Funding opportunity
This opportunity invites business to submit proposals for space-based applications and services that support universities with the challenges they are increasingly facing.
Selected studies can access 75% funding by the European Space Agency, up to €75 000 per activity.
The challenge
As gateways to knowledge and tools for scientific progress, innovation, and sustainable societal development, universities are navigating an intricate set of challenges. Financial instability, rapid technological advancements, shifting student expectations, and inclusivity concerns are reshaping the landscape of higher education. Declining enrolment rates and budgetary pressures are forcing tough decisions about programmes and staffing, while the fast-changing world—with geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts and migration—demands that universities adapt to realities such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, climate change and sustainability.
Space technologies can play a key role in several applications within a university setting, including research, education and infrastructure. Satellite imagery and data can enhance climate research, disaster management, and resource allocation, while GPS and communication satellites support campus navigation, remote learning, and global connectivity.
By integrating space data, universities can create more grounded digital experiences, enriching both academic exploration and practical applications.
Topics of relevance
- Democratisation of data and knowledge: Sharing knowledge among teachers, researchers, and students in an open environment forms the foundation of academic collaboration and innovation, breaking down barriers to access data.
- Virtual Labs: Technologies such as AR/VR are opening up a whole world of possibilities to enhance learning, for example enabling STEM students to perform experiments, which are difficult to perform in a traditional lab for safety reasons or because of hight costs.
- Serious Gaming: Serious Gaming have another purpose besides entertainment, i.e. they are used to promote learning. They combine learning strategies, knowledge and structures, and game elements to teach specific skills, knowledge and attitudes.
- Remote Learning: Remote learning will expand access to higher education for students who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus programmes. This is not only about connectivity, but also about adapting teaching methods.
- Connected Campuses: A sustainable connected university campus provides optimal conditions for research and teaching. A digital twin of the campus and smart energy management support the necessary intelligent digital solutions and connected infrastructures.
Additional topics related to the theme of University of Tomorrow – even if not listed here – are also eligible under this call.
Value of space
Space assets, data and technologies can support the universities of tomorrow in many ways.
SatEO contributes to:
- enabling the representation, analysis, and integration of physical data in map form
- creating an accurate, and navigable virtual representation of the world
- integrating GIS data into the applications, so that students can interact with digital twins of real-world locations
- building a large-scale mapping of environments, infrastructure, and natural phenomena
SatCom contributes to:
- increasing network robustness and resilience
- enabling seamless connectivity when terrestrial communications are not available or unreliable
- enabling data transfer in scenarios involving remote regions or data transfer from in-situ sensors
SatNav contributes to:
- enabling the mapping with extreme precision
- geofencing by using GNSS or RFID technology to create a virtual geographic boundary
- providing accurate positioning and to track and trace vehicles and persons with PNT
What we look for
We invite submissions of early-stage service concepts that address customer needs, show commercial potential and technical feasibility, and leverage satellite data or space technology. Kick-starts should be led by experienced, motivated teams, with a clear ambition and a credible pathway to developing commercially viable services.
What we offer
We offer funding and support to companies, specifically to help teams carry out a feasibility study over a six-month period. During this time, teams can develop their business case, work on technical aspects, validating the integration of satellite data and space technologies into the proposed solution, and engage actively with users and customers.
We offer:
- 75% funding from the European Space Agency to a maximum of €75,000 for each selected study, provided on a zero-equity basis. The total cost per study is up to €100,000.
- Technical and commercial guidance
- Access to our network and partners
- Use of the ESA brand for your service
Please note that we do not provide direct access to space data, nor are we responsible for the space segment of service development. Applicants should have a clear plan for how they will obtain any required space data and ensure they have the necessary expertise within their team to help manage this aspect.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is open to companies that intend to develop space-enabled services and products related, but not restricted, to the topics of relevance outlined above.
This opportunity is open to companies that intend to develop space-enabled services and products related, but not restricted, to the topics of relevance outlined above. To be eligible for funding, your team must be based in one of the following countries:
Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Germany has issued a pre-authorisation for applications to this call.
Norway and The Netherlands are not supporting this call.
Potential Tenderers are strongly advised to contact the National Delegation(s) as soon as possible and to apply for a Written Authorisation for ESA funding.
How to apply
1. Register your team on esa-star registration.
2. When the Kick-start opens find it on esa-star publication and download the official competition documents.
3. Use the official documents to prepare your proposal.
4. Reach out to your National Delegate(s) to apply for a Written Authorisation for ESA Funding.
5. Submit your proposal via esa-star tendering before the deadline.
Webinar
Join our free webinar for your opportunity to learn more and ask question on Wednesday 29 April 2026 11AM – 12PM CEST.
Register to attend the webinar
Disclaimer:
Please note that all information provided on this webpage is for general guidance only. In case of any discrepancies or conflicts, the official ESA sources shall always take precedence. These include, but are not limited to:
• esa-star publication
• esa-star tendering
Participants are strongly advised to refer to these official channels for authoritative and up-to-date information regarding ESA opportunities, requirements, and procedures.