Deadline: 28-May-2026
The Space Challenge, delivered in collaboration with Space Scotland, supports early-stage academics and innovators developing space-sector ideas with potential real-world and environmental impact.
The programme helps participants refine technical ideas into commercially viable concepts through training, mentorship, and industry engagement.
Focus Areas
The challenge supports both upstream and downstream space innovation:
Upstream space technologies:
- Launch systems and launchers
- Satellites and satellite subsystems
- Ground systems and infrastructure
- Human spaceflight technologies
- Components, services, and space engineering systems
Downstream space applications:
- Earth observation solutions
- Satellite navigation systems
- Satellite communications
- Space data applications
- Software, hardware, and firmware using space technology
- Non-space sector applications of space-derived data
Programme Support
Selected participants receive:
- £5,000 cash prize funding
- Business and innovation training
- Networking with space industry experts
- Access to Space Scotland and innovation partners
- Alumni network membership after completion
Participants also benefit from:
- Support from the Higgs Centre for Innovation
- Bespoke training delivered by Converge and Scottish Enterprise
- Industry mentoring and business development guidance
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Students from participating Scottish universities
- Academic staff and researchers
- Professional university staff
- Postgraduate and undergraduate students
- Recent graduates (within 36 months of graduation)
Applications may be:
- Individual or team-based
- Team members must include at least one participant from a participating Scottish university
Programme Structure
The challenge follows a staged process:
- Application submission (early-stage ideas)
- Selection into programme cohort
- Three-day in-person training in Edinburgh (July)
- Business case development phase
- Pitch presentation to judges (September)
- Final awards ceremony (1 October 2026)
Location:
- Higgs Centre for Innovation, Edinburgh
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative aims to:
- Support space-sector innovation in Scotland
- Bridge research and commercialisation
- Encourage early-stage entrepreneurship
- Strengthen industry–university collaboration
- Promote space technology applications for societal benefit
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Submit an early-stage space innovation idea
- Demonstrate potential commercial or societal impact
- Highlight technical feasibility and innovation
- Show connection to a participating Scottish university
- Apply individually or as part of a team
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting ideas with no space-sector relevance
- Weak or unclear commercial potential
- Missing eligibility requirements (university affiliation or graduation timeline)
- Poorly defined technical concepts
- Ignoring downstream application potential
FAQ
- Who runs the programme?
- The challenge is delivered in collaboration with Space Scotland.
- What funding is provided?
- A £5,000 cash prize is awarded to selected participants.
- Who can apply?
- Students, staff, and recent graduates from participating Scottish universities.
- Is team application allowed?
- Yes, team applications are accepted if at least one member is from a participating Scottish university.
- What is the programme duration?
- The programme runs from July training to final pitch and award in October 2026.
Conclusion
The Space Challenge, in partnership with Space Scotland, supports early-stage space innovators by combining funding, training, and industry access. It helps transform academic and technical ideas into commercially viable space-sector solutions with potential environmental and societal impact.
For more information, visit Converge.