The 2nd Call of the BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator is now open! Don't miss your chance to innovate beyond Earth!

The boom of new commercial space services enables non-space actors to quickly fly R&D experiments in space, including possibly experiments on-board the International Space Station (ISS). In space, in low Earth orbit, about 400 km from Earth, the unique condition of space provides a unique experimental environment by modifying biological and physical systems.

Space environment can be a real asset for many life sciences companies developing innovative products, whether they be stem cells, proteins, organoids, small molecules or vaccines. Many experiments have been carried out in space and have demonstrated the relevance and uniqueness of this environment with, for instance, applications in biomarker discovery, new formulations for biologics, new target identification, aging models and protein crystallization.

Since 2021, MEDES – Institute for Space Medicine and Physiology has been mandated by the European Space Agency (ESA) to manage a Life Science Industry Accelerator for the Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN). This entity, market-driven, intends to boost the commercialization and the use of space-based infrastructure by European industry. BSGN Industry Accelerator is carried out under a programme of and funded by ESA. Industries and research teams involved in the fields of life sciences such as health, pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies, health nutrition, or cosmetics are highly welcome to participate in this venture.

Following the success of its first call and support of its first cohort of projects, the second call for projects is now open!

Commercial entities (standalone or leading a consortium) proposing to develop a commercial solution (product or service) interested in boosting their R&D using the unique properties of the space environment, can submit their ideas for projects and experiments and join the BSGN Life Sciences Industry Accelerator: Open Space Innovation Platform – OSIP – Campaign: BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator – 2nd Call for projects ! the call for proposals is open until 30 June 2025!

At the end of the process, selected proposals will get valuable technical, business and investment support and will benefit from financing from the BSGN programme supported by the European Space Agency.

‘”Numerous experiments in space, especially on-board ISS, have demonstrated that space can offer unique opportunities for R&D in the health sector. The space sector is currently very dynamic with the New Space development and the emergence of new services, including for performing R&D in space. Space providers are now offering service offers with quick access to space for industrial R&D in low earth orbit. Join us to explore how space can accelerate your research. Our accelerator is providing advanced technical and business support to help you to benefit from the unique features of the space environment.’ Audrey Berthier, Executive Director, MEDES”

ESA BSGN Industry Accelerator has already secured a budget of €800,000 to be allocated to the most impactful life sciences projects, in accordance with ESA’s co-following rules.

More information

All information available on the OSIP website. For further inquiries, please contact: bsgn-lifescience@medes.fr

About MEDES

MEDES is the French Institute for Space Medicine and Physiology. It was created in 1989 by the French Space Agency, CNES and Toulouse University Hospitals, its two main members. Its activities are focused on support for space missions, clinical research (with a unique research infrastructure: the space clinic) and innovations between space and health. MEDES has more than 35 years of experience for crew health maintenance for human spaceflights, operational support for research in life sciences in space, in addition to a strong expertise in clinical research and on innovation projects for health applications.

Learn more about MEDES at https://www.medes.fr/en/

About ESA

The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space. ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions.

Learn more about ESA at https://www.esa.int

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 Partner MEDES. 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.

Learn more about BSGN LifeScience Industry Accelerator here.