Description

The ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) Open Call for Proposals – Proof-of-Concept Studies and Pilot Projects is a continuously open funding opportunity supporting the development and demonstration of space-enabled commercial services and applications. The call is designed to mature innovative ideas beyond the feasibility stage by either validating a service concept through a Proof-of-Concept Study or demonstrating an operational solution through a Pilot Project. All projects must make use of one or more space assets (e.g. satellite communications, Earth observation or satellite navigation) to address challenges in any industry, market or application domain.

Funding Amount

• Funding is provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme.
• Funding is provided as co-funding.
• Proof-of-Concept Studies:
  • Eligible project cost: up to €600,000.
  • ESA funding:
    • Standard companies: up to 75% of eligible costs.
    • Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): up to 80% of eligible costs (subject to National Delegation approval).
    • Universities, research institutes and public-sector entities without commercial interest: up to 100% of eligible costs, provided ESA funding does not exceed 30% of the total project cost.
    • Universities, research institutes and public-sector entities with commercial interest: up to 75% of eligible costs.
• Pilot Projects:
  • No fixed maximum project value; funding is assessed case by case.
  • ESA funding:
    • Standard companies: up to 50% of eligible costs.
    • SMEs: up to 80% of eligible costs (subject to National Delegation approval).
    • Universities, research institutes and public-sector entities without commercial interest: up to 100% of eligible costs, with ESA funding not exceeding 30% of the total project cost.
    • Universities, research institutes and public-sector entities with commercial interest: up to 75% of eligible costs.
• Applicants are responsible for providing the remaining project co-funding.

Submission Deadlines

• Open call (continuous submission).
• Applications may be submitted throughout the year.

Submission Conditions

• Applications follow a three-stage process:
  • Step 1: Submit an Activity Pitch Questionnaire (APQ) through the Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP).
  • Step 2: Following APQ approval, submit an Outline Proposal within 2 months.
  • Step 3: Following Outline Proposal approval, submit a Full Proposal via esa-star within 4 months, including written Authorisation of Funding from the relevant National Delegation(s).
• Applicants must register in the esa-star procurement system.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact their National Delegation before submitting a proposal.
• ESA Ambassadors are available to provide business support during proposal preparation.

Eligible Types of Businesses

• Companies (all sizes)
• Micro enterprises
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Large companies
• Universities
• Research institutes
• Public-sector organisations
• Consortia (optional)

Research organisations and public-sector entities without commercial interest generally participate as subcontractors.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be established in:

• ESA Member States subscribing to the Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme.
• ESA Cooperating States participating in the programme.
• ESA Associate Member States that have declared participation.