[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int)

May 29, 2026 | August 28, 2026 | October 30, 2026 (final)

Up to €75,000 per project (ESA funds up to 75% of project costs; max project cost €100,000; 6-month duration)

Six-month feasibility studies to assess the technical and commercial viability of innovative services using at least one space asset.

Proposals are evaluated in batches; participation requires ESA member state eligibility and national authorisation.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports short, six-month feasibility studies designed to help businesses and research teams assess the technical feasibility and commercial viability of new services that leverage space assets such as satellite communications, Earth observation data, or satellite navigation. Applicants will design a technical service architecture, engage with potential users, refine their business plan, and plan next steps for development. The program aims to validate market demand and technical readiness, providing a launchpad for further ESA support and potential demonstration projects. --- ## Due Dates - May 29, 2026 — Submission deadline (batch), 13:00 CET - August 28, 2026 — Submission deadline (batch), 13:00 CET - October 30, 2026 — Final submission/closing date (batch), 13:00 CET Proposals are evaluated in batches according to these deadlines. --- ## Funding Amount - ESA funds up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of €75,000 per contract. - The total maximum cost per Kick-Start project is €100,000. - Projects run for a fixed duration of 6 months. --- ## Eligibility - Open to entities (including businesses, research teams, and consortia) from eligible ESA Member States participating in the program. The current list of participating countries includes: Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Slovenia. - Projects must make use of at least one space asset (e.g., satellite communications, Earth observation, satellite navigation). - Applicants must obtain written authorisation from their National Delegation before submitting a proposal. - Both industry and research organisations are eligible, provided they meet ESA and national requirements. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Proposal**: Download the official application documents from the [esa-star Publication portal](https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/details/180601). 2. **National Authorisation**: Contact your [National Delegation](https://business.esa.int/national-delegations) to inform them of your intent and obtain written authorisation for ESA funding. 3. **Submission**: Submit your completed proposal, including the written authorisation, via the [esa-star tendering portal](https://esastar-emr.sso.esa.int/) by the relevant batch deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals are reviewed in batches; deadlines are strict and late applications will be considered for the next batch if applicable. - All information provided in public calls is for guidance; official ESA channels (esa-star publication and tendering) take precedence for authoritative requirements. - Projects are expected to demonstrate both technical feasibility and commercial potential, with a clear route to further development. --- ## External Links - [ESA Kick-Start Open Call page](https://business.esa.int/funding/open-call-for-proposals-kick-starts) - [esa-star Publication (official tender docs & deadlines)](https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/details/180601) - [How to Apply to Kick-Start](https://business.esa.int/how-to-apply-to-kick-starts) - [National Delegations contact list](https://business.esa.int/national-delegations) - [ESA Space Solutions Funding Overview](https://business.esa.int/funding) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [ESA Contact Page](https://www.esa.int/Services/Contacts) | | Email | education@esa.int | | Phone | +33 1 53 69 76 54 | | Tender Contact | Adriana Lucas (see [esa-star Publication](https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/details/180601)) | ---

Kick-Start

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