Open Call: Advancing Digitalisation for Commercial Space Solutions

Deadline: 03-Sep-2026

The European Commission is offering €12,000,000 in funding to accelerate digitalisation in commercial space solutions, including satellite communication, Earth Observation, and new space transportation. Individual projects can receive €3,000,000–€6,000,000, supporting global participants in developing interoperable, end-to-end space technologies and services for rapid commercialisation.

What is the Grant About?

The European Commission Digitalisation for Commercial Space Solutions Grant supports research and innovation that accelerates digitalisation across satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO), and commercial space transportation. The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen European Space Sector competitiveness in the global connectivity market

• Support next-generation SatCom and EO payloads, technologies, and processing capabilities

• Enhance security and reliability of SatCom and EO services

• Improve access to satellite data through interoperable systems

• Transform technological advancements into commercial applications quickly

Digitalisation is treated as a key enabler, enhancing end-to-end EO and SatCom systems and accelerating low- to mid-TRL technology development.

Funding Details

• Total Funding Available: €12,000,000

• Funding per Project: €3,000,000–€6,000,000

• Eligible Participants: Any legal entity worldwide, including non-associated third countries and international organisations, regardless of funding eligibility

• Programme: Horizon Europe regulations apply

Focus Areas and Research Priorities

Projects must target one or more of the following areas:

• Digitalised Commercial Services and Applications: New services leveraging EO and SatCom digitalisation

• Next-Generation EO and SatCom Payloads: Enhanced sensors, instruments, and digital processing capabilities

• Interoperability and End-to-End Systems: Ensuring seamless operation across current and future satellite networks, ground stations, and digital infrastructures

• Security of Services: Protecting SatCom and EO services for ground and space applications

• Rapid Commercialisation: Translating technological developments into market-ready solutions

Technology and Innovation Targets

Projects are expected to develop:

• Common building blocks for EO and SatCom systems

• High-performance processing hardware for network and payload optimisation

• Hybrid RF and optical ground stations

• Quantum technologies adapted for space applications

• Improved downlink and tasking capacities

• Miniaturised instruments, enhanced resolution, and timeliness for EO missions

How the Grant Works

1. Identify Primary Focus Area: Clearly define whether your project targets SatCom, EO, or commercial space transportation.

2. Form a Consortium: Promote collaboration between industry, SMEs, research institutions, infrastructures, and academia.

3. Develop Proposal: Include objectives, technical approach, innovation potential, and plans for rapid commercialisation.

4. Submit Application: Ensure compliance with Horizon Europe regulations.

5. Project Implementation: Develop interoperable, end-to-end solutions leveraging digital technologies.

6. Reporting and Dissemination: Share results with the wider scientific and industrial community to accelerate adoption.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible participants include:

• Any legal entity globally, including companies, SMEs, research institutions, universities, and international organisations

• Entities from non-associated third countries, regardless of funding eligibility under Horizon Europe

• Collaborative consortia that promote commercialisation and cross-sector cooperation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to clearly define the primary technological focus (EO, SatCom, or space transport)

• Submitting proposals that lack cooperation between industry, research, and academic partners

• Ignoring Horizon Europe regulatory requirements

• Overlooking the need for end-to-end interoperability and commercialisation planning

• Neglecting to include digitalisation as a core enabler in the project plan

FAQs

1. What is the total funding available for this call?
€12,000,000.

2. What is the funding range per project?
Between €3,000,000 and €6,000,000.

3. Who can participate?
Any legal entity worldwide, including entities from non-associated third countries and international organisations.

4. What areas of technology are prioritised?
Digitalised EO and SatCom payloads, interoperability, hybrid ground stations, quantum technology adaptation, and commercial space solutions.

5. Are projects required to promote commercialisation?
Yes, rapid commercialisation of technological innovations is a key objective.

6. Can the project involve multiple countries and sectors?
Yes, cross-sector collaboration among industry, SMEs, academia, and research institutions is encouraged.

7. Does Horizon Europe regulation apply?
Yes, all projects must comply with Horizon Europe rules and eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

The European Commission Digitalisation for Commercial Space Solutions Grant provides €3–6 million per project to accelerate interoperable, end-to-end digital technologies in SatCom, EO, and commercial space transport. By promoting cross-sector collaboration and rapid commercialisation, this initiative strengthens the European Space Sector and drives global competitiveness in connectivity and space-based services.

For more information, visit European Commission.