Business with the ESA
The ESA invites companies from the space sector and other industries to participate in its space programmes. Most business opportunities with the ESA are published in the ESA STAR publication and on the ESA Star Portal. Further information can also be found on the ESA’s Business with ESA portal and on the ESA Commercialisation Gateway website.
Participating in ESA’s Tender Process
All economic operators (including institutes, universities, etc.) from ESA Member States or associated Member States participating in relevant programmes may take part in the ESA tender process. In principle, participation is limited to these economic operators.
Detailed information on the ESA tender process, the conditions for participation and any exceptions (such as calls for tenders open to specific participants only) can be found at the following links:
All calls for tenders can be found on the ESA Star platform, ESA’s official call portal:
- How to register: ESA - esa-star: open for business
- Direkter Link zur Plattform: ESA Star
ESA Business Incubation Centres (BICs)
ESA Business Incubation Centres (BICs) support space-related start-ups across Europe. Their aim is to help companies bring their space-related business ideas to life. ESA BIC Switzerland, led by ETH Zurich, is part of the Europe-wide ESA BIC network. It specifically supports Swiss start-ups that use or develop space technologies.
Further information can be found at ESA BIC Switzerland and ESA BIC Switzerland at ETH Zurich.
European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI)
The European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) is a Centre of Excellence initiated by the ESA. It is implemented under the leadership of the ESA in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute. Its aim is to accelerate the commercial adoption and availability of deep-tech for the benefit of the ESA, its Member States, and the broader European space sector. The ESDI is located at the Switzerland Innovation Park Innovaare, which is directly adjacent to the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).
European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI)
The Phi-Lab is the first research platform of the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) featuring research programmes in quantum, materials and data. The Phi-Lab aspires to transform groundbreaking scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. Its approach, which combines use-inspired research with deep-tech competence in its ecosystem, promises developments that are scientifically excellent, commercially relevant and with the potential to have an impact in the market.
European Space Technology Harmonisation
The space technology harmonisation process was set in motion to better align R&D efforts across the European space sector. The aim is to build a strong technological foundation that boosts the global competitiveness of European industry and ensures the success of future space missions. Space Exchange Switzerland supports the Swiss ESA delegation in coordinating national input for this process, led by ESA through the Technology Harmonisation Advisory Group (THAG).