Apply for funding: space-related R&D, innovation and education

UK National Delegate’ support for the ESA ARTES Public Partnership Programme (PPP)

The UK Space Agency is seeking industrial partners for major projects in satellite communications through a competitive Call opening in January 2023.

Funding type: Research, innovation, and development

Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency approval required)

Funding: UK companies can apply for up to 75% matched funding, depending on the size of the company applying:

For all large or non-SME companies, including companies who are wholly owned by large companies or part of Large groups of companies, or for SMEs undertaking very high-value programmes – up to 50%.

For all other SME companies and activities – we may consider up to 75%.

However, all matched funding decisions remain at the discretion of the UK Space Agency and rates will be applied to individual organisations relative to their individual projects.

For this call we would expect most entrants to be able to compete at or below 50% matched funding.

ESA eligibility on match funding states up to 80% can be applied for, but it is for individual subscribers to set their own rates. Research and technology organisations should follow the ESA criteria on funding.

Deadline: Midday 1 March 2023

ARTES Competitiveness and Growth

Funding type: Research, innovation and development

Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency approval required)

Funding: All projects are subject to the usual European Space Agency (ESA) rules surrounding matched funding

Deadline: 3 March 2023

This is an industry-led programme offering matched funding for developing commercial satellite communications technology solutions and innovations.

As part of the application process, companies will need to apply to the UK Space Agency for approval before they submit their application to ESA.

ARTES Advanced Technology

Funding type: Research, innovation and development

Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency and ESA approval required)

Funding: Dependent on Advanced Technology project

Deadline: Open until further notice

This is an ESA-initiated programme offering up to 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations. Invitations To Tender (ITT) are listed on the ESA website here.

As part of the application process, companies will need to apply to the UK Space Agency for approval before they submit their application. This is a three-stage application process, in which:

• applicants should complete an Expression of Interest form in the first instance
• successful applicants will be asked to complete the Advanced Technology application form
• successful applicants can apply to ESA

Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NavISP)

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.

Student support: ESA microgravity programmes

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.

Responsive Mode Call - Exploration Community Development

Funding type: Development and promotion of UK space exploration community

Who can apply: UK individuals and organisations

Funding: Support will be granted to a maximum of £50,000.

Deadline: Open until further notice.

The UK Space Agency will, subject to budget being available in any given financial year, make available funds to support activities such as:

• community building activities

• establishing networking opportunities

• showcases and/or organisation attendance at appropriate conferences

Applicants should detail how the proposed activity benefits the UK space exploration community.

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