This opportunity invites business to submit proposals for space-based applications and services that support rural transportation networks. Selected studies can access 75% funding by the European Space Agency, up to €75 000 per activity.
The challenge
Rural transportation networks play a crucial role in connecting remote areas to urban centres, facilitating the movement of people and goods and supporting economic development. However, these networks often face challenges such as limited infrastructure, low population density and geographical obstacles. Improving transportation infrastructure in rural areas is essential to enhance connectivity, accessibility and overall quality of life for residents.
Across Europe, significant investments and strategies – such as the EU Cohesion Policy and the UK’s “Future of Transport: Rural Strategy” – focus on enhancing rural connectivity, addressing the mobility needs of aging populations and supporting rural businesses. With the push for climate-neutral solutions under the European Green Deal, initiatives such as the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructures and the integration of smart technologies offer promising opportunities to build more efficient, accessible and sustainable rural transport systems. The market potential for enhancing rural transportation networks in Europe is substantial, driven by the need for improved connectivity, economic development, and sustainable solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies such as satellite data, autonomous vehicles, and smart infrastructure, Europe can create a more connected and resilient rural transportation systems.
ESA invite submissions of early-stage service concepts that:
- address customer needs
- show commercial potential and technical feasibility
- leverage satellite data or space technology
Kick-starts should be led by experienced, motivated teams, with a clear ambition and a credible pathway to developing commercially viable services.
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This opportunity is open to companies that intend to develop space-enabled services and products related, but not restricted, to the topics of relevance outlined above.
You must be based in an ESA eligible country: this includes the UK. A full list is available at the link below. Norway and The Netherlands are not supporting this call.
Potential Tenderers are strongly advised to contact the National Delegation(s) as soon as possible and to apply for a Written Authorisation for ESA funding.
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The following topics are the focus areas for this Kick-start. You will also find examples of potential applications – please note that these are examples and not limitations on what can be proposed.
- Public transport enhancement: Increasing the frequency, coverage, and reliability of rural public transport.
- Autonomous vehicle support: Enabling autonomous vehicles to operate in rural areas, supported by infrastructure such as Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications, dedicated lanes, and smart sensors.
- Charging points in rural regions: Installing and managing accessible EV charging stations in remote regions, overcoming grid limitations, and providing intelligent routing to charging locations.
- Road condition monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the road quality to facilitate maintenance planning, as well as to provide drivers with updates.
- Route optimisation: Optimising journey times, reducing fuel consumption, and promoting eco-friendly travel in rural areas.
- Emergency response: Enhancing the speed and coordination of emergency responses in rural areas and strengthening situational awareness.
- Environmental impact assessment: Tracking the environmental impacts of transport infrastructure in rural areas, as well as supporting sustainable planning and development.
- Logistics, supply chain and fleet management: Tracking and monitoring of logistics operations across rural supply chains, as well as strengthening their resilience, by facilitating timely response to disruptions and enabling more robust planning against unforeseen challenges.
- Fleet management services: Monitoring telemetry data to manage vehicle fleets operating in rural areas.
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Space assets, data and technologies can support rural transportation networks in a number of ways.
SatEO facilitates:
- Monitoring road wear and tear
- Detecting larger-scale surface deformation
- Monitoring areas prone to flooding and standing water accumulation
- Identifying areas where vegetation is encroaching roadways,
- Analysing traffic patterns and congestion
SatCom allows for:
- Seamless communication in rural areas
- Near real-time data exchange for V2V, V2I, and V2X technologies
- Timely emergency response
SatNav contributes to:
- Enhancing accuracy and reliability of route planning
- Providing accurate data to autonomous vehicles
- Timely emergency response, by providing accurate location data
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We offer funding and support to companies, specifically to help teams carry out a feasibility study over a six-month period. During this time, teams can develop their business case, work on technical aspects, validating the integration of satellite data and space technologies into the proposed solution, and engage actively with users and customers. We offer:
- 75% funding from the European Space Agency to a maximum of €75,000 for each selected study, provided on a zero-equity basis. The total cost per study is up to €100,000.
- Technical and commercial guidance
- Access to our network and partners
- Use of the ESA brand for your service
Please note that we do not provide direct access to space data, nor are we responsible for the space segment of service development. Applicants should have a clear plan for how they will obtain any required space data and ensure they have the necessary expertise within their team to manage this aspect.
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If you would like help to find a project partner, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space or Geospatial teams.