Companies are being encouraged to join a dynamic programme which unlocks the potential of space for businesses.
The University of Leicester’s £100 million science and innovation park, Space Park Leicester, offers the European Space Agency – Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC UK) programme which helps SMEs to develop technologies for the space sector.
The programme is for firms working in the industry or those considering developing new products and services for the sector and its next deadline for submissions is in September.
Space Park Leicester Head of Commercial and Innovation Vinay Patel said: “Whether firms are developing satellite communication tools, earth observation technologies or leveraging space assets for terrestrial applications, ESA BIC at Space Park Leicester provides the perfect platform to launch their venture.
“By joining this prestigious programme, businesses gain access to world-class facilities, expert business and intellectual property support as well as financial support to turn their innovative ideas into a commercial reality.”
Organisations which have previously benefitted from the programme at Space Park Leicester include carbon insurance specialist Kita Earth.
By introducing carbon insurance, Kita aims to de-risk carbon credit transactions and thereby encourage more investment into carbon removal projects which will result in less CO2 in the atmosphere.
Kita Earth CTO and Co-Founder Paul Young said: “The carbon markets are relatively new, and there is a lack of historical data. This can make it challenging to model performance and therefore underwrite insurance.
“In order to create accurate risk models, we were supported by ESA BIC to undertake research, testing and refinement of our risk models.
“Furthermore, the credibility that came from our association with ESA helped us to create momentum in our marketing and fundraising and secure our crucial Lloyd’s coverholder status and our nomination for the Earthshot prize as well as other successes.”
Successful ESA BIC applicants receive a range of support, including up to 80 hours of business coaching, 50 hours of technical support from University of Leicester Space and Earth Observation scientists and 10 hours of Intellectual Property Rights advice.
They also have access to the state-of-the-art co-working space at Space Park Leicester and receive three incentive grant payments totalling €60,000.
The ESA BIC application process is open three times a year and the next deadline for submissions will be in September. Applicants are invited to submit a business proposal outlining their idea and how it connects to space technology.
To learn more about ESA BIC, visit https://www.space-park.co.uk/esa-bic/ or contact Vinay Patel at [email protected]
For more information about Space Park Leicester, visit https://www.space-park.co.uk/ or to learn about the University of Leicester, visit https://le.ac.uk/about