Deadline Date: September 03, 2026
The European Commission is requesting grant applications to accelerate digitalisation for commercial space solutions in satellite communication, Earth Observation, and new commercial space transportation.
The focuses on new commercial services and applications enabled by increased digitalisation of space solutions, favouring a competitive and sustainable European Space Sector, enabling the European Space Industry to maintain a significant share of the global connectivity market, next-generation Earth Observation and SatCom payloads, technologies, and processing means both on ground and in space, security of SatCom and EO services supporting next-generation technologies for both ground and space commercial applications, and improved access to satellite data through interoperable systems.
The funding allocated for this topic is €12,000,000, with individual projects eligible to receive between €3,000,000 and €6,000,000, supporting entities worldwide, provided they meet Horizon Europe regulations.
Digitalisation serves as a key enabler to enhance the value of End-to-End Earth Observation and SatCom systems by accelerating the development of low to mid-TRL level building blocks for critical technologies that strengthen competitiveness in the sector. Projects are expected to contribute to the rapid deployment of innovative services, ensuring that technological advancements are quickly transformed into commercial applications.
Research and innovation efforts address the development of End-to-End SatCom mission capabilities to ensure interoperability across current and future satellite networks, encompassing both space-based and ground-based assets and digital infrastructures to test and improve operational efficiency. Similarly, Earth Observation research focuses on improving timeliness, enhancing resolution, miniaturising instruments, and applying digital technologies to harmonise and enable interoperability across multiple EO missions.
Common building blocks and processes for EO and SatCom systems are also central to this initiative, targeting system resource optimisation, high-performance processing hardware to support network capabilities, improved downlink and tasking capacities, hybrid RF and optical ground stations, and adaptation of quantum technologies for space applications. Proposals must clearly define the primary area they address while promoting cooperation among industry, SMEs, research institutions, infrastructures, and academia to facilitate rapid commercialisation of technological innovations.
Eligible participants include any legal entity, regardless of establishment location, including entities from non-associated third countries and international organisations, whether or not they are eligible for funding.
For more information, visit European Commission.
