Proof-of-Concept Studies and Pilot Projects for Space-Enabled Applications
Funds businesses building commercial services on top of space assets.
Funding covers two stages: Proof-of-Concept Studies, which reduce risk and build a minimum viable product, and Pilot Projects, which test the service with real customers in a target market. Successful applicants can be awarded up to EUR 600,000 to move their solution toward full commercialization.
The call wants businesses to turn space-based technology -- satellite navigation, earth observation, or satellite communications -- into commercial services for any market. It is a standing, always-open invitation rather than a single annual round.
Sign up free to see the funding breakdown
Sign up free to see the industries in scope
Sign up free to see the full eligibility
Sign up free to see where teams trip up
Guides for this application
All guides →Government 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.
DocumentsGrant Checklist: Application Documents, Forms, and Examples
Use this grant checklist to see the documents, forms, narratives, budgets, evidence, and compliance attachments a grant application may require.
Find grantsStartup Grant Application Process: From Search to Submission
Step-by-step startup grant application process covering grant search, eligibility screening, documents, budgets, portals, review timelines, and submission.
More from ESA
All grants from this funder →Environmental Crimes
🇧🇪ESA · Global / Multinational
Zero-equity co-funding for satellite services that detect and trace environmental crime.
ESA BIC — Incubation
🇦🇹ESA · Global / Multinational
Provides equity-free incubation funding and business support for space-related startups across Europe.
BASS Kick-start
🇧🇪ESA · Global / Multinational
Funds feasibility studies for space-enabled applications in agriculture, climate monitoring, and transport innovation.
BASS — Wildfires
🇧🇪ESA · Global / Multinational
Funds space-enabled wildfire monitoring programs improving response, prediction, and ecosystem safety.
Copernicus Masters
ESA · Global / Multinational
Awards over €300,000 in cash prizes to entrepreneurs building Earth-observation data products.
ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs)
ESA · Global / Multinational
Gives space startups €60,000 in equity-free funding plus ESA technical support.
Similar grants
Browse the directory →
ZIM R&D Cooperation Projects
🇩🇪BMWE · Germany
Administers collaborative grants for German firms and research partners to run joint innovation projects.
Critical Space EEE Components for EU Independence
🇪🇺European Commission · European Union
Funds one €250–300k research project to rebuild secure European supply chains for critical space electronics and components.
Space Critical Equipment for EU Independence
🇪🇺European Commission · European Union
Funds a €250–300K project that matures critical space equipment and EU-trustworthy supply chains for independent missions.
Coordination for Cross-Sector Nuclear Technologies
🇪🇺European Commission · European Union
Funds coordination of European nuclear research platforms across energy, medicine, space, maritime uses and radiation protection.
ZIM Individual R&D Projects
🇩🇪BMWE · Germany
Supports German small and medium-sized enterprises with technology-neutral projects for new products, processes, and services.
SBO Security and Defence
🇧🇪FWO · Belgium
Funds strategic basic research in security and defense aligned with space, maritime, aviation, and cybersecurity priorities.