Building on the success of previous InCubed calls, the European Space Agency is launching a new call for proposals, in collaboration with the UK Space Agency, through the ESA InCubed programme. The deadline for applications is 21 August 2026.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) have witnessed the success of its joint 2024 InCubed call: more than £ 2.5 million were awarded to five innovative projects that use satellite data to improve public services, ranging from infrastructure monitoring and tracking methane emissions to supporting sustainable land management and safeguarding biodiversity.
In 2026, ESA and UKSA join efforts again for a new round of applications. UK-based organisations are invited to submit proposals that demonstrate a clear route to market, credible commercial demand and a strong plan for operational deployment.
Consortia are also encouraged to apply, including non-UK organisations that are supported by relevant national UK agencies or self-funded. Academic and/or research institutions are also welcome to apply, as long as they are part of an industry-led consortium and have no commercial interest in the product.
Activities across the entire Earth observation value chain will be considered, including space segment, ground segment and data applications. They may align with either a de-risking cycle, supporting earlier-stage developments, or a product development cycle, supporting more mature activities that aim to deliver a commercially viable product or service.
This call will support projects that are expected to last up to 18 months, with funding levels ranging from €300,000 to €4 million, depending on the scope and maturity of the activity. ESA’s support will be provided on a co-funding basis with up to 80% co-funding for SMEs and down to 50% for non-SMEs, which will once more depend on the activity’s risk and maturity.
The process application consists of two stages: for the first stage, applicants need to submit an idea pitch, or outline proposal, via ESA’s ORBIT platform. ESA and UKSA will jointly assess submissions and invite selected applicants to a pitch session. For the second stage, those selected applicants will either submit the second part of their proposal through ORBIT or be told they were not successful. ESA will evaluate the proposals according to the InCubed criteria and UKSA will determine if a national delegate authorisation of funding can be provided.
Proposals that show a clear path to commercialisation and demonstrate evidence of customer engagement will be preferred. The total funding amount is up to € 7.26 million and the deadline for applications is 21 August 2026.
Michele Castorina, Head of the ESA Φ-lab Invest Office and InCubed Programme manager, commented: “Earth observation is undergoing a profound paradigm shift driven by rapid commercialisation and advanced technologies. This new 2026 InCubed call, delivered in partnership with the UK Space Agency, is essential for bridging the gap between innovative engineering and commercial market success. By focusing on de-risking and validation of real customer demands, call such as this one ensure that British and European space enterprises don’t just build remarkable technology, but can successfully establish world-leading, economically sustainable market positions.”
Beth Greenaway, Head of Earth Observation Delivery at the UK Space Agency, said: “This call provides an exciting opportunity for UK organisations to turn innovative Earth observation ideas into commercially viable products and services. Through our continued partnership with ESA, InCubed helps businesses de-risk development, engage customers and accelerate their route to market, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in Earth observation.”
More information about this InCubed call can be found on the UK Government website.
To know more: InCubed, UK Government website
Photo courtesy of ESA