Future Internet Kick-Start
Funds Kick-start studies exploring space-enabled Future Internet applications.
This is a Kick-start Activity call run through ESA-STAR under reference AO10130, elaborating the business opportunity and technical viability of a new space-enabled application. Companies register on ESA-STAR, download the tender documentation via EMITS, write a proposal (with a National Delegation Letter of Support where required), and submit via ESA-STAR Tendering by the deadline.
ESA wants Kick-start Activities exploring the business case for space-enabled 'Future Internet' applications, spanning the Tactile Internet (remote haptic control), the Physical Internet (goods routed like data packets), the Internet of People (personal devices as network nodes), and expanding internet access to underserved communities. Proposals should show how satellite navigation, communications, Earth observation or 5G integration adds value to the service.
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Guides for this application
All guides βGovernment Grants for Startups: What Deeptech Founders Should Know
A practical guide to government grants for startups, including Grants.gov, SBIR/STTR, state programs, eligibility, fit, timelines, and when to apply.
Write proposalGrant Technical Narrative Example: Scope, Milestones, and Evidence
See how a grant technical narrative can be structured, with a worked deeptech example, milestone table, evidence map, and weak vs strong wording.
Write proposalGrant Proposal Cover Letter: What to Include and What to Avoid
Learn how to write a grant proposal cover letter, what information belongs in it, how it differs from a cover sheet or letter of support, and common mistakes to avoid.
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