Funding Flash February 2025

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 info@spacesouthcentral.com, 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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Space for Intermodal Transport

Deadline: Tuesday, 18th February 2025

This opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing sustainable space-based services and applications for intermodal transport, covering both freight and passenger transportation. The Call will accept proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects. Proposed services must utilise satellite data or space-based technologies. Refer to the ‘Authorisation of Funding’ section below to determine if your team is eligible for funding.

Read more here. 

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Advanced Manufacturing Scale-Up Fund

Deadline: Monday, 24th February 2025

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is proposing a Fund to assist advanced manufacturing firms in accessing financing to scale their businesses. DBT is seeking evidence from advanced manufacturing firms and investors on the challenges faced in accessing / providing scale-up financing and views to inform the design of a Fund to support scaling finance. Europe Economics (www.europeeconomics.com) is undertaking this research on behalf of DBT and DESNZ (the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero).

Read more here. 

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Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Open Call for Innovation

Deadline: 25th February 2025

The Open Call is looking for innovative ideas to improve the defence and security of the UK. Your idea could be a concept, product or service, at various levels of maturity.

Read more here. 

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Rising Stars

Deadline: Sunday, 2nd March 2025

This year, the Tech Nation Rising Stars programme is merging with the OnetoWin competition, to re-launch the ultimate pitch competition for innovative early-stage tech startups with £3,000,000 on offer across the regional and national levels.

This exciting competition offers early-stage tech startups an invaluable platform to pitch their innovations at the regional and national levels, boosting visibility and attracting customers, partners, and investors.

Read more here. 

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Astronomy observation and theory small awards 2025

Deadline: Tuesday, 4th March 2025

Apply for funding to support theory, including modelling, simulation and related software development, observation, experiment and new technology research, relevant to all aspects of astronomy and astrophysics beyond the solar system.

You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding.

This funding covers up to three years of research activity starting from April 1st 2026.

For solar physics and planetary science, see the related solar and planetary opportunity.

Read more here. 

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Call for Proposals for International Teams in the Space & Earth Sciences

Deadline: Thursday 13th March 2025

Eligible research projects must involve the interdisciplinary analysis and evaluation of space mission data. They may also draw on complementary ground-based data and/or theoretical modelling where this adds scientific value.

This call is open to all scientists, regardless of nationality or institutional affiliation, who are actively involved in any of the following research fields:

1. Space Sciences: Astrobiology, Astrophysics and Cosmology, Fundamental Physics in Space, Magnetospheric and Space Plasma Physics, Planetary Sciences, Solar and Heliospheric Physics, and Solar-Terrestrial Sciences.

2. Earth Sciences using space data. This includes understanding and modelling Earth system processes, as well as climate change projections.

Read more here. 

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Women TechEU: Call 3

Deadline: Monday 17th March 2025

Women TechEU is a two-year EU-funded project funding and supporting women leading deep tech startup companies from Europe. Across the two years, the consortium will launch a total of four calls for applications. Applicant startups will undergo a rigorous evaluation and a total of 160 winner startups will receive €75k in non-dilutive grants as well as a personalised business development programme including mentoring, coaching and training.

Read more here. 

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Space Supporting Environmental Claims

Deadline: Tuesday, 18th March 2025

This ‘Space Supporting Environmental Claims’ opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing services that provide support and evidence for environmental claims and labelling. The European Space Agency (ESA) will provide funding for 6-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.

Read more here. 

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Nucleus Public Engagement Awards 2025

Deadline: Thursday 20th March 2025 

Apply for funding to engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) supported science, technology or facilities

You must work for an organisation that:

• is based in the UK

• has audited accounts

• Proposals must include a subject matter expert (SME) in an STFC-funded area.

The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £125,000. We will fund 80% of the FEC.

Read more here. 

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SpaceUp Competition

Deadline: Saturday, 12th April 2025

A global competition for entrepreneurs focusing on space-based solutions for challenges in vital sectors.

They aim to empower innovation & digital solutions for a sustainable future in Saudi Arabia.

Around 28 million USD available as contractual opportunities.

Read more here. 

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Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 6: Smart Shipping

Deadline: Wednesday 16th April 2024

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.

Read more here. 

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EPSRC programme grant outline stage

Deadline: Open Until Further Notice

This programme grants provides flexible funding to world-leading research groups addressing significant major research challenges.

Funding should bring together the expertise of a team of internationally recognised scientists or engineers to focus on one strategic research theme.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC ) sees programme grants as critical mass investments, which cover a diverse engineering and physical sciences portfolio. They benefit UK research through the concentration of high-performing talent.

Read more here

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Exploration Science working group support

Deadline: Open Until Further Notice

The purpose of this AO is to support academics who have been selected for groups and/or science teams, campaign science groups and other definition work relating to Exploration missions. 

Read more here. 

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Applications For Radio Frequency Fingerprinting In Satellite Communications (Artes Fp 1b.146) Expro+

Deadline: Open Until Further Notice

Further information is available through the Tendering section of the ESA-Star portal.

Find out more by signing up to the ESA-Star Portal here. 

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Government-Backed Start Up Loans

Deadline: Open Until Further Notice

Apply for a government-backed Start Up Loan of £500 to £25,000 to start or grow your business.

Unlike a business loan, this is an unsecured personal loan. You’ll need to pass a credit check.

You’ll get free support and guidance to help write your business plan, and successful applicants get up to 12 months of free mentoring.

Read more here.