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

Climate security and civil preparedness – new ways to develop pre- and post-crisis climate-change related scenarios for a more resilient Europe

Multi-hazard approach and cumulative / cascading impacts

Additional activities for the European Partnership of Agriculture of Data

Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space

Data sharing to support the training and development of AI foundation models in the energy sector

Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods

Understanding inhabitant’s experiences of neighbourhoods to support their health and well-being

Approaches to reuse vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces

‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon generated R&I results (IA)

Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA)

Fast Track to Research and Innovation for breakthroughs in industrial technologies (Research and Innovation Action)

Palaeoclimate science for a better understanding of Earth system dynamics

Better understanding and attribution of land and ocean carbon sources and sinks

Pillar III: Science comes to town 2029

Pillar II: Talent ecosystems for attractive early research careers

International cooperation in AI (IA)

Demand-side 3C pilot demonstrators on converged Telco Edge Cloud Infrastructure (IA)

Large scale operational validation and upscaling of state-of-the-art (Generative) AI tools and models powering a next generation digital energy system

Living labs to enhance soil health in Continental, Black Sea, Pannonian and Steppic biogeographical regions

Open topic: Innovative solutions for the European Water Resilience Strategy

Innovative healthcare interventions for non-communicable diseases

European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness (Phase 2)

Fire prevention and mitigation for EVs in confined areas (2ZERO Partnership)

Data-driven circular economy for e-mobility ecosystem (2ZERO Partnership)

Open topic on reinvigorating and shielding European democracy

AI supporting informed advice for farmers and foresters to improve competitiveness and sustainability

Pioneering Destination Earth for a Sustainable Future: Large-Scale Pilots and Demonstrators

Access to research infrastructure services to enable R&I addressing EU priorities and emerging challenges

Quantum Space Gravimetry topic

ISOS4I Pilot Mission Integrated Ground Test and consolidation of space-compatible USI solutions

Frequently Asked Questions About Space EU Grants