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Horizon Europe Cluster 4 — Twin (Green+Digital) Transition for Industry

Horizon Space: Digital Enablers for EO & SatCom

Funds €3–6M projects on the digital building blocks of satellite comms and Earth observation — payloads, ground processing, interoperable data access.

OpenEuropean CommissionEUIcelandNorwayCanadaNew ZealandUnited KingdomSwitzerland

The Commission wants European satellite-communication and Earth-observation systems to compete globally, and sees digitalisation as the way to get there. This call — part of the co-programmed Space Partnership — funds low-to-mid TRL building blocks: the technologies that make an end-to-end EO or SatCom system faster, more flexible and more commercial.

Projects pick one main area: end-to-end SatCo

Low-to-mid TRL R&D in three areas: end-to-end SatCom mission capabilities and network interoperability; Earth-observation instruments, miniaturised designs and faster end-to-end processing; and building blocks common to both, such as high-performance processing payloads and hybrid RF/optical ground stations. Proposals must clearly name one main area.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.3 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€12M

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Last verified: 12 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-31Source: ec.europa.eu