ESA bic Centro

🚀 ESA BIC Centro is officially launched – and the journey begins!

🛰️ On June 16, we welcomed entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, industry representatives and institutional partners to the IPN Space Incubator to celebrate the official launch of ESA BIC Centro and the start of a new chapter for space innovation in Portugal’s Centro Region and the Azores.

The evening opened with remarks from the European Space Agency (ESA) and our co-funding partners, followed by a lively networking cocktail that brought old and new faces together around a shared passion for space.

It also coincided with the date of the first startup selection panel (results to follow soon!), making this a particularly special occasion.

🤝 A special thank you to ESA - European Space Agency , Portugal Space , Município de Coimbra , Região Metropolitana de Coimbra, Município da Pampilhosa da Serra, Incuba+ Santa Maria for their continuous support and commitment to this programme.

Are you ready for a lift-off? 🛰️

📅 The ESA BIC Centro Launch Event is just around the corner. We’ve prepared a full program to welcome you to our Space Incubator.

What to expect:
🕠 17:30 – Registration & Reception
🕕 18:00 – Opening Session (IPN + ESA)
🕕 18:15 – ESA BIC Centro: ProgrammeOverview
🕕 18:20 – Partners' Remarks (PT Space, CMC, CIM Região de Coimbra)
🕕 18:40 – Guided Tour | IPN Space Incubator
🕖 19:00 – Networking Cocktail

📍 Join us at IPN. Let's celebrate space together!

Register here:https://forms.office.com/e/ZyUzUcPjb0

ESA BIC Centro Launch Event! 🚀✨

We are officially launching a new era of space incubation! Join us for an evening dedicated to the Portuguese space ecosystem.

📅 June 16, 2026, 17:30
📍 Space Incubator (Building C), IPN – Coimbra

Come meet our partners, explore the Space Incubator, and network with the founders shaping the future.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/ZyUzUcPjb0

🇪🇸 João Carreira, Operations Manager and José Ricardo Aguilar, Contracts Officer, represented ESA BIC Centro and Instituto Pedro Nunes at the ESA Commercialisation Network Meeting 2026, in Seville, from May 19 to 21.

🌍 This event brought together ESA BICs, Phi-Labs, and Technology Brokers from across Europe to strengthen operational alignment, share methodologies, and build a more cohesive commercialisation network.

The core focus was clear:
🎯 Supporting space startup growth & market access.
🤝 Connecting founders with industry leaders.
💰 Improving investment readiness and funding.
⚡ Scaling disruptive technologies.

🛰️ With valuable insights from European peers, we return to Coimbra with fresh synergies and advanced strategies to fuel our regional space ecosystem!

🚀A huge thank you to all the startups and entrepreneurs who submitted their applications to join the ESA BIC Centro network.

What is happening now? 🛰️
1️⃣ Eligibility Check: Our team is already reviewing all applications to ensure they meet all the programme requirements.
2️⃣ Evaluation: Shortlisted projects will be invited to present to our expert panel (TEB - Tender Evaluation Board).
3️⃣ Selection: Successful startups will be welcomed into the programme.

We will be reaching out to all applicants soon with updates on their status.

🌍 The journey to space starts here.

⏳ 1 DAY TO GO! The doors to the European Space Agency’s network in Portugal are closing.

📍 Cut-off: May 24, 23:59.
📩 Submission: [email protected]
🚀 Finish your application today: https://space.ipn.pt/apply/

⏳ Hurry up! Time is running out!

🛰️ Do you have an innovative business with a space connection? This is your opportunity to make it happen! We are currently accepting applications for ESA BIC Centro until May 24!

🌌 Don't let your vision stay on the ground. Take the leap and join the European Space Agency’s business network in Portugal.

🔗 Apply now: https://space.ipn.pt/apply/

🛰️⚙ ESA BIC Centro isn't just about using space data on Earth. We are looking for the builders of the next generation of space technology.

Are you developing:
✅ Hardware & Components for satellites or launchers?
✅ Software & Instruments for space systems and missions?
✅ Advanced Materials for extreme environments?

If you are building products or services for the space sector, we have the funding, technical expertise from ESA, and the right infrastructure to help you scale.

🏁 Next Cut-off: May 24th.
🔗 Apply now: https://space.ipn.pt/

Is your business "Space" enough? Probably yes! 🛰️🌍

You don't need to build rockets to join ESA BIC Centro. If your startup uses:
✅ Earth Observation (e.g. precision agriculture, urban planning, disaster response)
✅ Satellite Communications (e.g. maritime IoT, remote connectivity, asset tracking)
✅ Space-derived materials or patents (e.g. medical devices, thermal solutions, construction)
..then we want to hear from you! Now is your chance to turn your vision into reality with the support of the European Space Agency.

🏁 Deadline: May 24th.
🔗 Check your eligibility and apply here: https://space.ipn.pt/apply/