The ESRIC Start-up Support Programme (SSP) is the first incubation programme in the world fully dedicated to space resources utilisation. Designed for DeepTech and SpaceTech innovators, it helps early-stage ventures validate their technology, build a solid business case and connect with customers along the emerging in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) value chain from Earth to orbit and onwards to the Moon.

Through SSP, ESRIC supports the development of solutions that will underpin a sustainable in-space economy while creating tangible terrestrial benefits in sectors such as mining, manufacturing, energy, agriculture and more.

SSP targets start-ups and early-stage ventures that:

• Develop DeepTech or SpaceTech solutions relevant to space resources utilisation.

• Offer technology that can serve both terrestrial and space markets, or plan to expand from one domain to the other.

• Address challenges related to:

  • Power and energy systems for space missions

  • ISRU operations (prospecting, extraction, processing, storage, use)

  • Infrastructure and mobility for the lunar and cis-lunar economy

  • Enabling technologies for communications, sensing, and automation.

Relevant application fields include, among others: mining, energy and power systems, 3D printing and advanced manufacturing, agriculture, marine operations, satellite communications, Earth observation, and infrastructure for lunar and cis-lunar environments.