Latvian startups enter a new era: we are launching ESA BIC Latvia

Latvia is about to take a major leap forward in becoming a significant player in the European space industry. We are proud to announce the official launch of the ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Latvia on November 13, 2024. The management and implementation of the incubator in Latvia will be ensured by the Commercialization Reactor, which won the public tender announced by ESA. On the occasion of the opening of the incubator, the head of the ESA Commercialization Department, Luca del Monte, will participate in person. The program also includes a panel discussion with the leaders of ESA BIC Estonia (Sven Lilla) and Lithuania (Andrius Plečkaitis), as well as speeches from the Ministry of Education and Science (Silvija Amatniece) and the Ministry of Economy ( Jurģis Miezainis). This event is an in-person event. Everybody interested in Space economy and innovations can participate, but they need to register here to be verified.

Register for the event: https://esabic.lv/opening

The ESA BIC Latvia is part of the larger ESA network of business incubation centers, which has supported space-related startups across Europe for over 20 years. By joining this prestigious network, Latvia gains access to a supportive community dedicated to growing space startups, backed by ESA’s resources, expertise, and international recognition.

Why is ESA BIC Latvia Important?

With the launch of ESA BIC Latvia, the country positions itself as a leader in the high-tech and deep-tech industries, offering a unique opportunity for startups to develop and scale their innovative ideas. The mission of ESA BIC Latvia is to build a sustainable community of space startups, strengthening Latvia’s position in the European science-based economy with a strong focus on the space industry.

“With the launch of ESA BIC Latvia, Latvia will enter the elite of the European space ecosystem. This milestone provides our startups with access to a world-class growth and innovation platform. Previously, many Latvian entrepreneurs had to look for opportunities abroad to join the ESA BIC network, but now they will be able to grow and achieve success in Latvia thanks to investments in high technologies. ESA BIC will open up opportunities for start-ups to become known and open the door to internationally important projects and large customers, thus ensuring Latvia’s position as an important player in the European space industry” – Nikolay Adamovitch, Commercialization Reactor Founder and CEO.

What Can Startups Expect from ESA BIC Latvia?

The incubation program at ESA BIC Latvia aims to foster innovation, provide business support, and connect startups with a wider European network of investors and partners. Over the next three years, ESA BIC Latvia will incubate 12 – 18 startups, offering them up to two years of dedicated support. Startups will benefit from:

50 hours of business coaching by experts in the space industry.
80 hours of technical support to help them develop their space-related technologies.
10 hours of IPR and legal advice to ensure their innovations are protected.
Financial support from ESA to help scale their businesses.

All these services are provided at no cost to the incubatees, allowing them to focus on growth, innovation, and market entry.

“Our mission is to build a sustainable community of space startups, positioning Latvia as a leader in the European science-based economy with a strong focus on the space industry. We aim to foster an environment where innovative ideas can transform into successful ventures, driving growth in Latvia’s high-tech sector. This can be achieved through systematic support for the creation of new, globally-oriented companies, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. For instance, you don’t have to start by planning how to launch rockets or build satellites; there is significant demand for more accessible solutions, such as developing advanced materials, manufacturing critical components, offering specialized services for space missions, and utilizing satellite data to strengthen the national economy,” emphasizes Lev Lapkis, Manager of ESA BIC Latvia and developer of the space ecosystem.

A Vision for Latvia’s Future

ESA BIC Latvia isn’t just about space technology – it’s about creating a sustainable future for Latvia. The incubator aims to develop a knowledge-driven economy, supporting high-quality job creation, attracting talent, and encouraging entrepreneurship.

With support from the Ministry of Education and Science, which plays a pivotal role as the head of Latvia’s space delegation, and the Ministry of Economics, which aids in establishing a sustainable space ecosystem, ESA BIC Latvia is set to transform the landscape of Latvian innovation. The backing of these ministries, along with the resources and expertise provided by ESA, will ensure that Latvian startups have everything they need to succeed.

Join Us for the Launch Event!

The official launch event for ESA BIC Latvia will take place on November 13 at the Riga Technical University Science and Innovation Centre from 4 PM – 7 PM. This will be an opportunity for participants to learn more about the potential of the space sector, network with key stakeholders from the Baltics and Europe, and explore opportunities for collaboration. With 24 collaboration partners onboard, ESA BIC Latvia is building a powerful network to support startups.