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

June 12, 2026

Up to €75,000 per project (ESA covers 75% of total costs, max total project cost €100,000); 6-month feasibility study duration.

Supports innovative space-based applications and services to help universities address challenges in research, education, and infrastructure.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the European Space Agency (ESA) invites businesses to propose innovative space-based applications and services that address the evolving challenges faced by universities. Projects should leverage satellite data, communication, or navigation technologies to enhance university research, education, and infrastructure. ESA is particularly interested in solutions related to the democratization of data, virtual labs, serious gaming, remote learning, and connected campuses, but proposals on other relevant topics are also welcome. Selected teams will conduct a six-month feasibility study to develop their business case and validate the integration of space technologies, with technical and commercial support from ESA. --- ## Due Dates - Full proposal submission deadline: June 12, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - ESA funds up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of €75,000 per project. - The total cost per feasibility study should not exceed €100,000. - Funding is provided on a zero-equity basis. - Each funded project is expected to complete a six-month feasibility study. --- ## Eligibility - Open to companies intending to develop space-enabled services and products relevant to the university sector. - Applicants must be based in one of the following ESA member states supporting this call: Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. - Germany has issued a pre-authorisation for applications. - Norway and The Netherlands are not supporting this call. - Teams must have a clear plan for obtaining necessary space data and relevant expertise. - Early-stage service concepts are encouraged, but proposals must show commercial potential and technical feasibility. --- ## Application Process 1. **Register** your company/team on [esa-star registration](https://esastar-emr.sso.esa.int/). 2. **Download official documents** from esa-star publication when the Kick-start opens. 3. **Prepare your proposal** using the official documents. 4. **Contact your National Delegate(s)** for a Written Authorisation for ESA funding. [Find your delegate here](https://business.esa.int/national-delegations). 5. **Submit your proposal** via [esa-star tendering](https://esastar.sso.esa.int/) before the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - ESA provides technical and commercial guidance, access to its network and partners, and use of the ESA brand for selected projects. - ESA does not provide direct access to space data or responsibility for the space segment; applicants must arrange access to required data. - A free informational webinar will be held on April 29, 2026, at 11:00 CEST. [Register for the webinar](https://esacontact.esa.int/Event-Form/?readableEventId=Webinar_University_of_Tomorrow3347882579). - For authoritative and up-to-date information, refer to official ESA channels (esa-star publication and tendering). --- ## External Links - [Official Call Page](https://business.esa.int/funding/call-for-proposals-competitive/university-tomorrow) - [esa-star Registration](https://esastar-emr.sso.esa.int/) - [esa-star Tendering Portal](https://esastar.sso.esa.int/) - [National Delegations Contact List](https://business.esa.int/national-delegations) - [How to Apply Guide](https://business.esa.int/how-to-apply) - [See All ESA Open Calls](https://business.esa.int/funding) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General ESA Contact | education@esa.int \| +33 1 53 69 76 54 | | ESA Headquarters | ESA Headquarters, France | | National Delegations | [Find your national contact](https://business.esa.int/national-delegations) | ---

University of Tomorrow Call for Proposals

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