Incubation and Investment: ESA’s Strategy for Space Spin-Offs
- Paper number
IAC-06-E5.2.08
- Author
Dr. David Raitt, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. Pierre Brisson, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Ms. Noemie Dumesnil, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The European Space Agency's Technology Transfer Programme (TTP) is aimed at finding applications for space developed technologies in non-space sectors and thus stimulating space to non-space technology transfers (spin-offs), identifying new business for space providers, maintaining and increasing expertise in space industry, and facilitating creation and business growth of start-up companies through incubators. This paper will provide an update on the status of the Technology Transfer Programme initiatives and achievements, particularly with respect to the establishment of an incubator facility designed to nurture new and emerging space technology-based start-ups wishing to develop business in the non-space sector. The background to and progress of this European Space Incubator (ESI) will be discussed together with lessons learned after the first three years. The placement of ESI within the context of the emergent European Space Incubator Network (ESINET) will be noted and the setting up of a Fund to attract interest and investment in start-up companies will be discussed. The establishment of this ESINET fund) is seen as a positive step and reflects the importance of direct support to entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs who are a vital component of the innovation and wealth generation engine of Europe.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E5.2.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.