Open Call for Proposals: Proof-of-concept Studies and Pilot Projects

This is an Open Call for Proposals, meaning that it is an always open invitation for businesses to apply for a funding activity relating to a space-enabled application or service for any industry, market or topic.

Proof-of-concept Studies

These studies aim to reduce risks and validate the market opportunity by designing the service concept, engaging users, and developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Pilot projects

These projects focus on integrating, developing and testing the service or application with customers in the primary target market. The pilot demonstrates the solution in a real operational setting, confirming its value-propositions.

Who can apply?

This Open Call for Proposals is open to applications from companies or organisations residing in Member States subscribing to BASS, and in Cooperating or Associate Members States having declared their participation.

Please check esa-star publication for the list of participating Member States.

This call is pre-authorised by Denmark, which has made funding available for the call. Entities residing in Denmark do not need to provide dedicated Letters of Authorisation from their National Delegation, subject to the conditions stated in the attached Authorisation of Funding (AoF).

Such information on funding is provided for information only. In no way the information on the availability of a pre- authorization of funding may be understood as an obligation by the relevant Participating State to increase its contribution, should there be a shortage of funding at the moment of cooperative agreement award.

How much funding is available?

The activities proposed in response to this Call for Proposals will be co-funded by ESA and the Tenderer as detailed in this table:

Proof-of-Concept Studies Pilot Projects

Activity cost Up to €600,000 (limited to eligible cost) Case-by-case assessment (limited to eligible cost)

ESA co-funding

Baseline Up to 75% of company's cost Up to 50% of company's cost

Micro, small and medium businesses1 Up to 80%2 business' cost Up to 80%2 business' cost

Universities, research institutes and public sector entities with no commercial interest in product/service Up to a 100%2 of the entity's costs, with ESA co-funding not exceeding 30% of the total activity cost Up to 100%2 of entity's costs, with ESA co-funding not exceeding 30% of the total activity cost

Universities, research institutes and public sector entities with a commercial interest in product/service Up to 75%2 of they entity's costs Up to 75%2 of the entity's costs

Industry co-funding Remaining part of the cost to carry out the activity. Co-funding can be provided through public or private sector, direct or in-direct co-funding

1 Enterprises fulfilling the criteria defined in the European Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003 (2003/361/EC) or as updated.

2 Depending on the funding level authorised by the related National Delegation(s).

3 In case of no commercial interest, universities, research institutes and public sector entities shall be involved as subcontractors.

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Disclaimer

Please note that all information provided on this webpage is for general guidance only. In case of any discrepancies or conflicts, the official ESA sources shall always take precedence. These include, but are not limited to:

• esa-star publication

• esa-star tendering

Participants are strongly advised to refer to these official channels for authoritative and up-to-date information regarding ESA opportunities, requirements, and procedures.