The European Space Agency (ESA) – Open Call: Proof-of-concept Studies and Pilot Projects

Funding Amount

The Open Call for Proposals: Proof-of-concept Studies and Pilot Projects is an always open ESA funding opportunity for businesses to apply for activities relating to a space-enabled application or service for any industry, market, or topic.

Proof-of-Concept Studies: Funding

Maximum project cost: Up to €600,000.

ESA co-funding levels for Proof-of-Concept Studies are:

• Baseline: up to 75% of company cost

• Micro, small and medium businesses: up to 80% of business cost

Pilot Projects: Funding

Funding is awarded on a case-by-case assessment.

ESA co-funding levels for Pilot Projects are:

• Baseline: up to 50% of company cost

• Micro, small and medium businesses: up to 80% of business cost

Industry co-funding must cover the remaining part of the cost to carry out the activity. That co-funding cost can be provided through:

• Public or private sector

• Direct or indirect co-funding

Eligible Applicants

This call is open to applications from:

• Micro, small and medium businesses

• Universities

• Research institutes

• Public sector entities

Residing in:

• Member States subscribing to BASS

• Cooperating or Associate Member States having declared their participation

Eligible Activities

The call is for funding activities relating to a space-enabled application or service for any industry, market, or topic. Proof-of-Concept Studies These studies are designed to:

• Reduce risks

• Validate the market opportunity

• Design the service concept

• Engage users

• Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Pilot Projects These projects are designed to:

• Integrate

• Develop

• Test the service or application

• Do so with customers in the primary target market

• Demonstrate the solution in a real operational setting

• Confirm its value propositions

Program Deadline

Open call for proposals with no fixed deadline.