Modern life increasingly relies on precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, which underpin critical infrastructure and enable innovations such as autonomous systems, smart logistics, and resilient networks. To ensure the UK can seize emerging opportunities in this domain, the UK Space Ageny is supporting projects that drive innovation in PNT technologies and applications across new and evolving markets.
In November 2025 the UK Space Agency (UKSA) subscribed £53 million over a three-year period to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP). This investment reflects a strategic effort to strengthen the UK’s capabilities in satellite navigation and related services, improving industrial competitiveness and capability in a rapidly evolving global market. NAVISP is a commercially driven initiative designed to foster innovation by supporting UK businesses in developing cutting-edge technologies, products, and services. The programme encompasses the full spectrum of navigation solutions, including components, systems, and integrated services, and spans all segments, space, ground, and user. By enabling advancements across these areas, NAVISP aims to position the UK as a leader in next-generation navigation technologies, driving economic growth and reinforcing national infrastructure for critical applications.
You can apply for ESA NAVISP support and funding in three ways. For all three, UK companies must obtain funding approval for their proposal from their National Delegate (the UK Space Agency PNT team, who can be contacted on PNT@ukspaceagency.gov.uk) prior to final bid submission. You can also contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team for advice.
Element 1: competitive tenders
See the list of current tenders here. These are usually time-limited and applicants are strongly advised to apply for National Delegate support at the earliest opportunity, at least two weeks’ prior the application deadline. The activities carried out under Element 1 can be funded up to 100%.
Element 2: Open Call for Proposals
NAVISP Element 2 welcomes proposals from space and non-space companies, from large and small enterprises and start-ups. Proposed products can address satellite space segment, ground infrastructure, and user segment, including applications and services. ESA will fund up to 100% of the cost for non-commercial organisations such as universities, up to 80% for SMEs, and up to 50% for larger companies. Read more about Element 2 here.
Element 3: Open Call for Proposals
Element 3 supports Participating States in advancing national Positioning, Navigation and Timing initiatives across the full value chain. It provides ad-hoc assistance per country or domain to develop and promote GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and broader PNT-based products, applications, and services. Read more about Element 3 here.
Two routes are possible under Element 3. In the “Industry Route”, you propose your ideas directly to UK Space Agency, setting out the opportunity you wish to pursue and are expected to have a contact from a UK Government department already in place, that will liaise with UK Space Agency: costs must not exceed €1m. In the “Competition Route”, UK Space Agency, via ESA, may issue a call based on national strategic priorities which industry can respond to in an open competition. All proposals under Element 3 can be up to 100% funded.
Who can apply?
To be considered for UK National Delegate support, organisations must be UK-based and, for commercial companies, must have a UK registration at Companies House. If you are considering moving to the UK, or you do not have a UK registration, you can seek further guidance from the team to PNT@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.