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How to apply to the UK Space Agency for NavISP funding

Published 5 May 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-funding-navisp-navigation-innovation-support-programme/how-to-apply-to-the-uk-space-agency-for-navisp-funding

1. Who can apply

UK organisations working in position, navigation and timing, who can undertake technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.

The Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NavISP) has three funding opportunities or ‘Elements’ as outlined below.

2. How to apply

2.1 Element 1 - Innovation in Satellite Navigation

This element is initiated by European Space Agency-initiated and offers 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations. Invitations to tender are listed on the ESA website here.

As part of the tendering process, companies will need to apply to the UK Space Agency for approval before they submit their application to ESA. This is a three-stage application process.

  1. Questionnaire: In the first instance, applicants should complete the UK Space Agency’s Proposal Questionnaire and submit it to the UK Space Agency only via [email protected]. This should be done well in advance of the tender close date (it could even be done before ESA releases the tender). Applicants will then be invited by the UK Space Agency to discuss their application. The UK Space Agency will provide a decision based on the proposal.

  2. Proposal: If supported, applicants should then prepare a full ESA proposal in accordance with ESA’s tender conditions and any conditions of support identified by the UK Space Agency. UK Space Agency will provide the company with a formal letter of support to accompany the proposal. To enable this, applicants must provide the UK Space Agency with final details of their proposal not less than 5 working days before submission.

  3. Submission: Applicants submit their proposal directly to ESA (not via UK Space Agency). It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit all materials to ESA by the appropriate tender deadline (including a letter of authorisation from UK Space Agency) and meet ESA’s conditions of tender.

2.2 Element 2 - Competitiveness in Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT)

This element is applicant-led and offers matched funding for developing space-enabled PNT technology solutions and innovations. The level of funding offered varies by the type of organisation. It is an ‘open call’ - submissions can be made at any time. Further details are available on ESA’s website here.

As part of the tendering process, applicants will need to apply to the UK Space Agency for approval. This is a five-stage application process:

  1. Notify the UK Space Agency: In the first instance, applicants should complete the UK Space Agency’s Proposal Questionnaire and submit it to the UK Space Agency only via [email protected].

  2. ESA Outline Proposal: In parallel, applicants should also complete ESA’s Outline Proposal Template and submit it to both UK Space Agency and ESA.

  3. Presentation and Discussion: Applicants will then be invited by UK Space Agency to discuss their application. UK Space Agency will provide a preliminary decision.

  4. Proposal: Successful outline applications will then be invited (by ESA) to submit a full proposal. UK Space Agency will provide the applicant with a formal letter of authorisation in support of the proposal. To enable this, the applicant must provide UK Space Agency with final details of their proposal not less than 5 working days before submission.

  5. Submission: The proposal must be submitted in accordance with ESA’s tender conditions and any conditions of support identified by UK Space Agency.

Element 2 aims to provide a rapid path from initial proposal to contract award, supporting innovation (4 months or less). No upper or lower limit has been set for individual projects, but they typically range between €200,000 and €800,000.

2.3 Element 3 - Support to Member State Activities

This element is focused on projects which address national PNT needs. It offers 100% funding.

Projects must support the UK space sector, and have a sponsor within a government department, a national agency or institution which will make use of the outcomes of the project once it successfully concludes.

If you have an idea for an Element 3 project, please contact the UK Space Agency to discuss.

3. Contact details

Applicants should please communicate with UK Space Agency on NavISP matters via the email address [email protected].

4. Additional info

Further information on the ESA application process is available on the ESA NavISP website. To access details of the Element 1 calls and the guidance for the open calls (Element 2 and Element 3) requires registration on the ESA-STAR system.

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