Scope of the funding call
This is a sub‑call to the Artic Region funding call, and supports the development of space‑enabled services addressing environmental protection and climate resilience in the Arctic region.
It focuses on monitoring, protecting and strengthening Arctic ecosystems together with economically critical activities such as fisheries and aquaculture, which are increasingly exposed to climate change, pollution and growing maritime pressure.
The objective is to enable services that support environmental monitoring, risk reduction, decision‑making and sustainable resource management in the Arctic and sub‑Arctic regions.
Proposals should address one or more of the following areas:
- Environmental monitoring and pollution detection (e.g. oil spills, emissions, water quality)
- Climate impact monitoring (e.g. warming waters, ecosystem stress, biodiversity)
- Fisheries and aquaculture resilience
- Food security and sustainable Arctic value chains
- Decision‑making support tools for environmental authorities and operators
Value of space
Satellite Earth Observation (SatEO) images can be used for detecting oil spills, pollutants such as methane and carbon dioxide, and mapping algal blooming.
Satellite Communications (Satcom) provide resilient communication in the most challenging environments and can send back information from in-situ sensors used for aquaculture and coastal monitoring.
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) are vital for geo- and timestamping environmental data, which is essential for accurate analysis.
What we look for
This sub‑call is open to:
- Companies (start‑ups, SMEs, large companies)
- Consortia involving industrial and non‑industrial partners
- Cross‑sectoral teams combining space and non‑space actors
Applicants should demonstrate a clear user need, with users such as public authorities, environmental agencies, fisheries and aquaculture operators, port and coastal authorities, or environmental service providers.
What we offer
Funding is provided under ESA Business Applications non‑competitive conditions, with co‑funding rates depending on participant profile and Member State contribution.
- zero-equity funding*
- technical and commercial guidance
- access to our network and partners
- ESA brand credibility
*(50-80% depending on SME Status and Member State Approval)
How to apply
Proposals must be submitted via the ESA Activity Pitch Questionnaire (APQ).
Applicants are encouraged to engage with their National Delegation prior to submission.
Details about how to apply to this call can be found here.
Further information and important documentation and guidance around the application process is available here.
Please note that these pages are updated regularly. In the unlikely case of contradictory information on different platforms, details published on esa-star take precedence.