Above and ESA BIC Sweden partner to support the next generation of space tech entrepreneurs

Above is partnering with the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre Sweden (ESA BIC Sweden) to provide strategic, design and engineering support. The partnership, to last one year, will serve as a catalyst for superior user experiences, bridging the gap between highly technical and scientific concepts with user-centred experiences.

The aim is to accelerate the space startups’ commercialization, conversion and adoption by wider target groups. Above will be offering digitalization, UX ideation, advanced prototyping, or physical product development services.

ESA BIC Sweden startups leverage space, mineral, energy and IT technology to accelerate humanity’s progress towards solving some of the world’s toughest challenges. Above sees this collaboration as the next step in fulfilling their purpose, Driving Positive Change.

Martin Johnson, Digital Director at Above says, “We believe that looking into exponential technology, like space tech, is the disruption we urgently need to see an impact at a scale when it comes to our toughest challenges. And as Innovation Experts, we feel it’s our responsibility to elevate and propel these entrepreneurs and startups who are making this happen.”

"Many of our startups are extremely tech-savvy, often among the best in their field. However, they lack experience in many of the fields that Above is knowledgeable within. I believe Above will be a great resource to many of our startups and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in the coming year. " Emma Hansson, Project Leader ESA BIC Sweden

About Above

Above is a Scandinavian innovation agency driving positive change through a seamless fusion of strategy, design, and tech. They work with the world’s boldest companies to create futures that are optimistic, sustainable, and enjoyable. Above’s team of 80+ specialists work from studios in Stockholm and Malmö, Sweden, and satellites in Shenzhen, China, and San Francisco, US. Clients include Google, IKEA, Amazon, Bang & Olufsen, Scania.

About ESA BIC Sweden

ESA BIC Sweden is the national space incubator and offers qualified advice and support to entrepreneurs from research centres, universities, space and non-space businesses seeking to realise their innovative ideas and transfer technologies from space to other areas of the economy. The centre opened in December 2015 at the request of the European Space Agency and the Swedish National Space Agency, with funding from Vinnova, and is managed by Arctic Business. Collaborative incubators are Uppsala Innovation Centre, Innovatum and Ideon Innovation. ESA BIC Sweden has supported nearly 40 space tech startups to date.