Notice

FAQs

Updated 21 July 2026

1. When will applicants be notified of the outcome? 

Applications are expected to be reviewed during September, with successful projects identified in late September / early October. Projects are expected to start from October 2026. 

2. The application form contains two questions marked as “optional”. How will these be assessed? 

The “optional” designation was included in error and will be removed. These questions do form part of the assessment criteria and must be completed. They will contribute to the scoring and weighting of applications. 

3. Are Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) eligible for 100% funding? 

This depends on the status of the organisation and applicable subsidy control rules: 

• RTOs operating under Minimum Financial Assistance (MFA) may be eligible for up to 100% funding, subject to MFA limits. 

• Non-profit organisations that are not universities may also be eligible for up to 100% funding. 

• RTOs engaged in economic activity may be subject to the same intervention rates as commercial organisations. 

Because organisational circumstances vary, applicants should contact the UK Space Agency team at UKSA.EOT@DSIT.gov.uk for case-specific advice. 

4. Are High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) in scope? 

HAPS platforms themselves are not within scope, as they are not directly Earth Observation instrumentation. However, technologies or instruments intended to operate on such platforms may be within scope provided they are also intended for use on satellites at some stage. Instruments being developed solely for HAPS platforms are not eligible. 

5. Can organisations apply to both the EOMT Innovation Call and the Climate Services Call? 

Yes. Organisations may submit applications to multiple calls provided they are distinct projects that fit the objectives of each scheme. Normal subsidy control requirements continue to apply. Bidders must declare where they are bidding for other funding sources for related work as part of their application. 

6. What monitoring and evaluation information will be required? 

Final metrics are still being confirmed, but are expected to include measures such as: 

• TRL progression

• revenue or sales generated

• follow-on investment secured

• job creation

• creation of new IP or knowledge

• progress towards flight readiness

• export opportunities

The Agency intends to keep reporting requirements proportionate and as light-touch as possible. Applicants are encouraged to share wider project successes and impacts to help make the case for future investment in the programme and enable promotion of successful projects.  

7. Is an industrial partner required at the application stage? 

If applying as an academic organisation, you do not need an industrial or RTO collaborator. Engagement with such partners can be included as a work package, although projects must also outline a credible route to market. Where this has not yet been established, applicants may include dedicated work packages aimed at identifying end users, commercial partners, funding routes, or institutional mission opportunities. 

8. Is miniaturisation work eligible? 

Yes. Miniaturisation is aligned with the objectives of the call, particularly where it contributes to greater commercial viability. Studies and technical analysis activities can be eligible even where significant hardware procurement is not required. 

9. Will there be opportunities for follow-on funding? 

Answer: Yes. The Agency’s intention is that successful projects will be able to progress through other funding routes as they mature. Potential follow-on mechanisms discussed included: 

• National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP); 

• ESA General Support Technology Programme (GSTP); 

• ESA InCubed; 

• Future EO and wider UK Space Agency innovation funding opportunities. 

The purpose of this call is to help establish viability at lower TRLs, with the expectation that successful projects can progress through subsequent programmes. 

10. Will this call be repeated? 

We plan for this to be the first in a series of calls, though in the longer-term funding remains subject to approvals and programme planning. 

11. Is a project spanning multiple TRLs eligible? 

Yes, projects containing activities at different starting TRLs can be eligible, provided the proposed work would start between TRL 1–4. 

12. Additional Clarifications 

• The call budget is approximately £1.4m

• Individual grants are expected to be between £50k and £200k

• Projects should plan to start in October 2026 and complete by 31 October 2027

• The deadline for submission of an Intention to Bid is 21 August 2026

• The application deadline is 1 September 2026

• VAT is not payable under the grant

• Applications must include at least 4 milestones, though if your project is shorter than 12 months you may wish to use fewer milestones as appropriate. Please contact the EOMT team if you have any further questions. If you require more frequent payments due to cashflow etc we can accommodate, though we will need to conduct a review at every milestone to ensure grant conformity

• Where possible, approximately 40–50% of grant expenditure should fall before 31 March 2027

13. How much match funding is required? 

This scheme has been established under the Streamlined Scheme for Research, Development and Innovation. The amount varies depending on the type and size of organisation; details are set out in the call guidance. 

14. How are the grant monies paid?  

Grant funding is paid in arrears at set points (milestones) in the project.  If there are concerns around cash flow, payment milestones can be negotiated to be more frequent or earlier on in the project.  

Please contact the EOMT team for any further questions or clarifications via UKSA.EOT@DSIT.gov.uk, or visit Earth Observation Missions and Technology Innovation Call 1 - GOV.UK for more information on how to apply.