Assisting European Space Start-ups in Scaling Up
Space Academies
What has happened?
Throughout the project lifetime, 6 Space Academies have taken place in various European cities as well as online. Through them, new space tech entrepreneurs have been linked with potential partners in Finance, Business, Space Clusters and Science Parks, plunging start-ups into a genuinely European Space ecosystem. At each academy customised business services have been provided to selected companies, helping them accelerate on the road to success!
Who took part?
SpaceUp is a project financed by the EU Framework programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon 2020). This funding meant that following an application process, 60 start-ups were able to attend a Space Academy and take their business to the next level. Although all the start-ups focus on space, their industries range from space tourism to sustainable farming to safety solutions.
Together We Make The Difference
Startups
The life of a start-up begins with an idea and lots of enthusiasm. Within the European space sector start-ups have the possibility to find support and mentoring during their early stages in business incubation centers (BIC) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Opportunity
The Space Academies have provided space-specific commercial and technical assistance, as well as helped start-ups apply space technology to a range of non-space fields. Start-ups have also been given the chance to meet new partners and investors.
One place for all your active learning
Via the Space Academies, SpaceUp has offered expertise to entrepreneurs and found solutions to their needs through customized coaching services, one-to-one dedicated solutions modules, networking and matchmaking activities.
SpaceUp has coordinated direct matchmaking with business angels, crowdfunders, investors, managers and CEOs from corporates. The Space Academies are two-day events that gather all relevant stakeholders around the Space Tech needs both virtually and in different 'Space Intensive' locations in Europe.
Methodology
An open call for applications for each Space Academy, with the SpaceUp Evaluation Committee selecting 10 startups to receive full access to SpaceUp services and travel expenses covered.
Day 1
An intense day where entrepreneurs improve their skills and get insights from experts on various topics, with six parallel workshops as well as one-to-one coaching and roundtable meetings.
Day 2
Panels and keynote sessions take place with space actors and investors, involving regional industry for cross-clustering. The 10 selected start-ups pitch to this audience for high-level feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Startups and entrepreneurs working in or related to the space industry.
Does my company has to be European?
Yes, these activities will take place at a European level. If you are from outside of Europe but interested in participating or interacting in some way, kindly contact info@space-academy.eu to discuss other options.
Is it only for space sector companies & projects?
If seen of interest, spin-ins/spin-outs from non-space sectors were also welcome to apply to participate in the Space Academies.
Even if I am not one of the selected companies, can I still participate?
The selected companies are those that receive full reimbursement and can participate in the one-to-one sessions, but other startups and entrepreneurs are welcome to participate in the main event and panel sessions, covering their own costs.
Can I participate in more than one space academy?
The aim is to ensure that the widest possible audience gets to benefit from the knowledge and insights from the SpaceUp experts, and so even if applications are submitted to participate in more than one Space Academy, priority is given to those who have not yet experienced one.
Contact us for more information
If you have any other queries or questions about the SpaceUp project or the Space Academies, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
The SpaceUp Project Consortium
The SpaceUp project consortium will transfer their expertise to new entrepreneurs and find solutions to their needs through customized coaching services, one-to-one dedicated solutions modules, and through networking and matchmaking events.
The SpaceUp project aims at giving Europe's innovative start-ups in the space sector every opportunity to become world-leading companies. SpaceUp promotes technology transfer, networking, dissemination, matchmaking with business angels, crowd funders, investors, human resource specialists and, CEOs from corporates, culminating in six European SPACE ACADEMIES. Exposure to strategic corporate investors is being increased by engaging actively with relevant high-tech industries via cross-fertilization and cross-clustering.
The SpaceUp project (776356) was funded by the European Commission, started in June 2018 and was finalized in December 2021 with 10 European partners and an overall budget of about 2 million EURs. In accordance with (art. 28.1, Annotated Model Grant Agreement ) this website content will be available until 31.12.2025.