European Space Agency’s De-Risk Technology Activities have shifted to a new contracting process, with a maximum budget of €250,000 allocated for individual projects aimed at reducing the risk associated with novel technology development. Effective from June 1st, the program now operates under a “Cooperative Agreement without Procurement,” fundamentally altering how companies can engage with ESA on these initiatives. Potential bidders who submitted Outline Proposals before this date must now utilize Call for Proposals CfP/ /23/NL/RK for their Full Proposal submissions, while those submitting after June 1st should use CfP/ /25/NL/CES. These activities will target generic technology developments across domains including Earth observation, science, and human spaceflight, with ESA providing assessment and support to orient follow-on development. Activities submitted through this channel will target generic technology developments, addressing areas like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing.
GSTP Element 1 Frameworks & Application Domains
A maximum of €250,000 is now available to fund crucial early-stage technology development under the European Space Agency’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) Element 1 framework, signaling a focused approach to de-risking innovative concepts. This funding ceiling applies specifically to the activities, which are one of four distinct frameworks now operating under a revised structure designed to accelerate the maturation of promising technologies for space applications. The program’s scope extends beyond technological advancement; it actively seeks proposals addressing challenges in Earth observation, science, exploration, human spaceflight, space safety, transportation, and navigation, alongside broader areas like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. This change impacts the entire application process, demanding attention from prospective bidders, and differs depending on when an initial Outline Proposal was submitted.
Those submitted in the OSIP platform on or before June 1st must now submit their Full Proposal under CfP/ /23/NL/RK, while submissions after that date require adherence to the new Standard Call for Proposals, designated CfP/ /25/NL/CES. Failure to use the correct reference number will result in disqualification, highlighting the importance of this transition. The GSTP Element 1 framework encompasses not only De-Risk Technology, but also De-Risk Portfolio, Advanced Manufacturing, and Quantum Technology initiatives. The De-Risk Portfolio, aimed at established companies, offers a maximum budget of €50,000 and a maximum duration of four months to strengthen existing product lines and expand market reach. Advanced Manufacturing and Quantum Technology frameworks, mirroring the De-Risk Technology budget at €250,000 for up to twelve months, prioritize improving reliability and time-to-market through collaboration with recognized research organizations.
Dietmar Pilz, Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality, and Matthew Robert Bullock are key contacts for submissions, underscoring ESA’s commitment to facilitating this new era of collaborative technology development. The process is divided into two steps; the first step is entirely conducted in the OSIP platform. On successful approval of the first, the second step will be entirely conducted in the ESA-star platform. The maximum validity of proposals is four months starting from the first submission date.
De-Risk Technology and Portfolio Processes
The European Space Agency’s approach to fostering technological advancement has undergone a significant restructuring, shifting away from traditional procurement models towards collaborative agreements designed to share risk and accelerate innovation. This evolution reflects a growing recognition that rigid contracts can stifle creativity and hinder the development of genuinely novel solutions in the complex field of space exploration. This new model prioritizes partnership and shared objectives over competitive bidding, allowing for more flexible and iterative development processes. Financial support for De-Risk Technology activities is capped at a maximum of €250,000, intended to fund initial assessments and reduce the inherent risks associated with emerging technologies. These activities encompass a broad range of application domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and innovative propulsion systems, as well as specific areas like artificial intelligence and energy systems. The application process requires careful attention to detail.
Beyond the core De-risk Technology pathway, ESA also offers a De-risk Portfolio option, geared towards established companies seeking to expand their product lines with a maximum budget of €50,000 over a maximum of four months. This framework focuses on strengthening existing entities and broadening market reach. Regardless of the chosen pathway, the ultimate goal remains consistent: to prepare and de-risk new technology developments, ultimately paving the way for future procurement actions.
The regime has transitioned to a Cooperative Agreement without Procurement.
Advanced Manufacturing & Quantum Technology Support
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde are currently exploring novel additive manufacturing techniques for satellite components, a pursuit now bolstered by recent shifts in European Space Agency (ESA) funding mechanisms. These changes, detailed within the GSTP Element 1 framework, aim to streamline support for advanced technologies and specifically target areas beyond traditional procurement models. The agency’s evolving approach prioritizes collaborative agreements over conventional contracts, reflecting a belief that greater flexibility fosters innovation. A key element of this revised support structure is the allocation of up to €250,000 for De-Risk Technology Activities. This funding ceiling, available under the GSTP Element 1 framework, provides a concrete financial benchmark for companies and research institutions considering proposals. Beyond these core areas, the agency also highlights interest in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, innovative propulsion systems, and, crucially, advanced manufacturing and quantum technology.
This dual-track system acknowledges the shift in contracting processes and underscores the importance of adhering to the correct reference number to avoid disqualification. These frameworks aim to leverage the expertise of recognized research organizations, facilitating the development of complex quantum technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.
Outline to Full Proposal Transition in OSIP & ESA-star
This change is not simply procedural; it’s designed to foster more collaborative relationships with industry partners and encourage a wider range of technological exploration. This transitional period necessitates careful attention to detail, as adherence to the updated guidelines is important. The funding landscape within this framework is also clearly defined. The De-risk Technology option, a core component of the GSTP Element 1 framework, offers a maximum budget of €250,000 for activities lasting up to nine months. For established companies seeking to bolster their product portfolios, the De-risk Portfolio provides a maximum budget of €50,000 and lasts a maximum of four months. The proposal process is now divided into two stages. The initial step, conducted entirely within the OSIP platform, requires submission of an Outline Proposal using a designated template.
Successful approval then triggers a second phase, completed within the ESA-star platform, where a Full Proposal is submitted. ESA will decide if the activity shall move forward to step two, indicating a rigorous evaluation process. Ultimately, the Agency emphasizes that initiating a Framework activity does not guarantee follow-on funding, but the Development Plan, and Business Plan for De-risk Portfolio, created during the initial phase, will serve as the technical foundation for any subsequent procurement action.
