Deadline Date: April 01, 2026
ESA Space Solutions is inviting companies to develop space-enabled services that enhance rural transportation networks, improving connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability in remote communities.
The focus areas for this initiative include public transport enhancement, autonomous vehicle support, charging points in rural regions, road condition monitoring, route optimisation, emergency response, environmental impact assessment, logistics, supply chain and fleet management, and fleet management services.
Across Europe, strategies such as the EU Cohesion Policy and the UK’s “Future of Transport: Rural Strategy” aim to strengthen rural mobility, support aging populations, and foster economic development. With the European Green Deal promoting climate-neutral solutions, opportunities to expand electric vehicle infrastructure and integrate smart technologies can make rural transportation systems more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.
Space-based technologies offer key solutions to these challenges. Earth observation satellites can monitor road wear, detect surface deformation, identify flood-prone areas, track vegetation encroachment, and analyze traffic patterns. Satellite communications provide seamless connectivity, near real-time data exchange for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure systems, and timely emergency responses. Satellite navigation improves route planning, supports autonomous vehicles, and ensures precise location data for emergency services.
ESA Space Solutions seeks early-stage service concepts that address real customer needs, demonstrate commercial potential, and leverage satellite data or space technologies. Selected teams will receive support for a six-month feasibility study, including up to 75% funding from ESA Space Solutions (maximum €75,000), technical and commercial guidance, access to partner networks, and the ability to use the ESA brand. Applicants must secure any required space data and have the technical expertise to integrate it effectively.
Eligible applicants must be based in Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. Norway and the Netherlands are not supported under this call. Teams are encouraged to contact their National Delegation to request Written Authorisation for ESA funding.
For more information, visit ESA Space Solutions.
