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Welcome to the ESA

Business Accelerator Germany

"We empower ventures to become investment ready and achieve sustained commercial growth."

Kickoff Batch #2
01/2026
Content
Kickoff Batch #2
01/2026
Meet the new cohort: FlyPix.Al ISPTech Marble Imaging OKAPI:Orbits The Exploration Company Yuri
Extended deadline
22/11/2025
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Extended deadline
22/11/2025
Applications for ESA Business Accelerator Germany - Batch #2 are now extended until 22 November. If you’re a space scale-up ready to grow in Europe, don’t miss your chance:
We are @ Space Tech Expo Bremen
18/09/2025
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We are @ Space Tech Expo Bremen
18/09/2025
The ESA Business Accelerator Germany is excited to host a special session at this year’s Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen. Join us at the ESA Booth Q27 for news, networking, and the celebration of Europe’s next rising space innovators.
Application Open for Batch #2
Apply until: 15/09/2025
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Application Open for Batch #2
Apply until: 15/09/2025
The ESA Business Accelerator offers exclusive in-person sessions with CXOs and experts on cybersecurity, fundraising, and procurement with ESA, DLR, and NATO partners. Get 1:1 support, funding access, industry networks, and alumni opportunities to scale your company.
Demo Day 2025
03/06/2025
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Demo Day 2025
03/06/2025
European space innovation takes the spotlight as the first ESA Business Accelerator Germany cohort presents at The Reveal 2025 on June 4 at UnternehmerTUM. The Cluster 8: From Earth to Orbit jury unites academia, industry, space, and venture capital: Marcello Romano (TUM), Prof. Dr. Rudolf Schwarz (IABG), Eike Kircher (ESA), and Maia Falkå (Omnes). Keynotes by Rachel Muller (ESA) and Janusz Heitmann (DLR) will highlight the vision behind the accelerator’s launch.
NewSpace Dinner
03/06/2025
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NewSpace Dinner
03/06/2025
We hosted an exclusive NewSpace Networking Dinner in the historic Thiersch Tower with TUM, bringing together our accelerator scale-ups and partners from industry, academia, and venture capital. Guests included ESA, DLR, Airbus, HENSOLDT, Rohde & Schwarz, and leading investors like Bayern Kapital and DeepTech & Climate Fonds. With insights from Prof. Dr. Gerhard Kramer and Prof. Dr. Marcello Romano (TUM), the evening celebrated collaboration driving Europe’s NewSpace innovation.
DLD Space Dinner
15/01/2026
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DLD Space Dinner
15/01/2026
The ESA Business Accelerator × DLD Space Dinner created exactly the kind of setting our ecosystem thrives on: founders, investors, scientists, corporates, and ecosystem builders openly exchanging perspectives on where the European space ecosystem is heading and how cutting-edge space technologies can translate into real-world impact. A big thank you to our partners at UTUM Venture Labs acitoflux and DLD Conference for bringing this community together and curating a space where ideas, experiences, and ambitions flowed just as naturally as the conversations.

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Sneak Peak Programme

The ESA Business Accelerator Germany is a six-month programme operating across Munich, Hamburg, and Stuttgart, designed to support high-potential German space ventures into commercial expansion through a powerful alliance of ESA, DLR, UnternehmerTUM, TUM Venture Labs, and acitoflux.

Participants receive tailored strategic coaching, access to key industry and research networks, and support in commercialization, fundraising, and investor engagement, bridging critical growth gaps to transform advanced technologies into impactful and sustainable businesses.

You operate in a
space-related market

Your main product or
service is at TRL 7+

You aim to close a funding round
within 3-12 months

You aim to close a funding round
within 3-12 month

"It was great being part of the ESA Business Accelerator. We did not only get help with relevant partner and potential customer introductions during the accelerator, but the team is continuing to support LiveEO also afterwards."

Leander Sante / Chief of staff / LiveEO

More about the programme

Sneak Peak Programme

You operate in a
space-related market

Your main product or
service is at TRL 7+

You aim to close a funding round
within 3-12 months

You aim to close a funding round
within 3-12 month

"It was great being part of the ESA Business Accelerator. We did not only get help with relevant partner and potential customer introductions during the accelerator, but the team is continuing to support LiveEO also afterwards."

Leander Sante / Chief of staff / LiveEO

More about the programme

FAQs

Thinking about applying to our space acceleration programme? Whether you're still evaluating if the programme fits your scale-up’s trajectory or you're gearing up to submit your application, this FAQ section covers the essentials. From eligibility and selection criteria to programme benefits and post-acceleration support — get clarity on what to expect and how to prepare. Let’s launch your next phase of growth, together.

What is the purpose of the acceleration programme?

The programme is designed to fast-track the growth of the most promising space-related Scale-ups in Germany by providing targeted mentorship, funding opportunities, business support, and access to strategic partners across the space industry and adjacent sectors.

What types of companies are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are typically Scale-ups (TRL 7+ / Series A) with a strong focus on space technologies or applications - including satellite services, in-orbit operations, Earth observation, propulsion systems, or downstream applications like AI-based analytics using space data.

What stage should my company be in to benefit from the programme?

Your company should ideally have a validated product, some market traction, and a growth mindset. Most programmes target companies at Series A or beyond, or those preparing to scale internationally.

What are the main benefits of joining the programme?

Mentorship from space industry experts Access to investors and funding opportunities Industry and commercial strategy support Technical resources and testing facilities via our partners Visibility within the space tech ecosystem Opportunities to collaborate with corporate or public partners

Is there any equity taken in exchange for participation?

No, we do not take any equity. Participation in the programme is completely equity-free.

How long does the programme last?

Our acceleration programme runs 6 months with another 6 months fundraising support.

Where does the programme take place - is it remote or in-person?

The program follows a hybrid format with mandatory in-person days including Kick off and Demo Day in Munich, but also Input days for the following topics: Security, Capital, Strategic Partners and Institutional Day. Additional support and meetings can be hosted in Stuttgart and Hamburg.

What kind of support can we expect during the application process?

Online Q & A session Direct support via email or chat Introductory calls with programme staff

What are the selection criteria?

Key criteria are: You operate in a space-related market You have a legal entity registered in Germany Your main product or service is at TRL 7+ Optional: You aim to close a funding round within 3-12 month

What documents and information are required in the application?

To complete your application, you’ll need to provide key materials that help us understand your business, technology, and potential for growth. While exact requirements may vary slightly by cohort, most applications will ask for the following: Pitch Deck: A concise slide presentation (10–15 slides) that outlines your value proposition, technology, business model, market opportunity, traction, and team. Company Overview: A brief written summary of your mission, core technology or service, and target markets. Product/Technology Details: A description of your core innovation, its technical readiness level (TRL), and how it differentiates from existing solutions. Team Bios: Short profiles of your core team members, highlighting relevant experience, roles, and technical or commercial expertise. Business Model: Explanation of how you generate revenue, your pricing strategy, and go-to-market plan. Traction and Metrics: Information on customers, partnerships, revenues, pilots, or other key achievements to date. Funding Overview: Details on your funding history (if any), current financial status, and fundraising goals if applicable. Additional Materials (Optional but Helpful): Letters of support or recommendation Press coverage or customer testimonials Demo videos or product screenshots Make sure your documents are clear, up-to-date, and tailored to reflect how participation in the program will accelerate your next strategic leap. Applications that tell a compelling story, supported by data and a strong team narrative, stand out the most.

How competitive is the application process?

The program is highly competitive. We typically receive 30–35 applications from across all space domains and regions in Germany — but only 6 scale-ups are selected. Most applicants already show strong market traction and are in an active growth phase or have a well-defined scaling strategy. To stand out, your application should clearly demonstrate your unique value, technical edge, and readiness to scale.

Can I apply to multiple programmes or accelerators simultaneously?

Yes, unless the programme has exclusivity clauses. However, consider your team’s capacity to handle multiple commitments and whether program timelines overlap.

What happens after the programme ends?

Graduates typically gain: Continued access to mentors and alumni network Ongoing fundraising or partnership support Invitations to space-related conferences or showcases Visibility through media and investor channels

Can I speak to alumni of the programme before applying?

Yes — we facilitate alumni introductions. Reach out to the project manager for a referral to someone in your vertical or region.

How do I know if this programme is the right strategic move for us now?

Ask yourself whether the program aligns with your current growth goals. If you're looking to accelerate market entry, build strategic partnerships, raise funding, or sharpen your go-to-market approach in the space sector, this program can be a very strong catalyst. It’s best suited for crews ready to scale and eager to actively engage with mentors, partners, and the wider space ecosystem.

If something’s unclear or you need more details, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to our crew - we’re happy to answer your questions and support you throughout the application process. Contact us here.

Meet the batches

The first accelerator batch features a variety applications within the space sector.

Micro-Gravity

Domain

Micro-Gravity

Domain

Micro-Gravity

Yuri (Meckenbeuren) develops autonomous microgravity laboratories enabling commercial life-science research and biomanufacturing in space.

More about the batch

Become an ecosystem partner

For investors

Unlock curated deal flow and gain early access to Germany's most promising space scale-ups. Benefit from deep-dive insights, investment roadshows, and due diligence support. Join a thriving investor community shaping the New Space landscape.

Become a mentor

Partner with us

Corporate partners gain early access to cutting-edge space technologies and talent. Collaborate on pilot projects, scout investment-ready ventures, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving space economy.

Work with us

About us

The ESA Business Accelerator Germany aims to strengthen Europe’s space industry for future generations by empowering ventures at the most critical phase of their growth.

Funded by ESA and DLR, the programme is run by three complementary partners:

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UnternehmerTUM is the gate to the largest entrepreneurship and business creation community in Europe.

Offers start-ups a complete service from the initial idea to IPO. A team of over 400 experienced entrepreneurs, including scientists and investors, supports start-ups with business creation, market entry and financing.

Provides access to a huge network of start-ups, mentors,
and corporate partners.

Facilitates corporate innovation and business creation projects as well as venture clienting, bringing the right corporates together with start-ups to help them scale.

Provides access to a huge network of start-ups, mentors,
and corporate partners.

Facilitates corporate innovation and business creation projects as well as venture clienting, bringing the right corporates together with start-ups to help them scale.

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Deep Tech & Aerospace Venture Development

TUM Venture Labs empowers talented individuals and teams to transform deep tech and life science innovations into scalable, high-impact ventures.
As part of an integrated ecosystem, it combines cutting-edge domain expertise across diverse technologies and markets with hands-on entrepreneurial know-how. Startup members benefit from access to specialized lab equipment, collaborative workspaces, a vibrant community of ambitious peers—and strong connections to leading industry partners.

Strong focus on deep tech and aerospace. Provides domain-specific support and connects start-ups to a relevant network.

Offers access to a space-tech ecosystem.

Deep Tech & Aerospace Venture Development

Strong focus on deep tech and aerospace. Provides domain-specific support and connects start-ups to a relevant network.

Offers access to a space-tech ecosystem.

Visit

Engaging Space Ventures with Growth Investors

acitoflux is an independent and international company builder & innovation capital partner located in Stuttgart [HQ] and Hamburg, Germany. Founded in 2018, acitoflux enables startups, investors and corporate ventures in future technology domains to grow and to stay ahead in their markets. The acitoflux Investor Office recommends validated investment opportunities to its international partners.

Active in several ecosystems including New Space, Future Mobility and Digital Health, the multi-disciplinary crew combines technology, creativity and capital to scale innovative products and services in Germany and Europe.

Engaging Space Ventures with Growth Investors