Finland continues to accelerate its position in the global space industry as ESA BIC Finland welcomes four new space-tech startups into its prestigious incubation program. On June 5, 2025, Aalto University and the European Space Agency (ESA) jointly announced the latest additions to the ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) in Finland. These startups bring cutting-edge innovation in satellite imaging, propulsion systems, AI-based satellite data analysis, and in-orbit servicing — all vital areas driving the next generation of the space economy.
ESA BIC Finland, headquartered in Espoo, operates under a pan-European initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in the space sector. The program selects promising early-stage ventures and provides them with financial support, mentoring, technical guidance from ESA experts, and access to a powerful global space network.
Let’s explore the four selected companies and how they intend to shape the future of Europe’s space landscape.
1. Valkoinen Technologies – Reinventing In-Orbit Propulsion Systems
Valkoinen Technologies emerged from the research labs of the University of Oulu, focusing on clean propulsion technologies for small satellites. The team developed an ultra-compact cold gas thruster designed for CubeSats and nanosatellites. Unlike traditional chemical thrusters, Valkoinen’s system uses non-toxic gases and optimized nozzle design, offering precise maneuvering without hazardous fuel components.
CEO Jari Lehtonen emphasized the need for safer and greener propulsion systems in an increasingly congested low-Earth orbit (LEO). “We must build the infrastructure for satellites to navigate responsibly. Our thruster minimizes collision risks while extending the lifespan of the satellite,” he explained during the press briefing.
ESA BIC Finland will provide Valkoinen with €50,000 in seed funding and access to ESA’s propulsion test facilities. The team will use these resources to build a flight-ready prototype within the next 12 months. In parallel, they plan to engage with European satellite manufacturers for pilot deployments by early 2026.
2. Polaris Observa – AI-Driven Earth Intelligence Platform
Espoo-based Polaris Observa entered the incubation program with a bold mission: simplify access to real-time satellite imagery using artificial intelligence. Their proprietary platform automatically detects patterns in multispectral and radar satellite data to assist industries such as agriculture, insurance, and maritime logistics.
Rather than offer raw satellite imagery, Polaris Observa delivers actionable insights. Farmers receive crop health alerts, insurers detect early flood damage, and port authorities monitor coastal congestion — all from one dashboard. CTO Milla Rantanen described the platform as “Google Earth on steroids,” thanks to its deep learning models that reduce satellite data processing time from hours to seconds.
The team built its first algorithms using open Copernicus data and now aims to integrate ESA’s Sentinel satellites directly into their processing pipeline. ESA BIC Finland’s support will allow Polaris to refine its models using higher-resolution datasets and reach broader European markets.
3. Orbitech Robotics – Pioneers in On-Orbit Servicing (OOS)
Orbitech Robotics, based in Tampere, captivated ESA BIC Finland’s selection committee with its ambitious project to build autonomous robotic arms for on-orbit satellite servicing. These modular devices can repair, refuel, or even deorbit satellites in space. The company’s long-term goal is to enable a new category of “serviceable satellites,” much like modular cars in the automotive world.
Founder and lead engineer Petteri Saaristo drew inspiration from mechanical arms used in the automotive industry. “We just reimagined the application at zero gravity,” he said. Their robotic system features a unique reaction wheel stabilization mechanism that allows precise operations without disturbing the satellite’s orbit.
The ESA incubator will assist Orbitech in testing its robotic prototype in microgravity simulation environments. Over the next 18 months, the team plans to finalize a deal with a commercial satellite operator to demonstrate an in-orbit tech validation mission by 2027.
4. Northern Sky Imagers – Ultra-Light Hyperspectral Cameras
Northern Sky Imagers, a startup spun out of Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology (LUT), develops hyperspectral imaging systems for small satellite payloads. Unlike traditional satellite cameras, their sensors capture a wide range of spectral bands that enable precise environmental monitoring — such as detecting algae blooms, tracking soil nutrient levels, or identifying urban heat islands.
What sets this company apart is its miniaturization technique. They created a camera system 50% lighter than existing models, using carbon-based composite materials and patented optics. This innovation allows even small satellite operators to include hyperspectral capabilities in their missions, lowering the entry barrier for environmental monitoring.
ESA BIC Finland’s engineers will support the startup in calibrating their instruments to ESA’s space-grade standards. Northern Sky Imagers also intends to partner with climate-focused research institutes in Finland and Germany for field validation missions starting in 2026.
Why ESA BIC Finland Matters
ESA BIC Finland plays a pivotal role in accelerating Europe’s space innovation ecosystem. Since its inception, the incubator has supported over 35 startups that now operate in fields ranging from climate monitoring to deep space navigation. Its strong collaboration with Aalto University, VTT Technical Research Centre, and Business Finland ensures that startups receive both technical and commercial guidance.
In this year’s call, ESA BIC Finland received over 70 applications — a 40% increase compared to the previous cohort. The high demand reflects both the expanding role of commercial space in Europe and the maturity of Finland’s startup ecosystem.
Program Manager Katariina Korpela highlighted this evolution: “The space industry no longer belongs only to government agencies. We see talented engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs from all sectors entering this domain. Our role is to help them grow into globally relevant companies.”
The Broader European Space Context
The European Space Agency has committed to increasing private sector participation in its long-term missions, from Earth observation to lunar exploration. Through its BIC network, ESA currently operates 26 incubation centers across Europe, offering financial and technological support to over 700 startups.
ESA Director of Commercialisation, Géraldine Naja, stated, “We want to turn Europe into a launchpad for space entrepreneurs. The solutions these startups develop will also serve industries here on Earth — from agriculture to cybersecurity.”
By investing in early-stage ventures like Valkoinen, Polaris, Orbitech, and Northern Sky Imagers, ESA BIC Finland not only strengthens Europe’s commercial space sector but also enhances its global competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
These four startups now begin their two-year journey within ESA BIC Finland’s structured incubation program. Over this period, they will receive hands-on mentoring, access to ESA’s technical experts, and exposure to investors and industry partners across Europe.
Their success stories will likely inspire the next generation of space entrepreneurs. As the space economy diversifies beyond rocket launches to include AI, robotics, sustainability, and imaging, Finland positions itself as a European nucleus for space-tech innovation.
In a world where satellites dictate everything from GPS to climate modeling, the technologies these companies build today could redefine how humanity interacts with Earth and the cosmos tomorrow.