European Space Agency announces Future of Retail Funding Programme

Focus Areas: Immersive retail: There has been a dramatic leap in retail personalisation driven by technology such as generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) that anticipates consumer needs with precision. For example, dynamic pricing systems offer personalised deals based on spending habits. Augmented Reality (AR) is also making its debut into the retail sector, guiding customers to specific products or promotional areas. Supply chain transparency and resilience: Supply chains in retail are more and more focused on transparent and climate-conscious approaches to meet the demands of increasingly informed consumers. Resilience in supply chains is also a key factor for retailers, supported by predictive analytics to forecast demand spikes and potential shortages. Autonomous retail: Self-operating shops, automated warehouses and autonomous delivery vehicles are expected to become more and more common. This trend towards automation is not only about cutting costs; it’s about offering a more seamless and convenient shopping experiences. Connected retail: Digital technologies facilitate real-time monitoring of sales data, inventory levels, and customer traffic. This data-driven approach allows connected retail businesses to make informed decisions, identify trends and respond quickly to market changes. Market insights: identification of potential store locations by assessing population density, urban development trends, or consumer behaviours. Sustainability monitoring: using SatEO data combined with blockchain to verify sustainable sourcing practices. Assessment of new store locations by monitoring customer traffic. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled transaction processing and inventory management. Real-time tracking of goods with transmission of data from IoT sensors in warehouses. Autonomous delivery vehicles leveraging SatPNT. Real-time tracking of goods in transit, allowing retailers to predict delays and optimise delivery routes. Smart warehousing using AI-powered robots leveraging SatPNT for precise navigation, accurate inventory management and faster order fulfilment.

The Future of Retail opportunity addresses the pressing challenges faced by retail businesses, including the impacts of climate change on supply chains, sustainability imperatives, and the expectations of increasingly savvy consumers. At the same time, it highlights the potential of emerging technologies and data to transform how retailers interact with shoppers. By integrating space technologies such as satellite Earth Observation, Satellite Communications, and Satellite Positioning, Navigation, and Timing, businesses can create services that enhance store location assessment, supply chain transparency, autonomous delivery, and real-time inventory management.

Selected projects can receive 75% funding from ESA, up to €75,000 per activity, with a maximum total project cost of €100,000. Companies also gain technical and commercial guidance, access to ESA’s network and partners, and the ability to use the ESA brand for their service without giving up equity. Kickstart activities are six-month feasibility studies designed to determine whether a service is technically feasible, commercially viable, and wanted by users, and they must involve at least one space asset.

Applications are open to companies based in ESA Member States, excluding Austria and the Netherlands, with pre-authorised funding available for Germany and Luxembourg.

For more information, visit ESA.