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Each month, Space South Central aims to bring together a curated list of the latest and best funding opportunities for businesses working in the space sector across the South East.
The list is not exhaustive – for that, see the Satellite Applications Catapult’s Space Enterprise Network.
If you see an opportunity below that could be suitable for your business, reach out to the team at [email protected], who will offer advice, expertise, support and connections to help you create successful bids. Since 2016, we have helped regional organisations secure £37.5M.
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Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 6: Smart Shipping
Deadline: Wednesday, 16th April 2025
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with the Department for Transport to invest up to £30 million in innovation projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
These will be to carry out innovative pre-deployment trials and feasibility studies.
The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 6 is part of a suite of interventions launched by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE). UK SHORE aims to transform the UK into a global leader in the design and manufacturing of clean maritime technology.
The aim of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 6 is to fund pre-deployment trials and feasibility studies into clean maritime technologies and skills that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Your proposal must focus on clean maritime technology.
Read more here.
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National Space Innovation Programme - Call 2
EOI Deadline: Wednesday, 23rd April 2025
The UK Space Agency's National Space Innovation Programme invites proposals for UK-based space projects, with at least £17 million of support available.
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for UK-based research and development projects that will deliver innovative space technologies, applications and services through the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP). NSIP provides co-funded grant support to de-risk high-reward projects with a clear target market.
NSIP operates open funding calls under two schemes, NSIP Kick Starter and NSIP Major Projects, which combined provide end-to-end support for innovation from concept to commercialisation.
Read more here.
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BridgeAI innovation exchange: empowering AI innovation
Deadline: Wednesday, 23rd April 2025
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £350,000 for five month projects. This funding is from Innovate UK’s BridgeAI programme.
The BridgeAI programme is an initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning across key sectors of the UK economy.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to single applicants.
To lead a project your organisation must be either a UK registered small or medium sized enterprise or research organisation.
Read more here.
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Public Engagement Spark Awards 2025
Deadline: Thursday, 24th April 2025
Apply for funding to engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) supported science, people, technology or facilities.
You must work for an organisation that:
The scheme is not subject to the full economic cost (FEC) process. The cost of your project can be up to £20,000. STFC will fund 100% of the project cost.
Projects are expected to be between 12 and 36 months in duration.
Read more here.
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Space for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture
Deadline: Friday, 25th April 2025
This ‘Space for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture’ opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing services integrating technology solutions to the smart cities and urban agricultural sector. The European Space Agency (ESA) will provide funding for six-month feasibility studies known as ‘Kick-Starts’, which can lead to larger-scale projects and pilots. Kick-Starts are funded at 75% by ESA, up to a maximum of €75K per contract.
Read more here.
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Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: Round 20
Deadline: Wednesday, 7th May 2025
Innovate UK is offering up to £25 million in loans to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Innovate UK innovation loans are for highly innovative late-stage research and development (R&D) projects with the best potential for the future. There must be a clear route to commercialisation and economic impact.
Your project must lead to innovative new products, processes or services that are significantly ahead of others currently available, or propose an innovative use of existing products, processes or services. It can also involve a new or innovative business model.
Loans can be between £100,000 and £2 million.
Read more here.
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Space for Insurance Technology
Call opens: Monday, 28th April 2025
Webinar: Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 (register here)
Deadline: Friday, 6th June 2025
This ‘Space for Insurance Technology’ opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing services integrating technology solutions to the insurance sector. The European Space Agency (ESA) will provide funding for six-month feasibility studies known as ‘Kick-Starts’, which can lead to larger-scale projects and pilots. Kick-Starts are funded at 75% by ESA, up to a maximum of €75K per contract. Proposed services must use satellite data or space-based technologies. Please see the ‘authorisation of funding’ section below to verify your team’s eligibility.
What we offer
We offer funding and support to companies, both for business case assessment and for the development of new, space-based services.
Our offer includes:
- Technical & commercial guidance
- Access to our network and partners
- Use of the ESA brand for your service
- Zero-equity funding
- Each selected activity will receive 75% funding by the European Space Agency of up to 75k EUR.
Read more here.
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