Kick-Start
ESA Kick-Start grants fund six-month studies to assess the technical and commercial viability of new services using satellite data or space assets.
Funder: European Space Agency
Due Dates: February 27, 2026 | March 27, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | August 28, 2026 | October 30, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to €75,000 per project (ESA funds 75% of eligible costs; max project cost €100,000; 6-month projects)
Summary: Six-month feasibility studies to assess the technical and commercial viability of new services using space assets.
Key Information: Proposals must use at least one space asset (e.g., satellite communications, Earth observation, or navigation data) and be led by organizations from eligible ESA Member States.
Description
This program funds short (six-month) feasibility studies—called Kick-Starts—to help organizations validate new service concepts that make use of at least one space asset, such as satellite communications, Earth observation data, or satellite navigation. The goal is to determine both the technical feasibility and the commercial viability of innovative services, supporting the transition from concept to commercially promising projects. During the Kick-Start, participants develop the service’s technical architecture, engage with potential customers, refine business plans, and outline next steps for further development. Successful studies may be eligible for follow-up demonstration projects.
