Space Innovation Competition for Startups and Entrepreneurs (Czech Republic)

Deadline: 31-May-2026

The ESA BIC Liftoff Challenge 2026 invites innovators and teams to submit business projects with meaningful links to space technologies. Participants can win financial awards totaling CZK 150,000, gain mentorship, and present ideas to investors. The competition is open to individuals or teams of up to five members, with no upper age limit, and culminates during Czech Space Week 2026.

Overview

The Liftoff Challenge is a space-focused innovation competition hosted by ESA BIC Czech Republic, operated by the CzechInvest Agency. Now in its second edition, the program:

• Encourages innovative projects with essential links to space technologies

• Promotes technical, economic, and societal added value through space applications

• Supports concepts beyond standard solutions, fostering creativity and originality

• Provides access to experts and mentorship for projects refining their space connections

• Enables teams to gain investor exposure and practical development guidance

Program Benefits

Participants can expect:

• Financial Rewards: Total prize pool of CZK 150,000

• Investor Access: Opportunity to present ideas to potential investors

• Mentorship Support: Guidance to refine and develop business concepts

• Networking: Connect with the space innovation ecosystem during Czech Space Week 2026

Prize Distribution

• 1st Place: CZK 80,000 + presentation at ESA BIC Launchpad 2026

• 2nd Place: CZK 50,000

• 3rd Place: CZK 20,000

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Participants must be 18 years or older; no upper age limit

• Teams: Individuals or teams of up to five members

• Project Requirements:

  • Must demonstrate that space technologies are essential for solving the problem

  • Provide technical, economic, or other added value compared to non-space solutions

  • Include an innovative element beyond common applications

  • Ensure realistic availability of required data, technologies, or services

How to Participate / How It Works

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Initial Consultation (Optional): For projects still exploring their space connection, consult with experts to refine ideas.

2. Round 1 – Lean Canvas Submission: Submit a concise business concept outlining the project and its link to space technologies.

3. Round 2 – Business Plan Development: Selected teams develop full business plans with mentorship support.

4. Final Round – Czech Space Week 2026: Top projects are evaluated by an expert jury between November 2–8, 2026.

5. Award Ceremony: Winners receive financial rewards and investor presentation opportunities.

Why This Challenge Matters

The Liftoff Challenge fosters:

• Innovation in the space sector: Encourages the creation of impactful solutions using space technologies

• Economic and technical growth: Promotes projects with added value for industry and society

• Entrepreneurial development: Supports startups and teams in developing viable business models

• Networking and exposure: Connects participants with investors, mentors, and the broader space ecosystem

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Weak space linkage: Ensure the project clearly relies on space technologies

• Lack of innovation: Go beyond standard applications with unique solutions

• Incomplete project planning: Develop realistic access to data, technologies, and services

• Neglecting mentorship: Engage fully with expert guidance to strengthen your concept

• Late submissions: Adhere to deadlines for each round to remain eligible

FAQs

1. Who can participate in the Liftoff Challenge 2026?
Individuals or teams (up to five members) aged 18+ with projects linked to space technologies.

2. Is there an age limit for participants?
No, there is no upper age limit.

3. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must demonstrate essential use of space technologies and provide technical, economic, or other added value.

4. How are projects submitted?
Round 1 requires a lean canvas submission, followed by business plan development for selected teams.

5. When is the final evaluation?
During Czech Space Week 2026, from November 2 to 8.

6. What is the total prize pool?
CZK 150,000, distributed among the top three winning projects.

7. Can projects still in early development participate?
Yes, initial consultation with experts is available to help establish meaningful space linkages.

Conclusion

The ESA BIC Liftoff Challenge 2026 provides an exceptional platform for innovators to transform ideas into impactful space-linked business solutions. By combining financial support, mentorship, and investor exposure, the program encourages entrepreneurial growth and innovation in the European space technology ecosystem.

For more information, visit ESA BIC.