BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator Enters Phase 2

ESA’s BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator has officially entered Phase 2, marking a major step forward in life sciences innovation in microgravity. Building on the successes of Phase 1, this next stage aims to accelerate commercial life sciences projects, fostering new opportunities for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals in space.

Phase 1: Laying the Foundation for Growth

During this phase, five projects proposed by startups and major pharmaceutical companies received support, securing approximately 1.5 million euros in co-funding beyond ESA’s contributions. All projects remain on track to conduct their demonstration missions in orbit between 2025 and 2026.

Phase 2: Driving Innovation and Expanding Opportunities

Launched in early 2025, Phase 2 introduces a streamlined, turnkey approach to advance the most promising commercial projects in microgravity research. This phase expands beyond biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, now including cosmetics and nutraceuticals, opening the door to new industries that can benefit from space-based R&D.

To ensure the sustainability of the Accelerator, securing non-ESA funding remains a key priority. Several options first explored in the bridging phase will be further developed, including:

• Engaging large corporations to co-fund innovation.
• Launching innovation challenges to attract groundbreaking ideas.
• Encouraging private investment to drive long-term development.
• Establishing a clear regulatory framework for commercial microgravity research.

As part of Phase 2, the BSGN LifeScience Industry Accelerator will soon announce an open call for projects, inviting life sciences innovators to participate. This announcement is expected at the Health from Space event in Cannes, France, on 2-3 April 2025. Further details will be published soon.

A Transformational Step for Life Sciences in Space

With Phase 2 now in motion, the BSGN LifeScience Industry Accelerator is poised to become a driving force for life sciences research in Low Earth Orbit. This phase represents an exciting opportunity for industry leaders, researchers, and businesses to harness microgravity for scientific breakthroughs with real-world applications.

About BSGN LifeScience Industry Accelerator

The BSGN Industry Accelerators are part of an ESA initiative designed to drive the growth of new economic markets in Low Earth Orbit and on the Moon. These accelerators facilitate collaboration with key industry players, attract new market entrants, and support the development of commercially viable business models based on space research.

Operating under a public-private co-funding model, the BSGN LifeScience Industry Accelerator is managed by ESA’s Industrial Partners. It focuses on leveraging microgravity for cutting-edge research in biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals, helping companies find the right partners and funding tools to turn their innovations into reality.