Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The UK Space Agency Commercial Climate Services Call supports early-stage projects that use satellite-based Earth Observation data to develop innovative climate services. The call offers up to £500,000 in total funding, with selected UK-led projects eligible for grants of up to £85,000 each.
Overview
The call aims to strengthen the UK’s Earth Observation climate services sector and help organisations develop commercially viable services for climate-related markets.
It supports projects that use satellite data to address climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience, environmental monitoring, sustainable land use, and biodiversity challenges.
Key Details
- Funder: UK Space Agency
- Opportunity type: Commercial climate services grant
- Total funding available: Up to £500,000
- Maximum grant per project: Up to £85,000
- Eligible lead applicants: UK-registered organisations
- Project stage: Early-stage development
- Typical readiness level: Technology Readiness Level 2 or above
- Main focus: Earth Observation climate services and commercial market development
Focus Areas
The call supports climate services linked to:
- Agriculture and land use
- Natural disaster response
- Biodiversity
- Nature restoration
- Green financing
- Marine and water monitoring
- Spatial planning
- Waste monitoring
- Greenhouse gases
- Methane monitoring
- Climate mitigation
- Climate adaptation
- Climate resilience
- Earth Observation data
Key Concepts Explained
What is Earth Observation?
Earth Observation uses satellites and other remote sensing technologies to collect data about the planet’s land, oceans, atmosphere, ecosystems, and climate.
What are Climate Services?
Climate services are tools, products, datasets, platforms, or advisory services that help users understand climate risks and make better decisions.
What is Technology Readiness Level 2?
Technology Readiness Level 2 means the basic technology concept has been formulated and is ready for early development or validation.
What is a Route to Market?
A route to market explains how a service will reach customers, generate demand, and become commercially viable.
Who is Eligible?
All proposals must be led by UK-registered organisations.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- A new or improved Earth Observation climate service
- A clear end user or customer group
- Early-stage technical development needs
- Commercial potential
- A route to market
- Plans for continued development after the funded period
What the Funding Can Support
Funding may support early-stage development activities such as:
- Staff time
- Subcontractors
- Access to information
- Technical testing
- Service concept development
- Commercial viability assessment
- Market research
- End-user engagement
- Communications activities
Project Requirements
Applications should include:
- Alignment with UK Space Agency and government objectives
- At least four clearly defined milestones
- A business plan
- A clear route to market
- Details of the intended end user
- Plans for development beyond the grant period
- A communications plan showing the value and impact of the work
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm UK Lead Eligibility
Ensure the project is led by a UK-registered organisation.
Step 2: Define the Climate Service
Explain how the service uses satellite-based Earth Observation data to address a climate challenge.
Step 3: Select the Focus Area
Choose the most relevant sector, such as agriculture, disaster response, biodiversity, marine monitoring, spatial planning, waste, or methane.
Step 4: Show Innovation
Describe what is new or improved about the service and why it is commercially valuable.
Step 5: Identify End Users
Clearly define the customers or users who will benefit from the service.
Step 6: Prepare Milestones
Include at least four milestones showing how the project will progress.
Step 7: Build the Business Plan
Explain the route to market, commercial viability, and future development plan.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Submit the proposal according to UK Space Agency requirements.
Why It Matters
Satellite-based climate services can help organisations and governments make better environmental and climate decisions.
This funding matters because it supports:
- Commercial use of space data
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Environmental monitoring
- Sustainable land and water management
- Biodiversity protection
- Green finance decisions
- Disaster response planning
- Methane and greenhouse gas monitoring
- Growth of the UK Earth Observation sector
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without a UK-registered lead organisation
- Proposing work that does not use Earth Observation data
- Failing to identify an end user
- Providing no clear route to market
- Submitting fewer than four milestones
- Ignoring commercial viability
- Presenting a service that is too mature or not early-stage
- Missing a communications plan
- Failing to show how the project will continue after funding
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain the climate problem.
- Show how satellite data improves the service.
- Demonstrate commercial demand.
- Define the end user clearly.
- Include realistic milestones.
- Present a practical business plan.
- Explain how the service supports climate resilience or mitigation.
- Show how the project will grow after the grant period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UK Space Agency Commercial Climate Services Call?
It is a funding call supporting innovative climate services that use satellite-based Earth Observation data to open new markets and strengthen the UK EO climate services sector.
How much funding is available?
The UK Space Agency plans to provide up to £500,000 in total funding.
How much can each project receive?
Each selected project may receive up to £85,000.
Who can apply?
All proposals must be led by UK-registered organisations.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects may focus on agriculture, land use, disaster response, biodiversity, nature restoration, green finance, marine and water monitoring, spatial planning, waste monitoring, greenhouse gases, and methane.
What project stage is eligible?
The call supports early-stage projects, typically at Technology Readiness Level 2 or above.
What must the application include?
Applications must include alignment with UK Space Agency and government objectives, at least four milestones, a business plan, a route to market, intended end users, future development plans, and a communications plan.
Conclusion
The UK Space Agency Commercial Climate Services Call supports UK-led organisations developing innovative Earth Observation-based climate services. With grants of up to £85,000, the call helps early-stage projects test ideas, build commercial pathways, support climate decision-making, and strengthen the UK’s growing EO climate services sector.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
