Belgium is once again boosting entrepreneurship in the space sector with the official launch of the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC Belgium), in collaboration with ESA, BELSPO, Novaspace, and BeCentral.
A Boost for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
ESA BICs support the creation of businesses that develop advanced space technologies, often with applications far beyond the space sector. From climate monitoring via satellite data to autonomous navigation systems, space start-ups today offer essential solutions not only for economic growth but also for our security and the climate.
“At BELSPO, we oversee Belgium’s space policy and its investments in European space programmes. We ensure our country remains a key player in shaping the future of space technologies. ESA Business Incubation Centres across Europe play a crucial role in this mission: they foster space-based business ideas and help entrepreneurs launch and grow their companies. With the opening of this hub in the heart of Brussels, we’re bringing space entrepreneurship to the centre of our capital, offering funding, mentorship, and technical expertise to help start-ups thrive in a competitive market,” explains Frank Monteny, Director General for Research and Space at BELSPO.
“The launch of ESA BIC Belgium marks a major step in stimulating entrepreneurship in the space sector and maximising Belgium’s investments in this area. BeCentral wants to bring together these start-ups with experienced entrepreneurs and investors from our community to realise cutting-edge innovations, both in space and on Earth,” says Charlène Crespel, CEO of BeCentral.
Thomas Tanghe, Partner & Managing Director at Novaspace, adds: “ESA BIC Belgium turns the capital of Europe into a hub for space start-ups, connecting technical talent with real business support and vice versa. Novaspace, an internationally active space consulting firm, provides these start-ups with deep technical expertise, insights into the space market, and a solid network to help them grow and tackle major societal challenges.”
The Belgian Space Industry
Belgium is heavily investing in space programmes, primarily through ESA, including €119 million dedicated to developing technologies for future space missions and € 75 million for space exploration. Combined across various programmes, this represents a total annual investment of € 350 million for 2024.
The launch of ESA BIC Belgium is a key milestone for the space sector in Belgium. Thanks to this incubator, start-ups will benefit from expertise, market analysis, and networks that will allow them to grow and make an impact—both within and beyond the space sector.
About BeCentral
BeCentral is one of Europe’s largest digital campuses, located in Brussels, with 10,000 m² dedicated to entrepreneurship, education, and innovation. Since 2017, it has hosted start-ups, digital schools, NGOs, and investors. Among its offerings, BeCentral also runs an incubation programme to support entrepreneurs in developing their projects.
About Novaspace
Novaspace is the global leader in space consulting, born from the merger of Euroconsult and SpaceTec Partners. With over 40 years of experience, Novaspace supports private and public clients worldwide in making strategic decisions in the space sector, combining management and technology consulting, market intelligence, and executive summit organisation. With 10 locations worldwide, including Brussels, Novaspace offers global reach to the start-up ecosystem.
Apply to ESA BIC Belgium programme