The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is running two calls and is inviting applications for UK support for both the 'Opening Space with 5G' and '5G Hub at Harwell' Calls, from UK companies looking to develop technologies, products, and services in 5G telecommunications under the ESA Space for 5G & 6G Programme 2022.

The first call, 'Opening Space with 5G', will make up to £8,000,000 of funding available for proposals from both industry and academia to develop sustainable 5G technologies, products and services that will benefit beyond the Space Sector. No upper or lower limit has been set for individual projects. 

The second call, '5G Hub at Harwell', will make up to £1,000,000 available for up to five projects, capped at £200,000 each, from industry and academia to utilise the 5G/6G Hub to test and demonstrate their 5G devices or applications. These projects will be managed under the ESA Agile model and will follow a shorter time to contract.

All projects must include a compelling element of matched funding to be eligible under the programme. Further details on matched funding and other eligibility requirements are contained in the guidance document.

Please read the guidance on how to apply for UK support and note the requirement to submit an Expression of Interest, prior to the submission of your proposal.

The first call, 'Opening Space with 5G', opens on Tuesday 27th September 2022 and will close at midday on Wednesday 9th November 2022. The UK Space Agency will aim to notify all applicants of the results of their proposals by Friday 2nd December 2022.

The second call, '5G Hub at Harwell', also opens on Tuesday 27th September 2022 and will close at midday on Monday 31st October 2022. The UK Space Agency will aim to notify all applicants of the results of their proposals by Monday 21st November 2022.

The Calls are being run in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and applicants who are invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest will also need to submit an ESA ‘Outline Proposal’ to the UK Space Agency and ESA by the closing date. This is to allow consideration of proposals by the UK Space Agency and ESA in parallel and reduce the time to award for successful applicants across both Calls.

Schedule for UK support for the 'Opening Space with 5G' Call

(Note: This does not include the ESA application process. Please see UK Space Agency guidance for further details on this.)

1. Funding call opens: 27th September 2022.
2. Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest: 21st October 2022 at 12 noon GMT.
3. Deadline for submission of proposals: 9th November 2022 at 12 noon GMT. This includes submission of an ESA ‘Outline Proposal’.
4. Notification of UK outcomes: 2nd December 2022.

Any questions about this funding opportunity should be submitted to artes@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. Questions submitted to any other UK Space Agency email address may not be considered.

Schedule for UK support for the '5G Hub at Harwell' Call

(Note: This does not include the ESA application process. Please see UK Space Agency guidance for further details on this.)

1. Funding call opens: 27th September 2022.
2. Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest: 14th October 2022 at 12 noon GMT.
3. Deadline for submission of proposals: 31st October 2022 at 12 noon GMT. This includes submission of an ESA ‘Outline Proposal’.
4. Notification of UK outcomes: 21st November 2022.

Any questions about this funding opportunity should be submitted to artes@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. Questions submitted to any other UK Space Agency email address may not be considered.

Events

In addition to these Calls, we have organised two events: a Webinar and an Open Day. To sign up, please email: 5G@esa.int.

• The online webinar was held on Thursday 6th October 2022 between 10:00am and 12:00pm GMT and included a walk-through of the UKSA application process, as well as a series of talks from UK Government, ESA, and Industry Experts. Please see here for the Powerpoint slides: ESA, CGI, UKSA and University of Surrey. You can watch a recording of the webinar below.

• The Open Day will be hosted at the ECSAT 5G/6G Hub in Harwell on Wednesday 12th October 2022 between 10:00am and 12:30pm. Participants will be given a tour of the facility and have the opportunity to ask any questions relating to the Hub itself or either of the UKSA Calls.