The Andalusian aerospace incubator, through Catec, is seeking new start-ups to join its entrepreneurship support programme during the first quarter of 2027. ESA BIC Andalucía, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Business Incubation Centre in Seville, has launched a new call for applications, offering each selected project €60,000 in direct, non-repayable funding and an incubation period of between 12 and 24 months.
Companies wishing to join the programme during the first quarter of 2027 must complete the application process by 30 October. The call for applications is aimed at both entrepreneurs in the process of setting up a company and start-ups that have been in existence for less than five years.The call also includes changes to the application procedure. The European Space Agency has revised the documentation required across its entire network of incubators with the aim of simplifying the application process. The new system consolidates the initial documentation into a single form and reduces the administrative burden on entrepreneurs.
The key requirement is that projects demonstrate growth potential and have a clear link to the space sector. This does not necessarily mean that companies have to manufacture satellites, rockets or other components intended directly for space. Projects that utilise data, infrastructure or technologies developed for this field and subsequently apply them to economic activities on Earth are also eligible for the programme.
€60,000 non-repayable grant per company
One of the main incentives for the selected start-ups is the funding. Each company accepted onto the programme will receive a €60,000 non-repayable grant, which it may use for the development of technology, new products or intellectual property.
Half of this amount, 30,000 euros, will be provided by the European Space Agency using funds from the Spanish Space Agency. The remaining 30,000 euros will be provided by the Regional Ministry of Universities, Industry, Energy and Innovation of the Regional Government of Andalusia.
The financial support will be complemented by a programme lasting between one and two years. During this period, the companies will have access to 80 hours of business, technical and legal advice to help them progress with the development of their respective projects.
The selected companies will also be able to use workspaces free of charge at the Renfe Naves in Seville and access CATEC’s technological facilities. The incubator will also provide support in securing new sources of funding once the projects have begun.
Another objective is to facilitate the entry of Andalusian start-ups into the European aerospace ecosystem. The companies will have access to a network comprising more than thirty ESA BIC incubators across Europe, enabling them to establish contacts with companies, investors and specialist organisations in other countries.
Six companies are already part of the incubator
The new call for applications comes just a few months after the first cohort joined the programme. Since May 2026, six start-ups have been participating in the Andalusian programme, with projects showcasing the diverse business activities that can be developed within the space industry.
Four of them work directly on technologies for the sector. Hisperion develops software for simulating space missions, whilst OLMA Space specialises in advanced coatings. OBA – Orbital Boost Aerospace works on orbital logistics solutions, and Albor Space develops systems for satellite communications.
The other two companies represent the terrestrial applications side of space technology. YNSAT uses data from Earth observation to develop solutions for activities such as mining and environmental monitoring.
Graniot also uses data obtained through space technology, although it applies this to other fields, including agriculture, vegetation analysis and road infrastructure.
“The six incubated companies reflect the potential and diversity of Andalusian space entrepreneurship. We want new projects to be able to grow from Andalusia and connect with the European space network,” explained Gracia Catalina, head of ESA BIC Andalucía.
Source: El Conciso
