Hawa Dawa among the four winners of the ESA Startup Competition

The four winners of ESA’s Startup competition are using space to solve problems on Earth. Each startup company presented their business proposals to delegates online at ESA’s Industrial Policy Committee meeting on 29 June.

In a session led by Eric Morel de Westgaver, ESA Director of Industry, Procurement and Legal Services, each startup outlined their proposal and answered questions from Member State delegates.

The four winning startups were selected from a total of 101 applicants. Over a period of two months they were judged on the team, business model, societal impact of the project and usefulness, and quality of the proposal. This process involved Member State Business Incubation Centres, ESA scientific, business and legal experts, and ESA’s Inspector General. All 22 Member State delegates voted unanimously on the final winners. Such was the quality of the entries that third place was shared by two startups.

“Each proposal makes sound business sense and will have a very positive societal or environmental impact,” Eric explained. “The people behind these ideas are experts in their fields who have spotted opportunities in the market. Their dedication and commitment teamed with ESA’s recognition and support gives them the boost needed to bring these ideas to fruition.”

Read the full announcement here