National Space Innovation Programme – Call 2

Overview

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is launching Call 2 of the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), providing at least £17 million in co-funded grants to support UK-based space innovation projects. The programme aims to de-risk high-reward ideas, drive innovation and boost the UK's commercial and scientific space capabilities.

Scope of funding

1. Kick Starter Projects
   • Early-stage innovations (TRL 1–4)
   • Grant size: £150,000–£1,000,000
   • Duration: Up to 16 months
   • Focus: Highly disruptive or novel ideas
2. Major Projects
   • Higher TRL innovations (TRL 5–9)
   • Grant size: £150,000–£2,000,000
   • Duration: Up to 16 months
   • Focus: Commercialisation and investment

Call objectives

• Catalyse Investment: 5–8x NSIP investment by 2030
• Drive Innovation: TRL increase of at least 2
• Capture Market Share: Develop commercially successful space products/services

Strategic focus areas

All space-based innovations are welcome, but up to 30% of the budget is targeted at the theme:

• Space Data for Earth Applications
  E.g., EO data for transport, NHS telemedicine, AI-powered space data tools, data interoperability, etc.

Also aligned with 5 National Capability Goals:

• Space Domain Awareness
• In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing
• Space Data for Earth Applications
• Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT)
• Satellite Communication Technology

Eligibility requirements

• Must be UK-based, with national benefit
• Non-UK collaborators allowed (no funding to them)
• Must comply with the Subsidy Control Act 2022
• Match funding is required (varies by business size and project type)

Project requirements

• Clear space-use case
• Defined technical, commercial, and project outcomes
• Must start by 10 November 2025 and end by 31 March 2027
• Includes milestone reporting, risk registers, and financial tracking
• Projects will undergo due diligence and security assessments