SBRI: Unlocking Space for Business

£2 million UK Space Agency funding

Unlocking Space for Business is a new UK Space Agency programme supporting businesses to deliver operational, customer and environmental benefits through the use of innovative satellite data and services.

A new Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition has now launched under the programme, offering eligible businesses a chance to apply for a share of up to £2 million for commercially viable innovative feasibility studies.

Projects should aim to combine terrestrial technologies - such as artificial intelligence, quantum, machine learning and geospatial data - with satellite data and services, to be adopted by customers in the Transport & Logistics and Financial Services sectors.

Contracts will be up to £200,000, inclusive of VAT, for each project for up to six months. Up to ten projects are expected to be funded in an initial phase 1 competition, with successful projects beginning in January 2024.

Projects will involve one or more of the three types of commercial satellite data and services:

• satellite imagery (earth observation)
• satellite connectivity and communications
• position, navigation and timing 

Projects will focus on, prioritising:

• new revenue growth opportunities
• improved customer experiences
• operational efficiencies
• environmental, social and governance (ESG) benefits

Find out more about the SBRI: Unlocking Space for Business competition.

The UK Space Agency will host a 45-minute briefing webinar on Thursday 30 November 2023 to inform potential applicants about the Unlocking Space for Business Programme competition, including its scope, application process and timelines.

Register now to attend the webinar.

First published 21 November 2023