LIFTOFF CHALLENGE
A space competition for future entrepreneurs both in space and on Earth.
Win 60 000 CZK and transform your vision into reality!
WHAT IS ESA BIC LIFTOFF CHALLENGE?
ESA BIC LIFTOFF CHALLENGE is a competition organized by ESA BIC Czech Republic, open to students and young professionals aged 18-35 who want to further develop their business ideas. The main requirement for participation is a so-called space connection — a link between the idea and the space sector. And space can truly be found everywhere. That’s why the competition is a great opportunity not only for people dreaming of building rockets, but also for anyone with an innovative idea, entrepreneurial ambition, and the courage to challenge the seeming untouchability of space, which is far more accessible than it may seem.
Through the ESA BIC Liftoff Challenge, participants can develop their ideas with expert guidance, gain valuable feedback and experience, and win attractive prizes to support the future success of their ventures.
The ESA BIC Liftoff Challenge is structured in 3 consecutive rounds, each helping participants gradually shape their ideas into real startup concepts. In Round 1, contestants submit a Lean Canvas – a clear and concise description of the key elements of their business idea. Based on the evaluation, selected teams will advance to Round 2, where they will create a full business plan with the support of workshops and experienced mentors. The best teams will then qualify for Round 3, where they will pitch their ideas to investors and experts during Czech Space Week 2025.
The challenge is currently in Round 1, now is the time to start working on the Lean Canvas! After registration, participants need to submit their Lean Canvas to liftoff@czechinvest.gov.cz.
Deadline for registration for round 1 is June 30, 2025!
Requirements
🡺 PARTICIPATION
Contestants can participate either individually or in teams of 2 to 5 members.
All participants must be Czech citizens or foreign nationals residing in the Czech Republic, aged 18-35 inclusive.
🡺 INNOVATIVE IDEA WITH SPACE CONNECTION
The idea must meet the space connection criterion, be original and unpublished, with contestants as its authors.
It will be judged on innovation, business potential, feasibility, and more.
Competition Process
🡺 ROUND 0 – REGISTRATION
To enter the ESA BIC Liftoff Challenge, participants must first complete the registration form. Only registered participants will be allowed to submit their Lean Canvas in Round 1. Any submissions without prior registration will not be considered.
All individuals who complete their registration on time will be invited to attend a live online workshop on June 16 at 16:00. The workshop will provide participants with valuable insights into the concept of space connection, including the distinction between upstream and downstream applications. This knowledge will help them better define their project focus and strengthen their submission for the competition.
The session will feature guest speakers Jakub Kapuš, CEO of Spacemanic CZ s.r.o., and Alfredo Mensi, CEO of X – ENDER Space s.r.o., who will share their perspectives and experiences from the space industry. The workshop will also include space for questions and discussion to help participants better understand how space technologies can be applied in real-world contexts.
🡺 ROUND 1 – LEAN CANVAS
In the first round, the contestants will process their ideas into a Lean Canvas – a simplified tool for designing and describing the key elements of your business model. By focusing on customer problems, proposed solutions, unique value, and other aspects, it will help you structure your idea, validate it and assess its business potential. That’s why it serves as the output of the first round of the ESA BIC Liftoff Challenge.
The main evaluation criteria for Round 1 are:
● business potential
● technical potential
● relevance of the space connection
Contestants are required to send a completed Lean Canvas to liftoff@czechinvest.gov.cz by 30. 6. 2025.
Not sure how to fill out your Lean Canvas? Check out these two examples:
The Lean Canvas will serve as the main submission for Round 1, and based on its quality, the best teams will advance to Round 2.
🡺 ROUND 2 – BUSINESS PLAN
In the second round, competitors will develop their idea into a detailed business plan with the support of workshops and expert mentoring.
🡺 ROUND 3 – PITCH DECK
In the third round, the finalists will present their idea in a short pitch deck during the Czech Space Week at the Space2Business event.
The overall winner will then present to investors and space sector professionals at the ESA BIC Launchpad.
