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[ESA] OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS: KICK-STARTS

Companies must be based in one of the participating ESA Member States (including the UK and Canada) - all countries listed in the Geography column. Applicants need a written authorisation from their national delegation before full proposal submission. Universities & rserach organisations can collaborate but not lead the application Not specified by TRL guidance: Starting TRL: ~3–4 (Analytical and experimental proof of concept / laboratory validation of components) Ending TRL: ~5–6 (Validation of the system/subsystem in a relevant environment — prototype or pilot concept)

Award
€75k The maximum total cost of a Kick-Start activity is €100,000
CollaborativeClosing soon

Next deadline

Closes: 30 September 2026

Strong applications take weeks to build. Start now.

Official programme page

What it funds

Companies must be based in one of the participating ESA Member States (including the UK and Canada) - all countries listed in the Geography column. Applicants need a written authorisation from their national delegation before full proposal submission. Universities & rserach organisations can collaborate but not lead the application Not specified by TRL guidance: Starting TRL: ~3–4 (Analytical and experimental proof of concept / laboratory validation of components) Ending TRL: ~5–6 (Validation of the system/subsystem in a relevant environment — prototype or pilot concept)

Who it suits

Companies must be based in one of the participating ESA Member States (including the UK and Canada) - all countries listed in the Geography column. Applicants need a written authorisation from their national delegation before full proposal submission. Universities & rserach organisations can collab…

  • Clean energy & net zero
  • Space & satellite
  • Feasibility
  • Late stage & scale-up

Programme specifications

Award bandUnder £250k
FunderEuropean Space Agency
RegionInternational
Partners requiredYes
Next deadline30 September 2026
Key sectors
Clean energy & net zeroSpace & satellite

Considering [ESA] OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS: KICK-STARTS?

Talk through your project with a specialist and find out whether this is the right competition before you invest time in an application.