Deadline: 26-Mar-2026
The CASSINI Challenges 2026 invites innovators, startups, and teams to develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) using EU space data and technology to solve commercial, social, or environmental challenges. Participants can win up to €100,000 for solutions that leverage tools such as Galileo, Copernicus, satellite communication, and space surveillance services.
About the Challenge
The CASSINI Challenges 2026 supports innovative solutions that use EU space resources to address real-world problems and strengthen Europe’s position in the global space sector.
The 2026 edition is built around the theme “Space to Lift Europe”, encouraging participants to show how space technology can create impact on Earth while advancing innovation and commercialization.
Prize Information
Participants have the opportunity to win:
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Up to €100,000
What Kind of Solutions Are Needed?
Applicants must identify a pressing commercial, social, or environmental challenge and present a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) as the solution.
The proposed MVP must:
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Use EU space data and services
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Show innovation and competitiveness
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Demonstrate commercial potential
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Support the goals of the EU space programme
Relevant EU space services may include:
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Galileo
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Copernicus
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Satellite communication
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Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST)
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Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
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GOVSATCOM
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible, the solution must meet minimum readiness levels:
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Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or higher
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Commercial Readiness Level (CRL) 4 or higher
This means the technology should already be validated in a relevant environment and show early market readiness.
Who Is Eligible?
Participation is open to economic operators, including natural and legal persons established in EU Member States.
Additional rules include:
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Natural persons must be at least 18 years old
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Applicants may apply individually or as a team
Participation is also open under specific conditions to economic operators established in:
These additional countries are eligible only under certain conditions, especially for solutions related to Galileo or satellite navigation, positioning, and timing.
Why This Matters
This challenge is a valuable opportunity for startups and innovators working in space technology, Earth observation, satellite navigation, and deep tech.
It helps participants:
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Showcase a market-ready MVP
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Demonstrate commercial and technical value
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Strengthen visibility in the EU space ecosystem
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Compete for significant prize funding
How to Apply
To prepare a strong application:
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Identify a clear challenge
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Focus on a commercial, social, or environmental problem.
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Present a real MVP
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The solution must go beyond an idea and show actual readiness.
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Show use of EU space assets
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Clearly explain how your solution uses Galileo, Copernicus, or other eligible services.
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Confirm TRL and CRL eligibility
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Ensure your MVP meets TRL 5 and CRL 4 minimums.
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Highlight commercial impact
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Show market relevance, innovation, and competitiveness.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting only an idea instead of an MVP
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Not clearly showing use of EU space data or services
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Failing to meet TRL 5 or CRL 4
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Ignoring country-specific eligibility rules
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Giving weak evidence of commercial potential
FAQs
How much funding is available?
Participants can win up to €100,000.
What type of solution is required?
Applicants must submit a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that uses EU space data and services to solve a commercial, social, or environmental challenge.
What are the minimum readiness requirements?
The solution must meet:
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TRL 5 or higher
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CRL 4 or higher
Can applicants from outside the EU apply?
Yes, under specific conditions, applicants from Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and the UK may also be eligible, especially for Galileo-related solutions.
Final Takeaway
The CASSINI Challenges 2026 is a strong opportunity for innovators developing space-based MVPs with real-world impact. If your solution uses EU space technologies and meets the required technical and commercial readiness levels, you could compete for up to €100,000 while gaining visibility in Europe’s growing space innovation ecosystem.
For more information, visit EUSPA.
