The Physical Incubation Programme, as the name suggests, involves the company setting up its operations on the Incubator’s premises. Under this programme, the company is allocated one or more incubation units in which to carry out its activities. These spaces are fully furnished, and the company has access to a range of basic shared services, which are included in the price: reception, security, cleaning, and access to two telephone lines, amongst others.
The Incubator currently offers a range of incubation spaces/modules, with floor areas of 20, 28, 33, 40, 56 and 66 m², fully equipped with lighting, data networks, telephone connections, etc. The 33 and 66 m² modules also have water connections. The current time limit for a company’s physical incubation is four years. In special cases, duly justified and assessed by the Incubator’s management, this period may be slightly extended.
The “Space Incubator” modules are the latest incubation spaces, which give priority to startups that are either current participants or alumni of the programme ESA BIC Portugal and others where space-derived technologies are relevant.
The price charged is based on the floor space occupied by the company and increases year on year, in line with the company’s expected growth. The current monthly rates, to which VAT is added, are:
The Virtual Incubation Programme offers a range of services and facilities similar to those of the Physical Incubation Programme, with the exception of those relating to the exclusive use of incubation modules or spaces. All projects approved at the pre-application stage are automatically approved for the Virtual Incubation Programme and may begin to make use of the services and facilities provided even whilst preparing their application for the Physical Incubation Programme. There are two types of virtual incubation: Start and Follow-up:
The ‘Start’ programme of the virtual incubation scheme is aimed at entrepreneurs who have recently launched their project or business and do not yet require a physical space. The company may not even have been formally incorporated yet. The Virtual Incubation Start contract has an initial duration of three months and may be renewed for further periods of the same length, if justified.
€49/month + VAT
Graduated companies – that is, successful projects that have completed the Physical Incubation or Virtual Start phase (those that did not require physical space and used only the Virtual Incubation programme) and wish to continue using the Incubator’s services – may sign a new Virtual Incubation contract, in this case with ‘Follow-up’ status. This contract has a duration of 3 months and is automatically renewable for equal periods.
€49/month + VAT
A co-working space for companies participating in the Start Virtual Incubation programme that require a physical workspace, even if shared with other projects. The space includes furniture for two workstations, a printer, internet access and 24-hour access to the facilities, in a room with capacity for six to eight projects.
