Funding for space-related R&D, innovation and education
Opportunities for organisations working in the UK space sector
Several funding calls from the UK Space Agency and the space sector academic, education and community partners, are currently open for applications.
National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) Call 2
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: A variety of organisations including academia, industry and not-for-profit organisations. All organisations must be registered in the UK.
Funding: At least £17 million available. Kick Starter: up to £1 million. Major Projects: up to £2 million.
Deadline: Outline proposal: 8 May 2025. Full proposal: 23 July 2025 (other deadlines apply).
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for UK-based research and development projects that will deliver innovative space technologies, applications and services through the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP). NSIP provides co-funded grant support to de-risk high-reward projects with a clear target market.
Find out more: National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) Call 2
Exploration Science working group support
Funding type: Travel and time support for academics
Who can apply: Academics selected for groups and/or science teams, campaign science groups and other definition work relating to named UK Space Agency Exploration Science missions.
Award range: Up to £40,000
Closing date: Open until further notice.
Find out more: Exploration Science working group support.
ARTES: Invitations To Tender (UK support for 2025 workplan on hold)
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency and ESA approval required)
Funding: Dependent on Advanced Technology activity
Deadline: Applications for UK support for activities that are in the ARTES 2025 Workplans are on hold until further notice.
This is an ESA-initiated programme offering up to 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations. Invitations To Tender (ITT) are listed on the ESA website.
Due to funding availability, the approach towards ESA-initiated tenders offering up to 100% funding is being reviewed. Further activities will not be supported before new guidance is published.
Support for activities that were approved within the 2024 workplan remains valid and can be found here.
If you have any questions, you can email telecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk
Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NavISP)
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations working in positioning, navigation and timing undertaking technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.
Funding: Varies. 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations; typically between €200,000 and €800,000 for space-enabled positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technology solutions and innovations.
Deadline: Open until further notice
Since 2017, the UK has invested €50 million into NavISP to support the UK space PNT sector to innovate the next generation of space-enabled and space-supported navigation products, services and applications.
The UK investment in the programme is available to support UK organisations to undertake technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.
See the NavISP announcement of opportunity and find out about the NavISP programme.
Responsive Mode Call - Exploration Community Development
Funding type: Development and promotion of UK space exploration community
Who can apply: UK individuals and organisations
Funding: Support will be granted to a maximum of £50,000.
Deadline: Open until further notice.
The UK Space Agency will, subject to budget being available in any given financial year, make available funds to support activities such as:
- community building activities
- establishing networking opportunities
- showcases and/or organisation attendance at appropriate conferences
Applicants should detail how the proposed activity benefits the UK space exploration community.
See the call and find out how to apply.
General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency and ESA approval required)
Deadline: Open until further notice.
The UK Space Agency is looking to provide support to companies and academic institutions across the UK in developing innovative technologies to grow UK capability. We are keen to engage with start-ups and SMEs (from both within and outside the space sector), as well as established companies and organisations. Collaborative proposals are also welcomed.
See the GSTP guidance page for details on how to apply.
Closed opportunities
To view closed opportunities, please visit the closed opportunities page.
First published 23 January 2023