Berlin Reaches for the Stars
Berlin, August 3, 2026 – Berlin’s space economy is entering a new phase of growth. Over the past several years, the German capital has developed a thriving ecosystem for space technologies, satellite applications and dual-use deep tech. Now, startups in the sector are set to receive an additional boost: At this year’s ILA Berlin 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced plans to expand its ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Northern Germany network to include Berlin. The new location is planned to be hosted by Science & Startups, the entrepreneurship center of the Berlin University Alliance – Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Technische Universität Berlin – in close partnership with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
The ESA Business Incubation Centre is the agency’s flagship startup incubation program. In Berlin, it will build on the city’s world-class research landscape while serving as a bridge between academic excellence, technology startups and the region’s established New Space community. The program supports entrepreneurs developing innovative products and services for the space sector, while also helping companies adapt technologies from other industries for use in space. Its scope extends far beyond satellites: many participating startups are active in fields such as mobility, agriculture, climate technologies, robotics, healthcare and artificial intelligence. Participating companies benefit from financial support, technical expertise and tailored business coaching covering areas such as business model development, financing, market entry and international expansion. They also gain access to a global network of investors, industry partners, fellow startups and one of the world’s largest space incubation communities. The new ESA-BIC location will complement Berlin’s existing space and innovation initiatives while strengthening knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization at the intersection of space, digital technologies and sustainable innovation. The initiative is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and supported by Berlin Partner for Business and Technology GmbH.
Berlin’s space and deep tech ecosystem is already recognized for its diversity, innovative capacity and entrepreneurial spirit. Expanding the ESA-BIC network to the capital region will provide an important catalyst for startups developing satellite applications, advanced sensors, robotics and other cutting-edge technologies, helping them accelerate the journey from research to market.
