Funding for space-related R&D, innovation and education
Details on open funding opportunities for individuals and businesses working in the UK space sector.
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.
Call for applications: UK National Delegate support for the UK Space Agency Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) Call 2: ARTES Only
Who can apply: UK Industry
Funding envelope: £30,000,000
Deadline: Monday 13 April 2026, 12:00pm (GMT)
The Call is being run in two stages, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA). Applicants first need to submit a UK Space Agency Application Form by the closing date for consideration of proposals by the UK Space Agency. If successful at this stage, applicants will need to submit both the ESA ‘Outline Proposal’ and UK Space Agency Outline Proposal Annex to the UK Space Agency and ESA via the ESA OSIP Portal By Friday 12 June 2026. This is to allow consideration of proposals by the UK Space Agency and ESA in parallel and reduce the time to award for successful applicants.
See the UK National Delegate support for the UK Space Agency Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) Call 2 guidance page to find out how to apply.
Cyber security consultancy support, plus assessment and certification
Funding type: Development and consultation
Who can apply: UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in space sector activity (less than 250 employee headcount) with a manufacturing or operational presence in the UK (includes Northern Ireland). Applications from micro/start-up businesses are particularly welcomed.
Closing date: Open until further notice.
See the Cyber security consultancy support guidance page to find out how to apply.
ARTES: Invitations To Tender
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: Dependent on Advanced Technology activity
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.
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.
Deadline: Open until further notice
Since 2017, the UK has invested €100 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