Digitalisation of the Water Sector
The European Space Agency's Digitalisation of the Water Sector grant funds research using space-based technologies to advance digital solutions for water management and resilience.
Funder: European Space Agency
Due Dates: May 12, 2026 (APQ opening) | August 30, 2026 (APQ deadline, 13:00 CET)
Funding Amounts: Up to €600,000 for proof-of-concept studies; pilot projects funded case-by-case. ESA co-funding: 50–80% depending on SME status and delegation approval.
Summary: Supports innovative, space-enabled digital solutions for improved water management, monitoring, and resilience worldwide.
Key Information: Only two APQ submissions per calendar year per tenderer; Letter of Authorisation from National Delegation required at Full Proposal stage.
Description
This initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the global water sector through the adoption of space-enabled solutions. The call seeks proposals for proof-of-concept studies and pilot projects that leverage satellite Earth observation, navigation, and/or communication technologies—potentially combined with non-space digital tools (e.g., AI, IoT)—to address urgent water challenges. Key focus areas include water sustainability (quality, availability, sanitation, pollution monitoring) and water resilience (infrastructure monitoring, non-revenue water losses, climate adaptation). Projects must demonstrate strong customer engagement, credible commercial potential, and clear added value from space assets.
