EU–Africa Space Partnership Programme
Africa Business Innovation Lab – ABIL is a Kenya-based business incubator dedicated to transforming satellite and Earth Observation capabilities into innovative products, services, and socio-economic impact across Kenya and the wider continent. With its open calls and acceleration services, ABIL fits within the overall strategy of the Kenya Space Agency and it is a key pillar of the local ecosystem.
NEWS!
presentations of the abil open calls – information webinar are now available!
Kenya is one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation landscapes. With over 400 active startups, a maturing policy framework, and growing public investment in digital infrastructure, the country is uniquely positioned to become a continental hub for EO-enabled business innovation.
Yet critical gaps remain: 81% of startup funding comes from foreign sources, business support services are heavily concentrated in Nairobi, and the integration of Earth Observation data into productive sectors, agriculture, energy, health, infrastructure is still in its early stages.
ABIL exists to bridge these gaps: connecting EO capabilities with real market needs, building local capacity, and creating sustainable pathways from early-stage ideas to investment-ready ventures.
WHAT IS ABIL
The Africa Business Innovation Lab (ABIL) is an Earth Observation-focused business incubator established in Kenya under the Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme. Inspired by the ESA Φ-lab model, ABIL supports the development of space-based innovation and entrepreneurship by helping start-ups, SMEs, companies, research institutions, and entrepreneurs turn satellite data and space technologies into commercially viable solutions.
ABIL focuses on Earth Observation applications with strong potential to address local, regional, and international needs, while strengthening the competitiveness of Kenya’s industrial, scientific, and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
OUR MISSION
ABIL’s mission is to accelerate the future of Earth Observation innovation in Kenya through transformational ideas, technology transfer, and commercialisation support.
By adapting European experience, proven methodologies, and best practices to the Kenyan context, ABIL aims to strengthen local capabilities, foster collaboration between Europe and Africa, and support the creation of high-impact space-based products and services.
INSPIRED BY THE ESA Φ-LAB MODEL
ABIL builds on the ESA Φ-lab approach, which combines research-driven innovation with business acceleration.
This model is structured around two complementary pillars: Explore and Invest.
Explore focuses on early-stage research, experimentation, and feasibility assessment. It supports promising Earth Observation technologies and applications at lower levels of maturity, helping them demonstrate their potential and progress towards practical use.
Invest focuses on business development and commercial readiness. It supports start-ups, SMEs, companies, and institutions in developing Earth Observation products and services with market potential, helping them mature technically, strengthen their business models, and connect with customers, partners, and investors.
OUR OBJECTIVES
WHAT WE DO
ABIL identifies, supports, and incubates high-potential businesses, organisations, and entrepreneurs that use Earth Observation data, satellite technologies, or space-enabled services in innovative commercial applications.
Through tailored technical mentorship, business coaching, networking opportunities, and access to relevant expertise, ABIL helps selected participants develop solutions with strong market potential and measurable impact.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
ABIL launches dedicated Open Calls for Funding to identify and support promising Earth Observation innovations. These calls are organised around two complementary tracks: ABIL Explore and ABIL Invest.
ABIL Explore supports early-stage ideas, innovative technologies, and experimental applications with the potential to transform and accelerate the future of Earth Observation.
ABIL Invest supports more mature ideas and businesses by helping them move from innovation to market. It provides financial, technical, and business support to develop products, services, and business models, while facilitating access to investors and risk-capital opportunities.
ABIL EXPLORE
From idea to proof of concept
ABIL Explore supports early-stage ideas, innovative technologies, and experimental applications with the potential to transform and accelerate the future of Earth Observation.
ABIL INVEST
From prototype to market
ABIL Invest supports more mature ideas and businesses by helping them move from innovation to market. It provides financial, technical, and business support to develop products, services, and business models, while facilitating access to investors and risk-capital opportunities.
Driving impact through Earth Observation
ABIL aims to turn space capabilities into practical solutions that address real economic, environmental, and societal challenges. By supporting innovation in Earth Observation, ABIL contributes to a stronger space entrepreneurship ecosystem in Kenya and creates new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and sustainable growth across the continent.
THE CONSORTIUM
The African-European ABIL Team
STAM S.r.l. (Prime Contractor) — Genova, Italy. STAM is a leading engineering and technology consulting firm, with offices and operations across Italy and Belgium and a team of 150 highly experienced and multidisciplinary professionals. STAM has extensive expertise in open innovation, space technology transfer, and ecosystem management, connecting technology, business, and investors through proprietary innovation methodologies and digital collaboration frameworks. STAM acts as an ESA Technology Broker and InCubed Ambassador, connecting space and non-space organisations to facilitate technology transfer, foster cross-sector collaboration, and accelerate new business opportunities that leverage Earth Observation data and space assets.
Planetek Italia — Bari, Italy. European leader in Earth Observation services and AI-based geospatial applications, it operates across the full EO value chain and actively contributes to international space programmes, capacity building, and innovation networks.
LocateIT — Nairobi, Kenya. Kenyan geospatial company with direct experience in KSA Communities of Practice, EO-GIS data management, and spatial decision support tools, combining strong technical capabilities with deep knowledge of the regional ecosystem, to support institutions, international organisations, and private-sector actors across Africa.
Corallia — Athens, Greece. Operator of ESA BIC Greece with proven expertise in startup incubation and venture-building toolkits, with a solid track record in supporting start-ups and managing structured innovation programmes, connecting research, industry, and investment communities across Europe.
Adanian Labs — Nairobi, Kenya. Pan-African digital venture builder and accelerator with deep roots in Kenya’s startup ecosystem and connections to African investors, operating across multiple African markets, supporting the creation and scaling of technology start-ups while strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems and access to capital.
About the Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme
ABIL is developed in the framework of the Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme (AESPP), a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between Africa and Europe in the field of space, Earth Observation and related services. The programme promotes the use of space-based technologies, data and know-how to support sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation and innovation across Africa. AESPP is funded by the European Commission through DG INTPA and jointly implemented by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the African Space Agency (AfSA).