Funding Flash November 2024
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 suit your business, contact 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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NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme
Deadline: Friday 15th November, 2024
The NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) Chief Scientist Grants Programme is dedicated to fostering excellence in science and technology research. We are committed to supporting groundbreaking projects that contribute to global security and scientific advancement. The programme particularly encourages applications from qualified women in STEM fields, recognising the vital importance of diverse perspectives in addressing complex security challenges. In 2025, the programme will award 500,000 Euros.
Read more here.
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Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) Capability Project Funded through NavISP
Deadline: Wednesday 20th November, 2024
An opportunity to progress actions outlined in the UK National Framework for Greater PNT Resilience, via a NAVISP Element 3 project focussing on two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT).
Read more here.
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Nature-Based Solutions
Deadline: Wednesday 20th November, 2024
This ‘Nature-based Solutions’ opportunity provides funding to teams who would like to develop a service related to nature-based solutions applications. Funding will be provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) for 6-month studies called ‘Kick-Starts’, which can lead onto larger scale Demonstration Projects. Kick-Starts are funded at 75% by ESA for a maximum of €75K per contract.
Read more here.
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UK-Germany Bilateral: Collaborative Research and Development Round Four
Deadline: Friday 6th December, 2024
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million to enhance UK and German collaborations in emerging fields of technology.
You must collaborate with at least one German small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) applying under the equivalent German Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) programme.
Read more here.
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AWE – Advanced Electronics and Electromechanical Devices
Deadline: Tuesday 10th December, 2024
In conjunction with AWE, DASA is seeking innovative ideas to further enhance UK-sovereign, resilient, demonstrable capabilities for space and air domains.
The total possible funding available for Phase 1 of this competition is £4 million across 2 years (including VAT). Several proposals may be funded.
Read more here.
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Quantum Missions Pilot: Quantum Computing and Quantum Networks
Deadline: Wednesday 11th December, 2024
UK-registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £9.5 million for Quantum Computing (QC) and Quantum Networks (QN) projects. This funding is provided by Innovate UK.
Read more here.
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Innovation Loans Future Economy: Round 18
Deadline: Wednesday 8th January, 2025
UK-registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.
Read more here.
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PYRAMID for Avionics and Mission Systems
Deadline: Tuesday 14th January, 2025
This Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition is concerned with the adoption of, and compliance with, the PYRAMID Reference Architecture (PRA) in avionics and mission systems, making them align with the high-profile initiative to deliver rapid adaptability and systematic reuse.
This DASA Competition will allow you to align new, or modify existing, programmes to demonstrate compliance with PYRAMID, providing not only the benefits that come with this approach but enhanced compatibility with major air programmes.
Read more here.
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Commercial Applications of Space-Enabled Robotics: Agriculture
Deadline: Wednesday 15th January, 2025
This Call for Proposals invites the submission of proposals for feasibility studies and demonstration projects for services that combine the use of satellite technologies and robotics in downstream services for Agriculture applications.
Read more here.
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New Generation Thinkers 2025
Deadline: Tuesday 28th January, 2025
This scheme offers five early career researchers the opportunity to be ‘researchers in residence’ where they will work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4 and produce a piece of writing to be recorded for radio.
If selected, you’ll also take part in learning and development opportunities with AHRC around working with the media, engaging the public with research, and how to work with policymakers.
You’ll be an up-and-coming early career researcher passionate about sharing ideas with the largest possible audience.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for this opportunity.
Read more here.
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ATI SME Programme
Deadline: Wednesday 29th January, 2025
This competitive funding programme is designed to maximise benefits to SMEs and to support and encourage industrial investment into the aerospace sector and its supply chain, through the funding of innovative and high-impact projects.
This competition is open to any registered organisations in the UK looking to develop technology for the civil aerospace sector.
Read more here.
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European Space Agency: Maritime Decarbonisation
Deadline: Friday 28th February, 2025
This call for proposals, issued under the ARTES BASS programme line, aims to support the development of sustainable space-based services and applications that address challenges related to the decarbonisation of the maritime industry. Additionally, the call seeks to assist the maritime sector in adapting to and complying with new European and international regulatory frameworks.
ESA will bear up to 50% (non-SME businesses) or 80% (for SMEs) of the eligible cost pending support from the National Delegation, and the remainder must be financed by the tenderer and/or other partners.
Read more here.
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Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NavISP)
Deadline: Open Until Further Notice
Since 2017, the UK has invested €50 million into NavISP to support the UK space position, navigation and timing (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.
NavISP has three funding opportunities or ‘Elements’, which are open until further notice.
Read more 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.
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British Business Bank Growth Guarantee Scheme
Deadline: Open Until Further Notice
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme.
It is designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow. The Growth Guarantee Scheme launched with accredited lenders on 1 July 2024, with a wide range of products supported by different lenders, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme can generally support facility sizes of up to £2m and provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee.
Read more here.
