Digital enablers and building-blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Overview

Funding for research and innovation in digital enablers and building blocks for Earth observation (EO) and satellite telecommunications (SatCom), targeting technologies that enhance interoperability, security, and commercial competitiveness in the European space sector. Intended for consortia of industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia advancing low to mid-TRL (4–6) solutions.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland. Entities from third countries that become associated to Horizon Europe by 2026–2027 may also participate if listed as eligible at the time of submission. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries must provide guarantees to demonstrate no negative impact on EU strategic interests.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €15,000,000 per project.
• Funding form: Lump sum.
• Co-funding: Not specified (assumed 100% funding rate for eligible costs).

What Is Funded

Research and innovation in three key areas: 1. SatCom: End-to-end mission capabilities, interoperability of satellite and ground networks, and digital infrastructure for testing and operational efficiency. 2. Earth Observation (EO): Equipment, subsystems, applications, and services improving timeliness, resolution, miniaturization, and interoperability of EO systems. 3. Common building blocks: Technologies shared by EO and SatCom, including system resource optimization, high-performance processing payloads, hybrid RF/optical ground stations, and quantum technologies for space applications.

Proposals must clearly identify the primary R&I area addressed and demonstrate complementarity with existing EU-funded projects (e.g., Horizon Europe, ESA) while avoiding duplication.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• TRL range: 4 to 6 (technology validated in lab to demonstrated in relevant environment).
• Proposals must leverage existing EU technologies or building blocks to support non-dependence and competitiveness.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-03-09.
• Deadline: 2026-09-02T22:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Compulsory documents: Standard application form (HE RIA/IA), declaration of ownership and control (assembled by coordinator), and detailed budget table for lump sums.
• Evaluation: Proposals assessed based on award criteria (Annex D) and ranked, with at least one grant awarded per development area if thresholds are met.

Post-Award Obligations

• Lump sum reporting: Eligible costs determined by completed work packages.
• Use of EU space data: Projects must utilize Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS if satellite-based data/services are employed.
• Dissemination: Expected to promote commercialization and cooperation among stakeholders.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and third countries associated to Horizon Europe by 2026–2027 (if listed as eligible at submission).
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Strategic autonomy: Proposals must avoid technological dependency on non-EU sources.
• High-risk suppliers: Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment (or owned/controlled by such) are ineligible unless they provide approved guarantees.
• Gender dimension: Must be addressed if relevant to the research objectives.
• Complementarity: Activities should not overlap with existing EU, national, or ESA-funded projects.