Description

The ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) Growth Projects programme is an open funding opportunity designed to help companies with commercially proven space-enabled solutions expand into secondary markets. Unlike feasibility or pilot funding, Growth Projects support businesses that have already demonstrated success in their primary market and are ready to scale through new market applications, new service elements and large-scale pilots. In addition to funding, ESA provides business development support, matchmaking opportunities and access to strategic partners to accelerate commercial growth.

Funding Amount

• Funding is provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme.
• Funding is provided as zero-equity co-funding.
• Project budgets are assessed case by case (limited to eligible costs).
• ESA co-funding rates:
  • Standard companies: up to 50% of eligible costs.
  • Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): up to 80% of eligible costs.
  • 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 must provide the remaining project co-funding through public and/or private sources.

Submission Deadlines

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

Submission Conditions

• Applications follow a three-stage application process:
  • Growth Project Questionnaire (GPQ)
  • Outline Proposal
  • Full Proposal
• Applicants must first create an account on the Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP).
• A Written Authorisation for ESA Funding from the relevant National Delegation must accompany the Full Proposal.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact their National Delegation early in the process.
• During the application process, companies may request business support, matchmaking and access to the Growth Projects Partner Network.

Eligible Types of Businesses

• Companies with commercially validated space-enabled solutions.
• Start-ups with demonstrated commercial success.
• SMEs.
• Large companies.
• Industrial teams and consortia.
• Universities, research institutes and public-sector organisations (subject to the applicable funding rules).

The programme is specifically intended for organisations seeking to scale an existing commercial solution into secondary markets, rather than developing an early-stage concept.

Eligible Countries

To be eligible for funding, your team must be based in one of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.