.
- Incubation program fees: Startups accepted into ESA BIC Sweden receive funding as part of the incubation program; the program also covers access to office facilities, ESA network events, and technical partner support at no separate cost to the incubatee during the program period.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Incubation program incentive funding |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
ESA BIC Sweden product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ESA BIC Sweden is a national business incubation program for space-connected startups in Sweden, providing selected startups with up to €50,000 in non-dilutive seed funding (matched by ESA and Vinnova), up to 80 hours of ESA technical support, business coaching, office space across four regional hubs, and access to ESA intellectual property. The program is operated by Arctic Business and partners under a contract with the European Space Agency, and is part of the wider ESA BIC pan-European network.
Product overview
ESA BIC Sweden is the National Incubator for Space Connected Startups, managed by Arctic Business in collaboration with Uppsala Innovation Centre, Innovatum, and Ideon Science Park. The organization does not offer a single product but rather provides a comprehensive incubation ecosystem consisting of business development support, funding access (up to €50,000 from ESA and Vinnova), technical support through partner networks (up to 80 hours), and workspace across four regional centers in Luleå, Uppsala, Trollhättan, and Lund. Additional offerings include the Nordic Academy webinar series for startup competency development, the ESA BIC Sweden Open Call application system, and access to ESA's vast network of experts, mentors, and industry leaders. The organization has supported more than 60 space tech startups since opening in December 2015.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ESA BIC Sweden Incubation Program Two-step business incubation program for space-connected startups in Sweden, offering up to €50,000 in non-dilutive funding (matched by ESA and Vinnova), up to 80 hours of ESA technical support, business coaching, access to ESA intellectual property, and office space across four regional hubs (Luleå, Uppsala, Trollhättan, Lund). Selected startups join the wider ESA BIC European network of alumni.
- Nordic Academy Educational and training program associated with ESA BIC Sweden, supporting the broader capacity-building mission of the ESA BIC node for space-connected entrepreneurs.
Quantifiable outcome
- Supported more than 60 space tech startups since opening in December 2015
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ESA BIC Sweden
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
ESA BIC Sweden technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
ESA BIC Sweden partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
28 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Arctic Business (ABI)coreArctic Business is the managing operator of ESA BIC Sweden in the Northern Region (Luleå). It coordinates overall ESA BIC Sweden operations, provides business incubator infrastructure, and serves as the primary administrative contact for the national program.
- Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC)coreUppsala Innovation Centre manages ESA BIC Sweden in the Capital Region (Uppsala). It provides incubatee facilities including cleanroom access for startups, and business development support.
- Innovatum Science ParkcoreInnovatum manages ESA BIC Sweden in the Southwestern Region (Trollhättan), providing incubation infrastructure and regional startup support services.
- Ideon Science ParkcoreIdeon Science Park manages ESA BIC Sweden in the Southern Region (Lund), providing incubation workspace and access to the broader Ideon innovation ecosystem.
- ESA (European Space Agency)coreESA is the primary backer and brand licensor of ESA BIC Sweden. It provides funding contributions, the ESA BIC brand, access to ESA IP, technical networks, and entry to the international ESA BIC community and ESA events.
- Luleå University of Technology (LTU)majorA local university partner providing academic collaboration, research access, and talent pipeline for ESA BIC Sweden startups, particularly in the Northern Region.
- Ångström Space Technology Centre (ÅSTC), Uppsala UniversitymajorAcademic space technology research centre providing technical expertise and knowledge transfer for ESA BIC Sweden startups, particularly in the Capital Region.
- University WestmajorRegional university partner contributing academic resources and research collaboration for ESA BIC Sweden in the Southwestern Region.
- University of StockholmminorAcademic partner contributing research collaboration and talent to ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- Mälardalens UniversityminorAcademic partner providing research collaboration and student talent for ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- Chalmers University of TechnologymajorLeading Swedish technical university that has been the origin of several ESA BIC Sweden startups including Solinide Photonics and InfiniNode Technologies. Provides deep-tech research collaboration and talent pipeline.
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)minorAcademic partner providing research expertise relevant to space applications in agriculture and environmental monitoring.
- AAC Clyde Space ABmajorTechnical partner providing satellite manufacturing expertise and technology access for ESA BIC Sweden startups developing satellite-based products and services.
- APR Technologies ABmajorTechnical partner — a global supplier of thermal management products for spacecraft, airplanes, and automotive systems. Provides technology access and technical consultation for startups.
- Aeroflex Gaisler ABmajorTechnical partner providing semiconductor and space-grade electronics expertise for ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- Beyond GravitymajorTechnical partner supplying space technology components and integration expertise for ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- EISCAT Scientific AssociationmajorTechnical partner providing scientific radar and space physics expertise for ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- GKN Aerospace ABmajorTechnical partner providing aerospace manufacturing and materials expertise for ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF)majorTechnical partner providing space physics research and instrumentation expertise for ESA BIC Sweden startups. IRF Space Lab is also a listed partner.
- OHB Sweden ABmajorTechnical partner — a European space technology company providing satellite and spacecraft manufacturing expertise for ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- Swedish Space Corporation (SSC)majorTechnical and strategic partner providing satellite ground station services, space base development (Esrange), and rocket testing capabilities. SSC actively engages with ESA BIC Sweden startups as a pipeline for future space industry talent and collaboration.
- Spaceport Sweden ABmajorTechnical partner providing launch site infrastructure and suborbital flight expertise for ESA BIC Sweden startups and human spaceflight programs.
- AWAmajorIP partner providing patent and intellectual property management expertise to ESA BIC Sweden startups, helping them protect and commercialise their innovations.
- Bergenstråhle & PartnersminorIP partner providing intellectual property legal services to ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- IamIPmajorIP partner providing AI-powered patent management and categorisation tools to ESA BIC Sweden startups. IamIP has launched features such as the AI Patent Summarizer and AI Patent Categorizer to help startups manage and protect their IP.
- AboveminorExpert partner providing business consulting and advisory services to ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- CIVITTA SwedenminorExpert partner providing management consulting and innovation advisory services to ESA BIC Sweden startups.
- EasyfairsminorEvent partner providing event management and exhibition services for ESA BIC Sweden programs and showcases.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ESA BIC Sweden competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Techstars: Global accelerator network operating industry-agnostic and sector-specific programs (including aerospace). Comparable as an accelerator structure but lacks the ESA-specific brand, IP access, and public grant funding model that defines ESA BIC Sweden.
- European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator: Broader European public funding and accelerator programme supporting deep-tech and space startups with grants and equity. Not a direct ESA BIC peer but competes for the same high-quality space-tech founder pool.
Direct peers
- ESA BIC Norway: Norwegian counterpart in the ESA BIC network with identical mandate, funding structure (ESA + national innovation agency), and target cohort of space-connected startups.
- ESA BIC Denmark: National ESA Business Incubation Centre operating under the same ESA BIC framework in Denmark. Directly comparable as a publicly funded space-tech startup incubator offering similar grant funding, technical support, and ESA IP access.
- ESA BIC Portugal: Portuguese ESA Business Incubation Centre using identical funding, application, and incubation mechanisms as the rest of the pan-European ESA BIC network.
- ESA BIC UK: UK ESA BIC delivering the same public-private incubator model to space-connected startups with ESA co-funding and partner ecosystem access.
- ESA BIC Germany: Germany hosts multiple ESA BIC sites (e.g., Bavaria, Berlin-Brandenburg) running the same model of grant funding and technical support for space startups, making them direct peers in the broader European network.
- ESA BIC France: French ESA Business Incubation Centre providing equivalent grant funding, incubation periods, and ESA IP access for French space-tech startups.
- ESA BIC Netherlands: Dutch national ESA BIC operating the same incubator model with ESA co-funding, regional hub structure, and space-tech startup selection criteria.
- ESA BIC Italy: Italian ESA BIC node operating the same incubator framework with comparable grant sizes, technical partner network, and space-sector focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ESA BIC Sweden social profiles
Digital presenceESA BIC Sweden financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ESA BIC Sweden leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
ESA BIC Sweden funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ESA BIC Sweden M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ESA BIC Sweden
What does ESA BIC Sweden do?
ESA BIC Sweden is a national business incubation program for space-connected startups in Sweden, providing selected startups with up to €50,000 in non-dilutive seed funding (matched by ESA and Vinnova), up to 80 hours of ESA technical support, business coaching, office space across four regional hubs, and access to ESA intellectual property. The program is operated by Arctic Business and partners under a contract with the European Space Agency, and is part of the wider ESA BIC pan-European network.
Is ESA BIC Sweden a public or private company?
ESA BIC Sweden is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was ESA BIC Sweden founded?
ESA BIC Sweden was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is ESA BIC Sweden based?
ESA BIC Sweden is headquartered in Luleå, Sweden, in the Europe region.
How does ESA BIC Sweden make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government-funded startup incentives are the primary driver. The others are incubation program fees.
Who are ESA BIC Sweden's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Techstars and European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. Direct peers are ESA BIC Norway, ESA BIC Denmark, ESA BIC Portugal, ESA BIC UK, ESA BIC Germany, ESA BIC France, ESA BIC Netherlands and ESA BIC Italy.
Does ESA BIC Sweden have an API?
No public API is recorded for ESA BIC Sweden.
What industry is ESA BIC Sweden in?
ESA BIC Sweden's product category is Startup Incubation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSANALAD, Accelerator / Incubator-Backed ETA Programs, with a secondary code of IMABACAK, Spacecraft Integration, Assembly & Test (IAT). Its NAICS code is 813 and its SIC code is 8600.