ESA and GSMA Funding Opportunities 2024

The GSMA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are running two challenges, inviting ideas from companies looking to develop technologies, products, and services in 5G telecommunications, in the frame of the ESA Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme.

Challenge 1: ‘5G MOBILITY MAKERSPACE‘

The first challenge, ‘5G Mobility Makerspace’, calls for ideas from both industry and academia to develop converged satellite/terrestrial 5G technologies that will benefit the mobility sector. ESA is already supporting developments in this area and has identified a new set of activities in the  Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) 4.0 Space for 5G/6G Workplan, adding up to €15 million in funding in open competition tendering.

Challenge 2: ‘NTN OPEN GATEWAY‘

The second challenge, ‘NTN Open Gateway’, seeks ideas from industry and academia to propel the development of connectivity solutions towards greater resilience, sustainability and technological advancement, leveraging the transformative potential of seamless Terrestrial (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). ESA has been already active in this domain and has initiated several large projects, including 5G Hub Over-the-air Vertical Segment Validations, 5G-HOSTS-SAT, and 5G EMERGE.

The challenges are being run in partnership with ESA and the idea proponents will be guided towards the most appropriate ESA programmatic tool. Before submitting your application, we advise you to speak with the applicable ESA Member State Delegate in your respective country.

To express your interest in either opportunity, please complete the form below no later than 31st of December.

Expression of Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in the ESA and GSMA Funding Opportunities. Unfortunately, the application deadline has now passed, and we are no longer accepting submissions. We’ll be announcing new challenges during MWC Barcelona 2025. In the meantime, you can reach out to us on foundry@gsma.com 

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Timelines for the joint GSMA and ESA challenges (2024):

(Please note: This does not include the ESA application process. Please see ESA guidance for further details)

1. Challenges open: 28 February 2024
2. Deadline for submissions of Expression of Interest: 31 December 2024 at 12 noon CET

*Only companies that have a legal entity in the following countries are eligible to apply: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK

Any questions about these challenges should be submitted to foundry@gsma.com and 5g@esa.int