Grant News
UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £14.7 million in funding from the UK Space Agency to develop cutting-edge space technologies and strengthen the UK’s industrial capability.
The funding is available through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), which supports projects from early-stage development through to commercially viable or mission-ready products.
The programme’s objectives include:
- developing technologies that support ESA and national missions
- strengthening UK and European industrial competitiveness
- fostering innovation
- enhance Europe’s technological autonomy and secure access to European sources for critical technologies
- promoting the spin‑in of non‑space technologies to enhance future mission capabilities
GSTP operates through three main elements:
- Develop – early-stage technology and building blocks
- Make – commercially driven product development (often co-funded with industry)
- Fly – in-orbit demonstration and small missions
Projects must focus on non-telecommunications space technologies, with grants typically ranging from around €200,000 for early feasibility work up to €1.5 million for more advanced projects.
Proposals and bids may be submitted either by individual organisations or by consortia, with or without the involvement of academic institutions. Consortia may also include companies or organisations from other ESA Member States.
The deadline for the current Open Innovation call is 9am on 11 May 2026.
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