Unlocking Innovation: National Space Innovation Programme – Call 2 Grant Funding

The UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – Call 2 is now open for applications. This prestigious grant funding competition aims to support groundbreaking space technologies, applications, and services, driving innovation and commercialisation in the UK space sector. With a total funding pot of £17 million, NSIP Call 2 offers substantial financial support to de-risk high-reward projects and catalyse investment into the UK’s space industry.

NSIP Key Information Table

Funding Body	UK Space Agency
Total Grant Funding Pot	£17 million
Amount Each Project Can Be Awarded	£150,000 to £2,000,000
Grant Themes	Space Domain Awareness, In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing, Space Data for Earth Applications, Position, Navigation and Timing, Satellite Communication Technology
Eligibility Criteria	UK-based organisations, including businesses, universities, and research organisations
Open Date	23 April 2025
Close Date	8 May 2025 (Outline Proposal), 23 July 2025 (Full Proposal)

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for NSIP Call 2, applicants must be UK-based organisations, including businesses, universities, and research organisations. Projects must have a clear space use-case and demonstrate national benefit. Non-domestic partners can participate but must bring their own funding.

National Space Innovation Programme – Project Focus

NSIP Call 2 seeks proposals for innovative space technologies, applications, and services. Projects should align with one or more of the following themes:

• Space Domain Awareness: Enhancing the ability to detect, track, and identify objects in space.
• In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing: Developing technologies for the maintenance, assembly, and manufacturing of spacecraft in orbit.
• Space Data for Earth Applications: Utilising satellite data to benefit UK citizens and grow the economy.
• Position, Navigation and Timing: Improving the accuracy and reliability of positioning, navigation, and timing services.
• Satellite Communication Technology: Advancing communication technologies to enhance connectivity and data transmission.

Value of the Technology Provided by the Fund

The NSIP Call 2 grants aim to:

• Raise Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): Support projects that advance TRLs, bringing technologies closer to market readiness.
• Support Commercialisation and Growth: Help projects transition from research to commercial success, driving economic growth.
• Catalyse Investment into the UK Space Sector: Attract additional investment and funding, multiplying the impact of the grants.
• Enhance UK Space Capabilities: Strengthen the UK’s position in the global space market by developing cutting-edge technologies.

National Space Innovation Programme Application Process

The application process for NSIP Call 2 involves two stages:

1. Outline Proposal: Submit by 8 May 2025. This initial stage requires a brief description of the project, its alignment with the call’s strategic goals, and the team involved.
2. Full Proposal: Invited applicants submit by 23 July 2025. This stage involves a detailed project plan, including technical feasibility, innovation, and potential impact.

Funding Information

NSIP Call 2 offers co-funded grants ranging from £150,000 to £2,000,000 per project. The funding is provided on a cost recovery basis, with payments made upon successful delivery of milestones. Projects can be funded under two strands:

• Kick Starter Projects: Early-stage innovations with TRLs 1-4, focusing on highly disruptive or novel proposals.
• Major Projects: Advanced projects with TRLs 5-9, emphasising commercialisation and investment catalysis.

Additional Information

Successful projects are expected to kick off by 10 November 2025 and conclude by 31 March 2027. Applicants are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by 23 April 2025. This helps the UK Space Agency organise the assessment process and allocate resources effectively.

Programme Background

The National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) aims to make the UK one of the world’s most innovative and attractive space economies. NSIP supports high-reward projects through co-funded grants, driving innovation and commercialisation in the UK space sector. The programme aligns with the National Space Strategy, contributing to the UK’s strategic goals in space technology and applications.

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Be UK-based with clear national benefit.
• Include regular milestones and deliverables.
• Demonstrate progress towards technical, project, and commercial goals.
• Engage with the NSIP team for due diligence checks and project management.

How FI Group Can Help with the Innovation Funder Grants Service

FI Group offers expert support to navigate the NSIP Call 2 application process. Our services include:

• Application Preparation and Submission: We help you prepare a compelling application that meets all requirements and maximises your chances of success.
• Project Management and Compliance: We assist with project planning, milestone tracking, and compliance with grant conditions.
• Financial Planning and Reporting: We provide guidance on budgeting, financial reporting, and cost recovery to ensure smooth project execution.