Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Space sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Space sector. These include grants through Horizon Europe (the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a budget of €95.5 billion), the European Innovation Council (EIC) which provides funding for breakthrough innovations, and various sector-specific initiatives. Funding types range from Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) with 100% funding rates, to Innovation Actions (IA) with 70% funding for companies, and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) for networking and coordination activities. Our database helps you find grants that match your organization's specific needs, project stage, and funding requirements.

Question 2

How do I apply for Space grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Space sector involves several key steps. First, use Grantalist to identify suitable open calls that match your project idea and organization type. Next, carefully review the call documentation, including eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, and the work programme. Most EU grants require you to form a consortium with partners from at least 3 different EU member states or associated countries. Once ready, you'll submit your proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, which includes a detailed description of your project, work packages, budget breakdown, and impact assessment. The evaluation process typically takes 3-5 months, after which successful applicants enter grant agreement preparation. We recommend starting your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Question 3

What is the typical funding amount for Space EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Space sector offer diverse funding levels depending on the programme and action type. Small-scale grants through programmes like EIC Accelerator can start from €500,000 up to €2.5 million in grant funding, plus up to €15 million in equity investment. Collaborative research projects under Horizon Europe typically range from €3 million to €10 million for standard projects, while some large-scale flagship initiatives can exceed €20 million. SMEs and startups often benefit from higher funding rates (up to 70% for Innovation Actions compared to large companies) and access to specialized instruments. The exact amount depends on the specific call topic, project scope, consortium size, and type of activities proposed.

Question 4

Who is eligible for Space EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Space EU grants extends to a wide range of organizations. Legal entities from EU member states and associated countries (including the UK for some programmes, Norway, Switzerland, and others) are typically eligible. This includes universities and research institutions, large enterprises and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees, startups and scale-ups, public bodies and NGOs, and international organizations. Some calls specifically target certain organization types, such as SME-only calls or academic-focused research grants. Third-country participation is possible in many programmes, though often without EU funding.

EU Grants for Space

Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness (KAPP)

MCP on Innovative and Connected Public Administrations

Generic physiologically-based population dynamics model for plant pests

National Cyber Hubs

Cross-Border Cyber Hubs

Digital twins and/or their major components for environment, climate and security

Implementing digital services to empower neuroscience research for health and brain inspired technology via EBRAINS

Trusted frameworks for secure and efficient data sharing in EOSC (EOSC Partnership)

Scientific analysis and exploitation of space data

Digital enablers and building-blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating SiC Substrate Capabilities

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – Radiation Hard FPGA on 7nm

Space critical Equipment for EU non-dependence – Space Refuelling Interface

Centres of Vocational Excellence

Critical Facilities Serving Space EEE components for EU non-dependence – High and Very High Energy Irradiation Test Facility Market Deployment

Preparing demonstration missions for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Reinforcing EU autonomous access to space through EU-based spaceports

Boosting mental health of young cancer survivors through the European Cancer Patient Digital Centre (ECPDC)

European Partnership on Rare Diseases (ERDERA) (Phase 2)

Virtual Human Twin (VHT) Models for Cancer Research

Full-scale demonstration of heat upgrade solutions in industrial processes

Improve the Quality of Life of older cancer patients

Advanced recovery of critical raw materials from Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Developing methods to assess the presence, functions and sensitivity of groundwater ecosystems

Preventing and fighting illicit trafficking of cultural goods

Understanding the forms of local democracy in low-income and low-middle income countries

Research and Innovation Network for a Union of Equality

Safeguarding linguistic diversity in Europe

Creative alliances: Fostering global partnerships in cultural policies and CCI innovation

Governing global commons sustainably

Frequently Asked Questions About Space EU Grants