UK Space Agency announces £50 million for satellite communications
The UK Space Agency is calling for expressions of interest as part of a £50 million funding round, with further funding available in the event of oversubscription.
The funding falls under the European Space Agency’s ARTES programme, in which the UK is one of the leading investors of the Programme after having committed £190m to the programme in November last year.
The Agency is running a webinar ‘Partnership Call for Proposals: Introduction to the ESA ARTES Partnership Programme and what the UK is looking for’ which is scheduled for Friday 27 January from 12:30.
What will a successful proposal look like?
All successful proposals will be based in telecoms and, according to the UKSA:
- Add value to the UK
- Catalyse investment
- Grow the space sector
Beyond these requirements, UKSA is looking for proposals that will disrupt the existing space sector in ways that will grow both the space and wider UK economy. This innovation can be through bringing new technologies into the space sector. However, it can also refer to new business models, or methods of operating a space-based business, such as by using existing technologies in innovative ways, or even by introducing new sectors into space itself.
Similarly, successful proposals will be clearly though through, with a strong return on investment and ambition in thinking. Proposals should also be as UK-based as possible to ensure as much inward investment as possible, and all expenditure must be outlined in advance.
The agency said projects could be integrated with 5G networks for upgraded infrastructure that enables new services such as drones, driverless haulage and space-based networks.
What is the UKSA offering?
The £50 million in funding has the potential to be increased if oversubscribed.
Proposals by large and non-SME companies, including companies owned by large and non-SME firms, as well as SMEs already undertaking very high-value programmes, can receive up to 50% matched funding. SME entrants meanwhile may be offered up to 75% matched funding.
The proposals funded by the UKSA must be competitive at or below 50% matched funding, and the UKSA will not fund regulatory compliance.
How to apply
To apply, An Expression of Interest document must be submitted to UKSA by Midday 1 March 2023. These will be considered on a rolling basis, so UKSA recommend applying as soon as possible.
Certain submissions will be invited to give a presentation to UKSA. An outline proposal is then due on Midday 15 April 2023, before winners are announced in the summer.
Documents, including guidance and forms, can be found at the UKSA website.
Find out more
UKSA has released guidance outlining more information about the funding round. UKSA is also hosting a series of webinars to explain the round, which you can sign up for at their website.
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact the team.
Sophie James
Sophie James
Sophie James is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
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Manuel R. Marti
Manuel R. Marti
Manuel joined techUK in February 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for the UK Spectrum Policy Forum and Satellite.
A journalist by training, he has written extensively about spectrum since 2018 for PolicyTracker. Manuel has a MSc in International Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. In his spare time he is currently trying to set up a supperclub.
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Julia Ofori-Addo
Julia Ofori-Addo
Julia Ofori-Addo supports the Digital Connectivity Forum and a range of techUK Market Programmes such as; Central Government, Communications Infrastructure and Services and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum with the secretariat and event support, research and communication.
Julia is a bilingual – German and English native. Prior to joining techUK, Julia worked as an IT Team Administrator at Interxion Ltd (data center) supporting and coordinating teams with the Incident Management Protocols (IMP), auditing and reporting procedures and processes and assisting senior management with various secretarial/administrative duties. She has exceptional experience in handling and updating in-house database systems and a proven track record of demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
Julia is a graduate at the University of Kent with a BSc in Computer Science and Business Administration. In her personal time, she enjoys current affairs discussions, going to the gym and travelling.
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Archie Breare
Archie Breare
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
