Apply for funding: space-related R&D, innovation and education
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-29)

Details on open funding opportunities from the UK Space Agency, the space sector, academic, education and community partners.

Cyber security consultancy support, plus assessment and certification

Funding type: Development and consultation

Who can apply: UK-based SMEs involved in space sector activity (less than 250 employee headcount) with a manufacturing or operational presence in the UK (includes NI). Applications from micro/start-up businesses are particularly welcomed.

Closing date: Open until further notice.

See the Cyber security consultancy support guidance page (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cyber-security-consultancy-support-plus-assessment-and-certification) to find out how to apply

Responsive mode call: 2025 SciSpacE support

Funding type: Travel and time support for academics

Who can apply: UK-based researchers who have already secured facility access to research platforms through the ESA SciSpacE Programmes Research Announcements.

Award range: Up to £80,000

Closing date: Open until further notice.

See the Responsive mode call: 2025 SciSpacE support guidance page for more information and to apply (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/responsive-mode-call-2025-scispace-support).

Exploration Science working group support

Funding type: Travel and time support for academics

Who can apply: Academics selected for groups and/or science teams, campaign science groups and other definition work relating to named UK Space Agency Exploration Science missions.

Award range: Up to £100,000

Closing date: Open until further notice.

See the Exploration Science working group support guidance page (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/announcement-of-opportunity-exploration-science-working-group-support) to find out how to apply

ARTES: Invitations To Tender

Funding type: Research, innovation and development

Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency and ESA approval required)

Funding: Dependent on Advanced Technology activity

Deadline: Dependent on Advanced Technology activity

This is an ESA-initiated programme offering up to 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations. Invitations To Tender (ITT) are listed on the ESA website (https://connectivity.esa.int/advanced-technology).

Support for activities within the 2024 and 2025 workplan can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-national-delegate-support-for-the-advanced-technology-call).

If you have any questions, you can contact us directly at xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NavISP)

Funding type: Research, innovation and development

Who can apply: UK organisations working in positioning, navigation and timing undertaking technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.

Funding: Varies. 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations; typically between €200,000 and €800,000 for space-enabled positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technology solutions and innovations.

Deadline: Open until further notice

Since 2017, the UK has invested €50 million into NavISP to support the UK space PNT sector to innovate the next generation of space-enabled and space-supported navigation products, services and applications.

The UK investment in the programme is available to support UK organisations to undertake technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.

See the NavISP announcement of opportunity (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-funding-navisp-navigation-innovation-support-programme) to find out how to apply. Find out more about the NavISP programme (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-involvement-in-the-navigation-innovation-support-programme-navisp).

Responsive Mode Call - Exploration Community Development

Funding type: Development and promotion of UK space exploration community

Who can apply: UK individuals and organisations

Funding: Support will be granted to a maximum of £50,000.

Deadline: Closed until further notice

The UK Space Agency will, subject to budget being available in any given financial year, make available funds to support activities such as:

community building activities

establishing networking opportunities

showcases and/or organisation attendance at appropriate conferences

Applicants should detail how the proposed activity benefits the UK space exploration community.

See the call (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/announcement-of-opportunity-responsive-mode-call-exploration-community-development) and find out how to apply.

General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)

Funding type: Research, innovation, and development

Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency and ESA approval required)

Deadline: Open until further notice.

The UK Space Agency is looking to provide support to companies and academic institutions across the UK in developing innovative technologies to grow UK capability. We are keen to engage with start-ups and SMEs (from both within and outside the space sector), as well as established companies and organisations. Collaborative proposals are also welcomed.

See the General Support Technology Programme guidance page (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/general-support-technology-programme-gstp) for details on how to apply.

Closed Opportunities

To view closed opportunities, please visit our closed opportunities page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/closed-opportunities-space-related-rd-innovation-and-education).