Space for Metaverse: ESA Kick-Start Funding Opportunity

The focus areas include Industry and Manufacturing – Within the digital world, industries, such automotive, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics can test and optimise their systems, processes and infrastructure to identify and address issues for predictive maintenance. Utilities can use the industrial metaverse to repair facilities remotely, slashing emissions-intensive travel. Transport companies can use the technology to better model their network, keeping unnecessary trucks in the garage and planes on the ground. Training – The metaverse can replicate firsthand experiences, which have been proven to be more effective for training than content delivered via lectures, text or video. It also allows trainees to repeat a task until they have mastered it with no wasted resources, and it allows workers to revisit training as needed for refreshers or practice. For example, surgeons can use the metaverse to practice complex surgeries before they perform them on actual patients. Real Estate – Real estate developers are also investing in virtual real estate within the Metaverse, creating digital properties that can be purchased, sold, and developed. This not only expands investment opportunities but also blurs the line between physical and virtual property ownership. The Metaverse is redefining the way they buy, sell, and experience real estate, making it a dynamic and innovative sector to watch. Travel and Tourism – Metaverse can be considered an enabling tool to inspire people and invite them to visit touristic destinations by exploring virtual replicas of destinations before making bookings, providing a more informed and engaging trip-planning process. Virtual travel agents and concierge services have emerged, offering personalized recommendations and immersive travel experiences, reshaping the way they explore the world in the digital age. Civil Security and Law Enforcement – The metaverse creates promising opportunities for enhancing situational awareness and preparedness for civil security and law enforcement applications. Immersive simulations using real-time satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence allow to better understand the threats and develop effective responses.

The metaverse has recently triggered the development of multiple applications and services that appeal to both consumers and businesses across various sectors. By replicating assets, processes, and people virtually, the metaverse enables a digital version of physical reality that can generate real-time data to support improved decision making.

This virtual environment is especially valuable for enhancing management and decision-making processes, with digital twins allowing decision-makers to simulate scenarios, predict outcomes, and develop risk-free strategies.

Industries such as automotive, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, utilities, and transport can leverage the industrial metaverse to optimize systems, reduce emissions, and enhance network modeling for efficiency improvements.

Training benefits greatly from the metaverse by replicating firsthand experiences that outperform traditional learning methods. This method allows repeated practice without resource waste and supports ongoing refreshers, with applications in sectors like complex surgery.

Real estate development is evolving with investments in virtual properties within the metaverse, enabling buying, selling, and development digitally, transforming property ownership and investment opportunities.

Travel and tourism gain new tools through the metaverse, such as virtual replicas of destinations and personalized virtual travel agents, enhancing trip planning and immersive experiences.

Civil security and law enforcement can improve situational awareness and preparedness using immersive simulations powered by real-time satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence, supporting threat assessment and response.

The European Space Agency values space assets in these developments, utilizing satellite Earth observation, communications, and navigation technologies to empower accurate and resilient metaverse applications.

ESA supports promising early-stage service concepts that demonstrate desirability through customer engagement, commercial viability, technical feasibility, and motivated teams with expertise.

Funding offered includes 75% support up to 75,000 EUR per activity, technical and commercial guidance, access to networks, use of the ESA brand, zero-equity funding, and a six-month feasibility study program to validate concepts.

Application involves registration on ESA’s platform, preparing proposals with official documents, authorization through National Delegates, and timely submission before the deadline.

Funding authorization applies to companies in select European Member States, with specific pre-authorizations and exclusions noted.

For more information, visit ESA.