Open Call for Proposals: Kick-starts

Kick-starts are a type of feasibility study and last six months. The aim of a Kick-start is to determine whether a service is technically feasible and commercially viable, and whether there is demand for it. Kick-starts must involve the use of at least one space asset, such as satellite communications, satellite Earth observation data or satellite navigation.

During a Kick-start, the business will:

• design the technical service architecture

• engage with potential customers

• improve the business plan

• establish next steps in developing the service.

Businesses can apply for the ESA BASS Open Call for Proposals for Kick-starts at any time throughout the year. However, submitted proposals will be evaluated in batches according to the schedule of deadlines below:

• 30 October 2026, 13:00 CET

• 26 February 2027, 13:00 CET

• 30 April 2027, 13:00 CEST

• 11 June 2027, 13:00 CEST

• 03 September 2027, 13:00 CEST

• 05 November 2027, 13:00 CET

Funding For Kick-starts

Kick-start activities will be funded at 75%, with ESA providing up to €75,000 per contract. The maximum total cost of a Kick-start activity is €100,000.

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

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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.