ESA Business Applications offers funding and support to businesses from any sector who intend to use space (satellite navigation, earth observation, satellite telecommunication, space weather, space technologies) to develop new commercial services.
Applications are open all year. Businesses can submit a proposal at any time through the Call for Proposals for Downstream Applications or can apply to a Competitive Tender or a non-competitive Thematic Call for Proposals.
Kick-start Activities
Space for Insurance Technology
Call for Proposals (Competitive) Opening date: 28 April 2025 Closing date: 09 June 2025
This ‘Space for Insurance Technology’ opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing services integrating technology solutions to the insurance sector. The European Space Agency (ESA) will provide funding for six-month feasibility studies known as ‘Kick-Starts’, which can lead to larger-scale projects and pilots. Kick-Starts are funded at 75% by ESA, up to a maximum of €75K per contract. Proposed services must use satellite data or space-based technologies. Please see the ‘authorisation of funding’ section below to verify your team’s eligibility.
Space for monitoring hazardous materials
Call for Proposals (Competitive) Opening date: 16 June 2025 Closing date: 18 September 2025
The Space for Monitoring Hazardous Materials opportunity focuses on supporting innovative space-enabled applications for hazardous materials management. This includes identifying contaminated sites, monitoring toxic material degradation and providing predictive insights for proactive remediation efforts. The initiative aims to address regulatory mandates and health concerns by leveraging advanced monitoring technologies.
Open Call for Proposals - Kick-Starts
Closing date: 31 December 2025
ESA’s OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS - KICK-STARTS (BASS ARTES 4.0) is always open. This means that businesses from any sector can apply for Kick-Starts throughout the year.
Competitive Calls
Space for monitoring hazardous materials
Call for Proposals (Competitive) Opening date: 16-06-2025 Closing date: 18-09-2025
The Space for Monitoring Hazardous Materials opportunity focuses on supporting innovative space-enabled applications for hazardous materials management. This includes identifying contaminated sites, monitoring toxic material degradation and providing predictive insights for proactive remediation efforts. The initiative aims to address regulatory mandates and health concerns by leveraging advanced monitoring technologies.
Space for Insurance Technology
Call for Proposals (Competitive) Opening date: 28-04-2025 Closing date: 09-06-2025
This ‘Space for Insurance Technology’ opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing services integrating technology solutions to the insurance sector. The European Space Agency (ESA) will provide funding for six-month feasibility studies known as ‘Kick-Starts’, which can lead to larger-scale projects and pilots. Kick-Starts are funded at 75% by ESA, up to a maximum of €75K per contract. Proposed services must use satellite data or space-based technologies. Please see the ‘authorisation of funding’ section below to verify your team’s eligibility.
Green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source
Open Competition Opening date: 11-04-2025 Closing date: 06-06-2025
This Invitation to Tender invites proposals for feasibility studies for services that explore innovative uses of space technology to advance green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. This study aims to leverage satellite communication (SatCom), satellite Earth observation (SatEO), and satellite navigation (SatNav) to support green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. The focus is on evaluating practical applications of green hydrogen across multiple sectors.
Non-Competitive Thematic Calls for Proposals
Advanced agricultural monitoring and management solutions
Call for Proposals (Non-Competitive)
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites companies to participate in the Advanced Agricultural Monitoring and Management Solutions initiative. This opportunity aims to support the development of innovative services that leverage space technology to enhance agricultural monitoring and management. The Call for Proposals welcomes submissions for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects.
Space for Intermodal Transport
Call for Proposals (Non-Competitive)
This opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing sustainable space-based services and applications for intermodal transport, covering both freight and passenger transportation. The Call will accept proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects. Proposed services must utilise satellite data or space-based technologies.
Space for Sustainable, Connected and Liveable Cities
Call for Proposals (Non-Competitive)
This call invites proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects for services that leverage space-based services and applications for the smart cities sector. Successful bidders may have the opportunity to work closely with Space for Smart and Green Cities Task Force members who are supporting this call in the development of the proposed service. Refer to the ‘authorisation of funding’ section below to determine if your team is eligible for this funding.
Space for sustainability in sports and mass events
Call for Proposals (Non-Competitive)
This Call for Proposals invites feasibility studies and demonstration projects that leverage satellite technology to enhance the sustainability of sports and mass events. Proposals are encouraged to explore innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of large-scale gatherings, such as sports championships, music festivals, and conferences.
Coastal resilience to climate change
Call for Proposals (Non-Competitive)
Space for Olympic Games
Call for Proposals (Non-Competitive)
The intended 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, ensuring continuity of the sustainability model.