At a glance
Funding type
Contracts to support the space industry
Technology readiness level
Three to nine
Funding amount
€50 000 to €15 million
Focus areas
Digitaltech / Deep innovation
The process
Turning your innovation into funded reality, one step at a time.
Getting started
- ESA programmes do not offer traditional grants. They provide co-funding instruments, with the Agency typically covering 50% to 80% of costs. Universities may receive up to 100% funding.
- You can apply for ESA funding through several programmes. These programmes help develop new technologies that can later become commercial products and services.
Where to find calls
- Several programmes allow you to submit an early “outline proposal” through the Open Source Innovation Platform (OSIP). The platform enables and encourages an open and transparent discussion about ideas with ESA experts.
- You can find all ESA competitive tenders through the ESA Star Platform targeting specific challenges with applications submitted year-round.
- You can find calls with commercial interests regularly listed on Call for opportunities – ESA Commercialisation Gateway.
Proposal submission
- The application process may differ from programme to programme but usually involves submitting a proposal outline which, if approved, culminates in submitting a full proposal through the ESA Star System.
- Your full proposal must include written authorisation for ESA funding from your national delegation and a Tender Evaluation Board will evaluate it.
Post funding
- The Marketplace supports top European space companies with the maturity to scale. By providing financial support to commercial transactions, it helps established firms grow sustainably. If your company is expanding, the Marketplace is open to you.
- ESA anchor customer programmes: When companies reach commercial maturity, ESA can boost the launch of new space services by committing to buy or use them once they are operational, acting as an anchor customer. Examples include LEO Cargo Return, Copernicus Contributing Missions, the European Launcher Challenge, and Moonlight & Lunar Pathfinder.
Support materials
The following resources can guide your application:
Eligibility criteria
Not sure if you qualify? We will help make it clear.
Who can apply?
- ESA funding is not just for space companies – public bodies, non-governmental organisations, user groups, and startups from any sector can join, as long as they are based in a participating country of the targeted programme.
Funding
- Funding schemes vary based on the programme, the technical maturity, and the company status (non-SMEs versus SMEs, universities).
General tips
Tips and tricks to help strengthen your application from previous successful applicants.
Listen to more tips
Resources
This site covers the essentials. For additional information, visit the links below.
Where to find information?
- ESA Business Application Ambassadors
- ESA – Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
- ESA Business Incubators (BICs) form a continent-spanning network, dedicated to nurturing and elevating space startups. Each centre connects with local industries, universities, research institutions, government bodies and investor communities. These centres also establish regional and national links, creating a collaborative environment for startups to thrive.
- ESA Business Accelerators enhance commercial growth potential by supporting business development and market readiness activities, facilitating access to finance and strengthening networks to new markets.
- ESA Technology Brokers provide a wide range of tailored support to both young and well-established companies looking to create new products and services.
- ESA Investor Network connects space startups, potential investors and ESA programmes, making it easy for investors to enter the industry while helping startups find funding opportunities.
- Watch more about ESA Space Solutions (video).
- Learning Hub | ESA Learning Hub Online platform offering training courses, educational resources and professional development programmes related to space and ESA activities.
Contacts
- If you have any questions, reach out to the ESA investor network at: investor-network@esa.int.
- Contact your national delegation.
- ESA Star Publication System