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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

This grant aims to support feasibility studies for new services that integrate at least one space asset (like satellite communications, Earth observation, or navigation). The core objective is to determine if a proposed service is technically sound, commercially viable, and desired by potential users.

Target recipient type: Businesses of any sector, including startups and SMEs.
Grant designation: SECTOR-AGNOSTIC (but technology-specific: space assets).
Geographic scope: Applicants must be based in specific ESA Member States that are currently supporting the Kick-Start program.
Key filtering criteria: The project must utilize space assets and be focused on a 6-month feasibility study. The applicant company must be registered with ESA and obtain national authorization.
Grant frequency: This is an 'always open' call with multiple predefined submission deadlines throughout the year, making it a recurring opportunity.

Financial Structure

Maximum total project cost: 100,000 euros.
Maximum ESA funding per contract: 75,000 euros.
Co-financing requirement: ESA funds 75% of the eligible costs.
Applicant co-financing: The applicant is responsible for the remaining 25% of the project costs.
Currency: EUR.
Eligible costs: Costs associated with conducting the 6-month feasibility study, including customer/user engagement, technical feasibility design, and economic viability analysis.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizational Type & Location

Eligible organization types: Any 'business' or 'company'. This implicitly includes 'STARTUP' and 'SME' entities, as indicated by ESA's registration system.
Geographic location: Companies must be based in one of the following ESA Member States: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland.

Formal Requirements

Registration: Applicants must register their company on ESA’s 'esa-star Registration' system.
Authorization: A 'Letter of Authorisation' from the applicant's relevant National Delegation is a mandatory part of the application process.

Application Process

Application Procedure

Step 1: Register your company on ESA’s 'esa-star Registration' system.
Step 2: Download the official tender documents from 'esa-star' (including the 'Cover Letter and Detailed Proposal Template', 'Management Requirements', 'Letter of Invitation', 'Draft Contract', and 'Tendering Conditions').
Step 3: Write your 'Kick-Start Proposal' using the provided template.
Step 4: Contact your National Delegation to inform them of your application and secure a 'Letter of Authorisation'.
Step 5: Submit your completed proposal, including the 'Letter of Authorisation', through 'esa-star Tendering'.

Timelines

Application deadlines for 2025: January 31, March 28, May 27, August 29, October 31.
Grant duration: The feasibility study lasts 'six months'.
Evaluation timeline: ESA will perform the evaluation of applications 'within one month' of each submission deadline.

Reporting Obligations

Mandatory meetings: Three planned meetings with ESA during the 6-month study: a 'Kick-Off meeting' (KO), a 'Mid-Term Review meeting' (MTR), and a 'Final Review meeting' (FRM).

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on the thoroughness and quality of the proposed feasibility study across three key work packages: Technical Feasibility (WP2000)

Quality and comprehensiveness of the proposed 'technical service architecture' design.
Clarity and completeness of system components, interfaces, processes, inputs, outputs, and data involved.
Potential for developing a mock-up, prototype, or proof of concept (though not compulsory).

Economic Viability (WP3000)

Depth and insight of the 'market analysis' and 'competitive analysis'.
Soundness of the 'risk analysis' and 'financial analysis'.
Strength and completeness of the 'business plan' developed through the study.

Customer/User Engagement (WP1000)

Effectiveness of plans for engaging with users and potential customers.
Ability to gather and incorporate 'service requirements' and feedback.
Potential for strengthening client relationships and establishing a 'customer pipeline'.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Regulatory Compliance

National Authorization: A crucial requirement is obtaining a 'Letter of Authorisation' from the relevant National Delegation. This national approval is a prerequisite for funding.

Project Scope & Technical Requirements

Space Asset Integration: The proposed service must involve the use of at least one 'space asset'. This includes, but is not limited to, satellite communications, satellite Earth observation, and satellite navigation.
Project Structure: The 6-month feasibility study is structured into three parallel tasks: 'Customer/User Engagement' (WP1000), 'Technical Feasibility' (WP2000), and 'Economic Viability' (WP3000). The proposal must address all three.

Strategic Considerations

Innovation Focus: This grant targets the 'kick-start' of new services, implying an expectation for innovative approaches in leveraging space technology for various sectors.
Risk Analysis: The 'Economic Viability' work package explicitly requires a 'risk analysis' as part of establishing commercial viability.

Grant Details