All roads lead to space: with the opening of ESA BIC Brindisi at the Cittadella della Ricerca, ESA BICs have expanded to southern Italy.
The inauguration of ESA BIC Brindisi marks a significant milestone for the development of the aerospace sector in Apulia and southern Italy. Powered by the ESA Commercialisation Department and managed by research consortium Distretto Tecnologica Aerospaziale (DTA), the new centre reinforces the collective dedication to innovation in Italy and the broader European space community. As part of the opening ceremony, a round table discussion titled “Science and Technology: From Knowledge to Wisdom” brought together experts, including Luciano Violante, President of the Leonardo Foundation, in the spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Luca del Monte, who heads ESA Commercialisation Department, praised the new centre: ‘the inauguration of ESA BIC Brindisi represents a visionary leap for Southern Italy into the boundless possibilities of space entrepreneurship’.
The centre, del Monte continued, ‘is not just a headquarters; it’s a symbol of our commitment to fostering innovation. Together, we embark on a journey to empower start-ups and entrepreneurs, catalysing the development of groundbreaking products and solutions, leveraging the vast potential of space systems – from satellite navigation to Earth observation and satellite communication’.
A focus on aspiring entrepreneurs
The Brindisi centre places a strong emphasis on connecting with young entrepreneurs. The centre’s partnership with Uniba, Poliba and Unisalento, three universities in Puglia, will help raise awareness and understanding of entrepreneurial practices. By actively investing in the growth of young entrepreneurs, ESA BIC Brindisi aims to support the development of new businesses while simultaneously contributing to local community development.
A new hub for innovation
ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) support start-ups and entrepreneurs in Europe in the development of business using satellite applications and space technology to improve everyday life, delivering environmental and societal benefits. DTA President Giuseppe Acierno highlighted the centre’s impact: ‘This initiative will bring not only financial and economic value for the start-ups but also specialised services’.
By supporting the development of high-tech businesses, these centres close the gap with more developed regions, leading to the creation of new local jobs opportunities. ‘Our task’, Acierno stated, ‘is to support them, help them financially, provide technical and specialised services and introduce these realities into the great network of the European Space Agency.’
Join ESA BIC
The call for applications is now open. Learn more about the application process at the link below.
Join ESA BIC Brindisi
Luca Del Monte, Head of ESA Commercialisation Department.
Giuseppe Acierno, President of DTA (Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale).
Teodoro Valente, President of Italian Space Agency (ASI).
Mario Erario, Project Manager, DTA.
Giovanni Sylos Labini, CEO, Planetek.
Chiara Pertosa, CEO, Sitael.
Roundtable discussion with Luciano Violante President of the Leonardo Foundation and President Emeritus of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Fabio Pollice, rector of University of Salento, Francesco Cupertino, rector of the Polytechnic of Bari, and Stefano Bronzini, rector of University of Bari.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inauguration of new DTA headquarters and ESA BIC Brindisi main location.
