NSE 2025 Startup Competition – Eligibility Criteria and Participant Information
“Eligibility Criteria”
To participate in the NSE 2025 Startup Competition, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Have an MVP or working prototype of the product or service
- Be in a pre-seed funding stage or higher
- Count on a dedicated and competent team
- Focus On Downstream And EO Applications/Services: Startups must operate within the downstream segment of the Space Economy, specifically focusing on the development, deployment, or commercialization of services and applications based on Earth Observation (EO) data. Eligible startups must demonstrate a clear business model that leverages satellite-derived data to generate value-added services for end-users across various sectors. The core business must involve processing, analyzing, distributing, or applying EO data from space-based assets. Example of relevant activities: Space&Blu applications, Environmental Monitoring & Climate Services, Agritech & Precision Farming, Disaster Risk Management & Emergency Response, Urban Planning & Smart Cities and others.
- Have been selected for or be part of an incubation and/or acceleration program focused on Space Economy or Deep Tech (preferential requirement – ongoing or alumni)
Useful Information for Participants:
1. What is the NSE Pitch Competition?
It is a contest dedicated to innovative startups, organized with the technical support of ASI – the Italian Space Agency, within the framework of NSE 2025. The event brings together startups, industry experts, and international speakers in a dynamic and high-level setting.
2. How can I participate?
By filling out the registration form available on the official NSE 2025 website. Once submitted, a representative from the organizing team will contact the startup to provide assistance before and during the event.
3. Which startups can participate?
Startups must operate within the downstream segment of the Space Economy, specifically focusing on the development, deployment, or commercialization of services and applications based on Earth Observation (EO) data, and positioned in pre-seed, seed, early stage, Round A or Round B funding phases, with at least an MVP or prototype. Eligible startups must also be legally established and headquartered in a European country.
4. How are startups selected?
The Scientific Committee, composed of experts and partners of NSE 2025, will evaluate applications and select the startups deemed most suitable for participation in the event and the final contest.
5. What is the deadline for submitting the registration form?
Applications can be submitted starting from November 5, 2025. The final deadline for submission is December 1, 2025.
6. When will the selected startups be announced?
The 10 startups selected for the final contest will be notified by December 5, 2025.
7. How does the contest work?
On December 12, 2025, starting at 1:30 PM, the selected startups will present their pitch on stage. Each team will have 7 minutes to showcase their project. The Scientific Committee will evaluate the presentations and announce the winner.
8. What is the prize?
The winner of the competition will receive a €5,000 prize, awarded by NSE – New Space Economy 2025. In addition, the first-place startup will be granted a free exhibition stand for the NSE 2026 edition. Only the winning startup will be entitled to these benefits.
9. Benefits for selected startups
Selected startups will be offered a free exhibition space within the dedicated startup area of the event. They will also have the opportunity to present their projects to partners, and media, and to take part in investor meetings and B2B activities organized during NSE 2025.
