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.
International Bilateral Fund – Call 3
Total funding available: up to £1.5m is available for each project
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK businesses, universities and research organisations
EOI deadline: 14 September 2026 (optional but encouraged)
Application deadline: 4 November 2026
See the International Bilateral Fund – Call 3 to find out how to apply.
Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) Programme - Call 3
Total funding available: £42,000,000
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK businesses, universities and research organisations
Full proposal deadline: 12:00pm UK time Monday 7 September 2026
See the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) Programme - Call 3 to find out how to apply.
Earth Observation Missions and Technology Innovation Call 1
Total funding available: up to £1.4 million
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK-based organisations are eligible to apply
Application deadline: 11:59pm on 1 September 2026
See the Earth Observation Missions and Technology Innovation Call 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: Closed 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