The UK Space Agency invites proposals for UK-based research and development projects to develop innovative Earth Observation (EO) technologies through the EO Missions and Technology (EOMT) Innovation Call 1. Proposals should align with the objectives of the UK National Space Strategy, and we particularly encourage applications for innovative, early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) projects supporting climate monitoring, the environment, dual use and commercial applications.
This investment aims to enable innovation in the EO sector by prioritising projects with a clear path to commercialisation or routes to success, driving a high-growth economy that generates high-value jobs and brings new ideas to the market, aligning with wider government and DSIT/UKSA goals as outlined in the UK Space Agency Corporate Plan and Space Industrial Plan. Projects should seek to develop low TRL (starting at TRL 1-4) early-stage satellite instrumentation or hardware with a clear and defined Earth Observation focus.
If you intend to submit a bid, please ensure that you send an email notification with the subject heading “EOMT Innovation Call 1” to UKSA.EOT@DSIT.gov.uk stating your project name, the lead organisation and technology type on or before 21st August.
There will be an online session held 17 July 2026 outlining the application process and to provide an opportunity for questions – you can apply to attend by emailing UKSA.EOT@DSIT.gov.uk
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The project must be led by a UK organisation.
Proposals from collaborative teams are particularly welcome, and UKSA/DSIT encourages industrial and academic partnerships, though this is not a requirement and will not influence scoring or acceptance criteria. Bids are welcomed from teams new to the space technology/EO field.
Collaborative proposals which form part of a larger activity funded by one or more other organisations will also be considered, provided the proposed work falls fully within the EOMT Innovation Call 1 objectives. The proposed activity must form a self-contained programme of work which minimises dependencies on other programmes, with project-specific benefits, risks and appropriate mitigating actions identified.
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The EOMT Innovation Call 1 intends to award up to £1.4m of funding. Applicants may request grant funding of up to £200,000 for projects with a maximum duration of 12 months (finishing on or before 31 October 2027). Where possible, 40% – 50% of the proposed costs should be incurred before 31 March 2027.
Awarded projects can start from late September 2026 and must have fully completed by 31 October 2027.
These projects should be defined as innovative, early-stage EO technology development, starting between TRL 1-4.
Eligible activities include industrial research, feasibility studies and experimental development and can be led by any type of entity.
Note that other government and/or institutionally funded programmes such as ESA cannot be used as the matching financial contribution to the EOMT Innovation Call 1 project.
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This investment aims to enable innovation in the EO sector by prioritising projects with a clear path to commercialisation or routes to success, driving a high-growth economy that generates high-value jobs and brings new ideas to the market, aligning with wider government and DSIT/UKSA goals as outlined in the UK Space Agency Corporate Plan and Space Industrial Plan. Projects should seek to develop low TRL (starting at TRL 1-4) early-stage satellite instrumentation or hardware with a clear and defined Earth Observation focus.
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There will be an online session held 17 July 2026 outlining the application process and to provide an opportunity for questions – you can apply to attend by emailing UKSA.EOT@DSIT.gov.uk.
If you would like help to find a collaboration partner, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team.