Your idea should be about supporting or utilizing space systems or exploiting space technology in a non-space domain, in one of the following areas: a) Downstream applications (Earth Observation, Satellite Navigation, Satellite Communications), b) Upstream/NewSpace (exploiting new technology in the space domain/supplying the space sector), c) Technology transfer from space (Hardware or Software, Knowledge or IPR). The space-related solution must be central to the business and show a high degree of innovation.

Legal entities established in Greece (not older than five years), and natural persons, who are resident with a working permit within Greece are eligible to submit applications. Natural persons are required to demonstrate readiness of establishment and registration of a legal entity at the time of submission of their application. A contract with an applicant can only be signed when the establishment and registration of the corresponding legal entity has been completed and the legal entity had acquired full legal capacity.

Furthermore, the product/serfvice of the application needs to have a valid space connection. This means that the Applicant’s product or service is based on a transfer of space technology to, and/or utilisation of a space system in a non-space environment (spin-off), or exploitation of non-space technology in the space market (spin-in). In case of doubt, applicants shall contact the ESA BIC Greece Team for further guidance.

A full list of the applicant requirements is included in the application package (Requirements Checklist of the Cover Letter Template).

No, you will, however, need to do so in Greece before signing the incubation contract. During the proposal submission, the applicant shall demonstrate readiness of establishment and registration of a legal entity.

 Yes, you can find all relevant information regarding the application documents and process at https://www.esa-bic.gr/apply/

Applicants are required to closely follow the instructions provided in the Open Call Package when producing and submitting their proposal and follow the information channels of the ESA BIC Greece. The proposal consists of a) a Cover Letter, b) an Incubation Proposal, and c) a Business Plan. Templates with further instructions are provided in the Open Call Package. Only those Applicants that fulfil all formal requirements, as listed in the Requirements Checklist of the Cover Letter Template, will be accepted for evaluation. Applicants should also carefully read the contractual documentation in the Draft Incubation Contract. The application shall include a clear, explicit, and unambiguous statement whereby the Applicant has read, understood, and accepts the terms and conditions contained in the contractual documentation.

The evaluation of all applications received is managed by ESA BIC Greece and follows the common ESA BIC scheme and procedures. Once a published submission deadline has passed, ESA BIC Greece Tender Opening Board (TOB) first assesses the formal aspects of applications received before the submission deadline. If a non-compliance of a minor nature is found, the applicant may be asked to address this in an updated proposal within 48 hours. If the proposal is found non-admissible, the applicant will be informed, and the reason will be explained. In such case, an applicant is eligible to submit a revised proposal at a later date. If the application is compliant with the formal requirements, applicants will be invited to hold a presentation to the ESA BIC Greece Tender Evaluation Board (TEB). The evaluation will typically take place a few weeks after the submission deadline. The TEB consists of representatives of ESA, ESA BIC Greece, and the Greek Space ecosystem, and, depending on the nature of the application, other experts. The evaluation board will also have the opportunity to ask questions to the applicants. The application and the presentation will be marked against criteria, taking weighting factors into account. All applicants will be notified in writing about the outcome of the evaluation. The applicant may require an oral debriefing explaining the reason the application was successful or not. ESA BIC Greece will enter contract negotiations with successful applicants, taking the comments of the evaluation board into account. ESA BIC Greece has the right not to place a contract if, three months after the notification to a successful applicant, no contract has been signed. Additionally, ESA BIC Greece has the right not to place a contract in case the (intended) legal entity presented in the application is different from the actual established and registered legal entity. The period between receipt of a proposal and contract placement is less than 2 months.

The TOB consists of ESA and Corallia representatives and has to ensure that applications fulfil the formal criteria set out in the ESA BIC Manual. The TEB consists of ESA and Corallia representatives, and other experts and conducts the evaluation of the applications. Every applicant presents the content of the application in person to the TEB to allow the TEB to raise clarification points in a questions and answers session. After the evaluation, the results are communicated to the applicant within a few weeks. Applicants require a minimum overall weighted mark of 60 to be selected for contract negotiation and over 40 for any specific citerion.

The evaluation criteria are the following: a) Formal Aspects (ON/OFF), b) Background & Experience (25%), c) Technology/Service (20%), d) Value proposition (20%), e) Business Modelling and Risk (15%), f) Activity Proposal (20%). The evaluation criteria and their description are provided in full detail in the Open Call Package.