Deadline Date: May 29, 2026
The European Space Agency Kick-Start Open Call for Proposals is a funding opportunity that supports early-stage feasibility studies to assess the technical and commercial potential of space-based services.
The Focus areas, include feasibility studies for space-enabled services, use of satellite communications, satellite Earth observation data, satellite navigation, technical service architecture design, customer engagement, business plan development, and identification of next steps for service development.
The Kick-Start programme is structured as a six-month feasibility study aimed at evaluating whether a proposed service is technically achievable and commercially viable. It also examines whether there is real market demand for the solution being developed.
Each project must incorporate at least one space asset, such as satellite communications, Earth observation data, or satellite navigation systems. This ensures that the solutions being developed are directly linked to space technologies and their applications.
During the study period, participating teams focus on designing the technical architecture of their service, which forms the foundation of how the solution will operate. This is supported by efforts to engage with potential customers to validate demand and gather feedback.
Businesses are also expected to refine and improve their business plan based on insights gained during the study. This helps strengthen the commercial direction of the proposed service.
In addition, participants identify clear next steps for further development of their service, enabling them to transition from concept validation toward potential implementation and scaling.
The programme provides financial support covering 75 percent of eligible costs, with ESA contributing up to €75,000 per contract. The total maximum cost of a Kick-Start activity is €100,000, making it an accessible opportunity for early-stage innovation.
For more information, visit ESA.
