Legacy - ESA BIC Portugal (2014-2026)

A Decade of ESA Collaboration

From 2014 to 2026, IPN coordinated ESA Space Solutions Portugal, consolidating three areas of ESA collaboration under a single national mandate: the ESA BIC Portugal incubation programme, the ESA Business Applications Ambassador Portugal platform, and the ESA Technology Broker Portugal technology transfer activity.

Throughout this period, IPN delivered the full spectrum of space incubation services, from scouting and selecting promising ventures to guiding them through active incubation, business development and market entry. Each supported start-up received dedicated business coaching, technical mentoring, and IP and legal guidance.

Building on this decade-long track record, IPN now continues this work through ESA BIC Centro, with a renewed regional focus and expanded partnerships.

Achievements

  • More than 10 years of continuous ESA incubation activity
  • 69 startups supported under ESA BIC Portugal
  • Over 235 new jobs created
  • Export rate above 75%
  • Approximately €6.4M in total business turnover generated
  • Recognition at European level, including a RegioStars 2020 Award
  • Diversified startup portfolio, spanning industries such as mobility, health, agriculture, environment, and space infrastructure

Alumni

More information coming soon