The Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN) is an industry development programme established by the European Space Agency (ESA) with the aim of accelerating research and development in the commercial sector to create new markets in Low Earth Orbit and on the Moon. To support emerging economic opportunities and promote the entry of private companies and the stimulation of demand, ESA has established four Industry Accelerators focused on Life Sciences, Lunar Space Resources, Advanced and In-orbit Manufacturing, and Agris-food. In collaboration with industrial partners, BSGN selects, supports, and co-funds project teams across Europe to foster the development of innovative space businesses.
Prerequisites:
• Identify key stakeholders such as the government, industry, and academia, and build relationships with them
• Encourage involvement in the consortium
• National space policy/strategy with clear lead agency and budget line
• Access to technical/business experts to support private entities applying for funding
• Lead agency & budget
• Procurement pathway
• Partner support as needed
Cost:
• Ballpark: USD 50k–250k (not including cost for funding to be provided)
• Includes: fund design and governance, technical assistance, monitoring & evaluation, administrative support.
Timeframe:
• Overall: 12-60 months
• Phase: fund design (6-12 months), funding round(s) (6 - 48 months), optional evaluation & scale-up (6 - 12 months)
Pros:
• Mitigating Cost - By sharing R&D costs among consortium members, organisations can reduce individual financial burdens and make large-scale projects more feasible.
• Improved Access - Participation in a consortium can provide access to new markets and opportunities through shared networks and partnerships.
Considerations:
• Articulation - Managing and coordinating multiple stakeholders with different objectives and priorities can be challenging and may require robust governance/operating structures.
• Timeline and Distant RoI - R&D projects often require extended timelines, which can be challenging for organisations seeking quick returns on investment.