Introduction

Start-ups and SMEs have a huge role to play in the development of policy-driven innovations. They bring innovative solutions to tackle challenges like climate change, to support resource efficiency and social cohesion, and to help spread this innovation throughout Europe’s regions.

In the EU there is a strong need to increase the number of successful start-ups and scaleups, including in the space sector. CASSINI, the Space Entrepreneurship Initiative aims to create an efficient and effective environment for EU small businesses to grow and scale up in the single market¹. The need to support the growth of start-ups and SMEs was expressed during a set of consultations with stakeholders (Industry, Universities, Member States).²

In order to respond to the identified needs, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has consistently and proactively implemented activities that aim at supporting start-ups, R & D projects, innovation centres and user communities, to facilitate the development of innovative applications based on European Space.

Cooperation with Accelerators will support space-based entrepreneurship in increasing downstream competitiveness.

Business Accelerators Database

Scope and Purpose

EUSPA is launching the current call in order to establish a database of Accelerators interested in supporting European innovative companies working in the space domain.

The list will be published on the EUSPA website to facilitate contacts between space companies and investors.

The database of the Accelerators will be kept for 7 years.

The database will allow start-ups/SMEs in the space segment to connect with accelerators that may be interested in supporting the start-ups. In fact, by registering in the database, accelerators will allow Interested economic operators to access their coordinates and relevant information and they will be invited to regular coordination meetings with EUSPA. 

Registrations

In order to register on the database, please submit the following information to the email address entrepreneurship@euspa.europa.eu, clearly indicating “Call for Accelerators” in the subject line:

• Company name
• Short description of the accelerator (500-1000 characters)
• Country
• Link to the accelerator’s website
• Contact point
• Signed consent form

The call for expression of interest does not include a registration deadline.

¹ SME Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0103

²https://www.euspa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/external/publications/european_gnss_downstream_research_innovation_priorities_and_consultation_results.pdf