Earth Observation InCubed funding call
The UK Space Agency is holding a Call for Proposals for the ESA Earth Observation programme, InCubed.
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Details
The UK Space Agency, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), is running a new call for proposals for the InCubed (Investing in Industrial Innovation) programme. InCubed is a co-funded Earth Observation programme designed to support the development and de-risking of innovative and commercially viable products and services, acting as a final step towards commercialisation rather than a research activity.
We are inviting interested UK organisations to submit proposals that demonstrate a clear route to market, credible commercial demand, and a strong plan for operational deployment. Preference will be given to proposals that show a clear pathway to commercialisation and evidence of customer engagement.
The programme supports activities across the Earth Observation value chain, including space segment, ground segment, and data applications. Activities may align with either a De-risking Cycle, supporting earlier-stage developments, or a Product Development Cycle, supporting more mature activities aimed at delivering a commercially viable product or service.
Projects supported under this call are expected to last up to 18 months, with indicative funding levels ranging from €300,000 to €4 million depending on the scope and maturity of the activity. ESA funding is provided on a co-funded basis, with higher levels (up to approximately 80%) available for SMEs and lower levels (down to approximately 50%) for non-SMEs depending on risk and maturity.
Who can apply
UK-based organisations are eligible to apply. Consortia are encouraged, including participation from non-UK organisations where supported by relevant national agencies or self-funded.
Research Institutions & Academia with no commercial interest in the product can apply as part of an industrially led consortium).
Application Process
The InCubed application process consists of two stages:
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Stage 1: Idea Pitch (Outline Proposal) – Applicants must submit an idea pitch via ESA’s ORBIT platform. ESA and the UK Space Agency will jointly assess submissions and invite selected applicants to a pitch session.
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Stage 2: Full Proposal – After the pitch, applicants will either be invited to submit Proposal Part 2 (Full Proposal) via ORBIT or will be told they are not successful. ESA will evaluate the proposals against InCubed criteria. The UK Space Agency will determine whether national delegate authorisation of funding can be provided. The UK Space Agency reserves the right to request a copy of the UK applicant’s full proposal submitted as part of step 2.
Total funding amount
Up to €7,260,000
Key Dates
Call Opens: 16 June 2026
Call Closes: 21 August 2026
Applications sent from UK entities after the deadline will not be considered.
Information events
An information webinar will be held on 16 June 2026 to support prospective applicants, providing an overview of the InCubed programme and the application process.
To ensure all applicants have equal access to supporting information, the session will be recorded and made available following the event, alongside a all questions and answers put forward at the event. Further clarification or support can be obtained by contacting the UK Space Agency at UKSA.EOT@dsit.gov.uk.