The Ignition Programme is offering its first pre-incubation training edition for 2026, designed for aspiring space entrepreneurs looking to enhance their space-focused business models. This complimentary 4-week course serves as a preparatory step for those considering an application to the ESA BIC incubation program, aiming to strengthen their business ideas and improve their chances of success. The program is structured to fit the needs of founders and entrepreneurs, with a primary purpose of pre-incubation that can lead to ESA BIC Noordwijk.
Program Overview
• Objective: To educate startups in developing an insight-based and validated business plan through guidance on market validation.
• Duration: A core programme of 4 days, spread over 4 weeks (1 day per week).
• Target Audience: Aspiring space entrepreneurs with a business idea that has a space connection.
• Cost: The programme is free of charge; participants are only asked to be present at all sessions.
• Language: The programme will be conducted in English.
• Application Fee: There is no fee to apply.
Curriculum and Learning Objectives
The training is designed to deepen the various aspects of a successful idea and covers the requirements for creating an insightful business plan. Participants will learn about:
• Researching the space link of your business
• Discovering the technical feasibility of your idea
• Understanding finance and Intellectual Property (IP)
• Improving your business model
• Researching the market need
Schedule and Logistics
• Location: The programme takes place at the SBIC headquarters in Noordwijk.
• Attendance: Mandatory attendance is required from 10:00 to 16:00 on all core dates.
• Onboarding: An online onboarding session will be held in the week prior to the programme's start.
• Core Dates: 20 Feb, 27 Feb, 6 Mar, and 10 Mar. The final day includes presentations to an audience from the space business community.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: 5 February 2026 (23:59 CET).
• How to Apply: An application form is available for interested candidates to secure a place in the programme.
About the Organizer
• Organization: Space Business Innovation Centre (SBIC) Noordwijk.
• Mission: SBIC Noordwijk supports entrepreneurs and startups that utilize space technology for products or services on Earth. It manages various programmes, projects, and events, providing access to an international network, tools, and business support.
• Primary Activity: Managing ESA BIC Noordwijk, the European Space Agency’s business incubation centre in the Netherlands.
• Contact Information: T: +31 (0)71 – 20 20 307, E: info@sbicnoordwijk.nl.
• Address: Kapteynstraat 1, 2201 BB Noordwijk.
This pre-incubation programme offers a structured pathway for entrepreneurs to validate and strengthen their space-related business concepts. Since its inception in 2019, it has supported numerous entrepreneurs, many of whom have successfully progressed to become ESA BIC graduates. Interested parties are encouraged to consider this opportunity to refine their business plans and prepare for potential entry into the broader space business ecosystem.