Funding & Projects

Funding type: Research, innovation and development

Who can apply: UK organisations working in positioning, navigation and timing undertaking technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.

Funding: Varies. 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations; typically between €200,000 and €800,000 for space-enabled positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technology solutions and innovations.

Deadline: Open until further notice

Since 2017, the UK has invested €50 million into NavISP to support the UK space PNT sector to innovate the next generation of space-enabled and space-supported navigation products, services and applications.

The UK investment in the programme is available to support UK organisations to undertake technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.

Funding type: Research, innovation and development

Who can apply: UK-based teams successfully selected by ESA for certain student support programmes.

Funding: Up to £5,000

Deadline: Open until further notice

This announcement of opportunity offers up to £5,000 (if available) to support students participating in ESA microgravity programmes.

ESA Space Solutions is the go-to place for great business ideas involving space in all areas of society and economy. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs in Europe in the development of business using satellite applications and space technology. Our network includes the ESA Business Applications Ambassadors and the recurring ESA Investor Forum.

ESA Space Solutions and Business Applications are part of ESA’s ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) 4.0 Programme. We provide different types of funding opportunities such as Kick-Starts, Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects and support the development of sustainable services utilising space assets.

Space assets like satellite data or spaceflight technologies offer many opportunities and solutions to businesses. Are you an entrepreneur, or are you running a start-up or an established business? Then you might be interested to apply for our different funding opportunities. See the link below for more information.

• OPPORTUNITY Intended Tender
• ACTIVITY Feasibility Study, Demonstration Project
• OPENING DATE 30-06-2023
• CLOSING DATE 01-12-2024

Sub-themes

This funding call consists of 6 sub-themes, each open at a different point in time. Please see the list of currently open or upcoming funding calls and their further specific details below:

1. Sub-theme 1: Air, Land and Sea Transport Infrastructure(open: 30 June 2023 – 28 September 2023).
2. Sub-theme 2: Energy (upcoming)
3. Sub-theme 3: Water Management (upcoming)
4. Sub-theme 4: Digital (upcoming)
5. Sub-theme 5: Sport. Cultural and Educational (upcoming)
6. Sub-theme 6: Health (upcoming)

Infrastructure underpins both national economies and citizens’ quality of life. It consists of the physical infrastructure needed, for example, to power homes and businesses and to supply the water that people need, but it also includes the digital infrastructure required to manage the transport of goods efficiently, to exchange ideas, and to stay in touch with family and friends. Infrastructure networks account for a substantial proportion of both government and private sector investment and, given its scale, it is critical that such investment is deployed effectively.

A properly functioning and accessible infrastructure is vital for the sustainable economic development of each country. The facilities and services reliant on infrastructure need to be available, accessible, inclusive and beneficial to all. For example, providing dependable and accessible low-emission transport on land, air and sea is critical to achieve net-zero targets, and is widely recognised as being a key contributor to improving livelihoods and economic productivity. Water management is important for supporting industrial utilities. Maintaining a secure and adequate energy supply is fundamental for society and the provision of the services essential for production, communication, and exchange.

The Business Applications and Space Solutions Programme (BASS) programme, in partnership between the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency (ESA), is a commercially focused space applications programme that delivers innovative uses of space assets and data. BASS offers funding and support to businesses from any sector who intend to use space (for example, satellite navigation, earth observation, satellite telecommunication, space weather) to develop new commercial services.

ESA Business Applications’ Call for proposals (Direct Negotiation) is always open. Businesses from any sector can apply throughout the year, and the amount of funding may vary according to the project. The goal of this activity is for the business to develop a new commercial service that utilises one or more space asset (such as Satellite Communications, Earth Observation, Satellite Navigation, Human Spaceflight technologies and other space assets).

The Commercial Applications enabled by Space Environments (CASE) Open Call for Proposals supports the development of commercial services that benefit from microgravity and space environments.

ESA open call “Space4Rail Downstream Applications in ARTES 4.0” aims to support the exploitation of space-based assets (satellite navigation, satellite communications and/or Earth observation) in innovative and sustainable applications/services:

1. Related to future control, command and signalling applications of the European Rail system;
2. Improving the performance and attractiveness of the railway, both for railway undertakings and end users.

Applications can be submitted anytime.

The Thematic Call for proposals aims at supporting new space-based services for the digital transformation and sustainability of the sport sector, specifically in the organisation, management, and further exploitation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It primarily targets the next Games in Europe – Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026, with the ambition of providing services for the future Games as well, ensuring continuity of the sustainability model.

Unlocking Space for Business is a new UK Space Agency programme supporting companies to deliver operational, customer and environmental benefits through the use of innovative satellite data and services.

Explore is perfect for those making their first steps into the commercial space industry. Perhaps you think of yourself as an “inventor” with a desire to commit to building a scalable business, or maybe you’re working in another industry such as aerospace, law, quantum technology, farming, environmental engineering or healthcare but see the potential for your idea in space.

Innovate UK Business Growth is a publicly-funded service offering full wrap-around support to pioneering, innovative businesses that drive economic growth including how to exploit business innovation, open new markets, and source funding and finance. Get in touch to find out more. 

Identify opportunities for R&D, collaboration and partnership building with the RTO/Catapult Growth Support programme delivered by Innovate UK Edge. This grant funding allows eligible businesses to claim back % of project activities up to a maximum of £15,000

The overall programme of work is split into two main parts:  Technology Brokerage: This part of the work will see TWI support and promote activities between space and non-space entities, including match-making between interested organisations.

Prepare for Space: This technology transfer programme will allow non-space companies to apply for business and technical support, lowering the barrier of entry to the space industry.

Our aim, as the ESA Technology Broker in the UK is focused on building an ecosystem that fuels technical innovation and mutual growth between terrestrial and space industries to create a collaborative environment that delivers tangible outcomes. These collaborative, commercial activities will create a bridge between different industry sectors to share knowledge and information, stimulating non-space companies to enter the space industry as well as leveraging space technologies for terrestrial applications. ‘Prepare for Space’ has been created to support UK companies in finding commercial opportunities in the space industry by providing dedicated business case development training, supply chain understanding, and routes to source funding for projects.

This aspect of the project will also facilitate on-boarding for non-space companies into ESA programmes, providing information and training on ESA opportunities, technology transfer and calls.

Connect is an industry-backed catalyst project designed to support East of England companies looking to bring a product or service to the renewable energy market.