Open Call for Proof-of-concept Studies and Pilot Projects
Open Call for Proof-of-concept Studies and Pilot Projects supports businesses developing space-enabled services, funding market validation and customer pilots to build market-ready solutions.
Funder: European Space Agency
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Denmark APQ) | June 30, 2027 (Denmark full proposal) | November 16, 2027 (Clarification and extension requests) | November 30, 2027 (Call closes)
Funding Amounts: Proof-of-concept activity costs up to €600,000; pilot costs assessed case by case; ESA co-funding up to 50–100%, depending on applicant type and conditions
Summary: ESA supports space-enabled services through market validation, minimum viable product development, and real-world customer pilots.
Key Information: Applicants must reside in participating states; funding levels depend on National Delegation authorisation.
Description
The European Space Agency’s open call supports businesses developing space-enabled applications or services for any industry, market or topic. It operates through Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS), part of the ACCESS programme, which helps turn innovative ideas into market-ready services with measurable socio-economic impact.
Proof-of-concept studies reduce risks and validate market opportunities through service concept design, user engagement and development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Pilot projects integrate, develop and test a service or application with customers in its primary target market. These pilots demonstrate solutions in real operational settings to confirm their value propositions. The programme emphasises user-driven development and reducing technical and commercial risks.
