ACCESS is a new programme proposed from the European Space Agency (ESA), designed to accelerate the commercialisation and competitiveness of Europe’s space sector. This programme proposal builds on the successes of previous ScaleUp and BASS (Business Applications and Space Solutions) programmes and has been ratified by ESA’s Member States. ACCESS represents ESA’s next phase of support to Europe’s space industry.
What is the ACCESS Programme?
The proposed ACCESS programme will provide efficient, focused support for European companies, ranging from start-ups and SMEs to established players. The programme’s mission is to help companies develop innovative commercial products and services that secure European competitiveness in space and non-space markets. The programme will foster a diverse and dynamic space ecosystem, ensuring that the benefits of commercialisation accrue to all Participating States.
Proposed Structure
ACCESS will be organised around two Elements, each with a set of targeted components:
Element 1: ScaleUp
The ScaleUp Element supports companies at each stage of their commercialisation journey – from ideation, to incubation, to technology transfer, customer acquisition and scaling. It supports entrepreneurs and accelerates the time-to-market for space products and services. ScaleUp is comprised of the following components:
- Phi-LabNET: A network of innovative labs fostering collaboration between ESA, industry and researchers to bridge disruptive research with emerging commercial needs.
- ESA Business Incubation Centres (BICs): An established and world-leading network of incubators that nurture start-ups, providing valuable technical and business support.
- ESA Technology Brokers: A network of technology brokers with a long track record in facilitating technology transfer between space and non-space sectors, enabling innovation to flow between a wide range of industries.
- ESA Business Accelerators: Specialised centres supporting more mature companies in scaling their businesses and accessing financing.
- ESA Marketplace: An initiative aimed at helping companies acquire customers at initial stages to gain market traction.
Element 2: Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS)
The BASS Element supports the development of sustainable, space-based business applications, by providing funding, business support, and access to networks of stakeholders. It includes:
- Business Applications: Studies and projects helping companies to validate, develop and demonstrate commercially sustainable space solutions, from concept to market expansion, with a strong focus on non-space user engagement and socioeconomic impact.
- Business Ambassadors: Inspiring and supporting new business opportunities in space-related applications, attracting new actors to the space economy, and fostering growth across the sector.
Key Objectives of the Programme
- Fostering the development, growth and evolution of innovative commercialisation networks that provide valuable commercial and technical support to researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and established companies to help them deploy innovative products and services into global space markets.
- Support the development of innovative space-based applications, services, and products, to maximize the value and impact of space assets across various industries and markets.
- Expand the footprint of space by enabling the emergence and growth of new companies delivering space solutions as well as increasing the number of companies that include space in their products/service portfolio or rely on space data to deliver their products.
- Support space companies to be more competitive and commercially successful in emerging and existing markets by providing funding to secure customers at critical stages to accelerate the time-to-market for space products and services.
Sustainability and Impact
The ACCESS proposal is fully aligned with ESA’s Agenda 2025 and Strategy 2040, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and societal benefit. The programme proposal actively supports the green transition, climate action, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its activities and partnerships.
Safety, Security and Resilience
ACCESS supports the development of space solutions for the prediction and management of natural and anthropogenic disasters and emergencies, as well as the development of drone-based and mobility solutions for safety and security applications. Resilience of physical and digital infrastructures such as communication and transport networks, energy and maritime (including underwater) assets are also key topics where space is an enabling technology.
Next Steps
The implementation of the ACCESS programme will follow the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level 2025 (CM25), 26-27 November 2025.