The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) program has launched an ongoing call for proposals for companies developing space-enabled applications or services across all industry sectors.
The program supports two categories of activities: proof-of-concept studies and pilot projects. Proof-of-concept studies aim to reduce risk and validate market opportunities, while pilot projects focus on integrating and testing the service in a customer’s production environment.
Funding is available to eligible companies, universities, research institutes and public sector organizations in ESA Member States participating in BASS, as well as participating Cooperating Member States or Associate Member States. ESA will co-fund approved activities with contributions from industry partners.
Proof-of-concept studies focus on validation
ESA said the proof-of-concept study is designed to allow applicants to assess the commercial feasibility of space-enabled applications prior to full deployment.
Research includes service concept design, user engagement, and minimum viable product (MVP) development. The objective is to reduce development risk while validating the market opportunity for a proposed service or application.
Under this program, proof-of-concept activities can receive project funding of up to €600,000 for eligible expenses.
The basic co-funding rate of an ESA covers up to 75% of a company’s costs. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises may be eligible for up to 80% funding, depending on the level approved by the relevant national delegation.
Pilot projects test our services in real-world conditions
Pilot projects supported through the BASS program are designed to move services and applications into operational testing with customers in key target markets.
These projects focus on integrating, developing, and testing the proposed solution in a real production environment. ESA said the pilot phase is aimed at validating the value proposition of services and applications under real-world conditions.
Unlike proof-of-concept studies, funding for pilot projects is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but costs are limited to eligible activities.
Standard ESA contributions cover up to 50% of a company’s costs, but eligible small businesses can receive up to 80% co-funding, subject to state approval.
Applicant eligibility requirements
This call is open to companies and organizations based in member countries participating in the BASS programme.
Organizations from cooperating member states or associate member states that have declared participation in the program may also apply.
Universities, research institutes and public sector bodies can also apply based on specific funding conditions.
An organization that has no commercial interest in the resulting product or service can receive up to 100% funding for its costs, as long as the ESA contribution does not exceed 30% of the total activity costs.
If there is a commercial interest in the proposed service or application, these companies may be eligible for up to 75% financial support.
Industry co-funding still needed
ESA said applicants are expected to secure co-funding for the remaining portion of the project costs required to complete the activities.
Additional funding may come from either the public or private sector and may include direct or indirect contributions.
Click here for details on how to apply.
Source link
