Guidance

GSTP: What you need to know

Updated 25 August 2026

1. Overview 

The General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) is a European Space Agency (ESA) programme that advances new and emerging space technologies, with the UK acting as a major contributor. GSTP covers all technology projects (with the exception of Telecoms payloads). As part of the UK’s involvement, the programme provides significant financial support to UK entities across multiple activity types, enabling UK organisations to progress technologies from early development through to in‑orbit demonstration. 

Its objectives include:  

• Developing technologies that support ESA and national missions  

• Strengthening UK and European industrial competitiveness 

• Fostering innovation 

• Enhance Europe’s technological autonomy and secure access to European sources for critical technologies 

• Promoting the spin‑in of non‑space technologies to enhance future mission capabilities 

Any proposal must be led by a UK registered entity and have a clear end user or application. Proposals and bids may be submitted by individual organisations or by consortia drawn from industry, academia, research institutions and other eligible organisations. Consortia may include companies or organisations from other ESA Member States, but each non-UK participant must secure the support of its own national delegate for its element of the proposal or bid. UK Space Agency support is only available for the UK element.

2. GSTP Opportunities 

At the 2025 ESA Council at Ministerial Level (CMIN25), the UK subscribed €53 million to the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP). This investment is currently allocated across a range of GSTP Elements and Components, including Element 1 Develop, Element 2 Make, Element 3 Fly, and Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) Component activities.

Several new initiatives were introduced at ESA’s 2025 Council of Ministers, including Cybersecurity Baseline Products, Industrialisation/Serialisation (M-IND) , and the Resilience & Security component (covering Critical non EEE Technologies and Advanced (Cyber) Security). 

UK funding is not currently allocated to these initiatives, and future participation remains under consideration. Consequently, the UK GSTP team is not currently engaging with prospective applicants or supporting any activities in these areas. This webpage and the associated application guidance will be updated if funding is allocated in the future.

The UK is not supporting GSTP Industrialisation/Serialisation (M-IND) activities during the CMin25 period. Consequently, the UK GSTP team will not be engaging in discussions relating to M-IND proposals.

Within Element 1, 2 and 3 there are two main routes through which GSTP projects are initiated:

2.1. ESA Initiated Activities (Compendia) 

ESA Initiated Activities (Compendia) are predefined, strategically selected technology development opportunities published by ESA under GSTP Element 1. They form a structured workplan aligned with long-term priorities such as the ESA Strategy 2040 and the ESA Technology Vision 2040, giving industry and academia a clear roadmap of the technologies ESA plans to develop.  

Each Compendia release contains a portfolio of topics. The 2026-2028 Compendia includes 202 activities spanning areas such as generic technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitalisation, quantum technologies and cybersecurity.  

ESA initiated a call requesting expressions of interest in late 2025, inviting organisations from all member states to signal their interest in the published Compendia activities. The UK has selected 15 activities (out of the expressions of interest in 170 activities), representing €9 million of the UK’s GSTP subscription. 

ANY UK entity can bid for ANY of the UK supported activities once the Invitations to Tender (ITTs ) are released on ESA’s procurement platform (ESA star) up to the value that is supported by the UK.

Please do not contact the GSTP Team asking for a letter of support for these activities as these have already been provided to ESA, as it is the activity not the applicant which is supported. 

This is a competitive bidding process at ESA level and these activities may also be supported by other member states, therefore there is no guarantee that a UK organisation will be the successful bidder.  

All proposals are evaluated solely by ESA’s Technical Evaluation Boards, and member states are not involved in the selection process. 

If you plan to bid for an ITT as part of a consortium, please note that the UK will only support the UK element of the bid when collaborating with organisations from other member states. 

The UK selected activities that entities can bid for are listed here. 

2.2. Open Innovation Calls  

The GSTP Open Innovation route is for technology development proposals that come directly from industry or academia or research organisations, rather than from ESA’s predefined lists of activities (Compendia). It offers a flexible route for UK entities to put forward ideas for developing and maturing space technologies that address emerging needs or market opportunities. Co-funding requirements apply to all Open Innovation routes. Academia and research institutions are not normally required to provide match funding where the activity is for non-commercial research benefit only; however, where the work will create a direct company benefit, commercial advantage, exploitable intellectual property, or profit from developing the technology, match funding will be required from the academic or research partner, or from the benefiting company/consortium partner, as appropriate.

Co-funding can be in-kind. This means a non-cash contribution provided by an organisation towards the eligible costs of a GSTP activity. This could include staff time, use of specialist equipment, facilities, materials, software, test infrastructure, or other resources that are necessary to deliver the project and have a clear, evidenced value. In-kind contributions should be directly attributable to the activity, properly costed, auditable, and justified within the proposal budget. They should not include general overheads, costs for work already undertaken, or contributions that cannot be evidenced as part of the project delivery.

There are several opportunities available within the Open Innovation route which are summarised below:

Element 1 – De-risk Framework Activities 

These activities are designed to help organisations address early obstacles in their technology development, offering a flexible, phased route to mature ideas before moving on to larger, more complex work. Activities can progress in up to three phases, starting with a De-risk (Phase 1) activity, followed by optional Continuation phases (Phases 2 and possibly Phase 3) if further development is justified.  

De-risk (Phase 1) activities 

These: 

• Are smaller, focused projects  

• Remove technical uncertainties or barriers 

• Are tightly scoped and do not allow Change Control Notices (CCNs) 

• Offer up to €200k in UK Space Agency support  

• Are capped at €250k  

• Require a minimum of 20% co-funding 

• Must start at TRL 3 or above  

• Must be completed within 9 months 

• Can request a Continuation (Phases 2 and/or 3) when the work is ready to progress, in conjunction with the endorsement of the ESA Technical Officer (ESA TO) 

• Must be submitted through during the dedicated Open Innovation Framework Calls before the published deadlines

• The Open Innovation Framework Call closed on 11 May 2026 and no further applications are being accepted

De-risk (Continuation Phase 2 & 3) activities 

These: 

• Will only be considered if Phase 1 has been successfully concluded 

• Continuations can be requested when the work is ready to progress, in conjunction with the endorsement of the ESA technical officer 

• Are larger follow-on activities and funding is not guaranteed  

• Are usually capped at €2 million

• Require 50% co-funding from industry and a minimum of 20% co-funding from academia/research institutions

• Should begin at TRL 4 or above

• Have no fixed delivery timescale 

• Are by invitation only following an initial discussion with the UK GSTP Team. Please contact them via UKSA.GSTP@DSIT.gov.uk.

Element 1 - Building Block Framework activities

The Building Block Framework supports organisations developing enabling technologies or key components that build the core capabilities needed for future space systems and sub‑systems.  

Key information: 

• Unlike the De-risk pathway, these activities are standalone and not part of a multiphase structure. 

• The UK Space Agency can provide up to €500k of support per activity, covering up to 80% of eligible costs. 

• Projects may have a total value of up to €1 million, but the UK Space Agency’s contribution will not exceed €500k. 

• All activities must begin at TRL 3+ 

• Projects must be delivered within 18 months 

• These projects are tightly scoped and do not allow Change Control Notices (CCNs). 

• Applications can only be submitted through the dedicated Open Innovation Framework Calls before the published deadlines

• The Open Innovation Framework Call closed on 11 May 2026 and no further applications are being accepted

Element 2 - Make 

Activities within this element support more advanced technology developments that are closer to commercial deployment, helping organisations bring mature products to market and strengthen their competitiveness in both new and established space sectors. This element focuses on developing technologies that address supply chain gaps and enable commercially sustainable products, with activities starting at TRL 4+.  

Projects can be of any duration and applicants can request an indicative amount of up to €1 million in UK support, with an indicative maximum activity size of €2 million. All activities require 50% co-funding from industry and a minimum of 20% co-funding from academia and research organisations unless by prior agreement.  

Applications are by invitation only following an initial discussion with the UK GSTP Team. Please contact them via UKSA.GSTP@DSIT.gov.uk.

Element 3 - Fly 

This element supports in orbit demonstrations of new technologies, including products that need flight heritage, hosted payloads and complete small missions such as CubeSats or small spacecraft. It also supports investigations and studies that prepare future missions, including breakthrough, new generation, and ad hoc exploratory concepts. 

Activities usually start at TRL 5+ and can progress to TRL 9 through full space environment validation. Projects may run for any duration, with an indicative maximum activity size of up to €3 million and up to €1.5 million in UK Space Agency support. All activities require 50% co-funding from industry and a minimum of 20% co-funding from academia and research organisations unless by prior agreement.

Applications are by invitation only following an initial discussion with the UK GSTP Team, please contact them via UKSA.GSTP@DSIT.gov.uk.

Open Innovation Route Summary Table 

A summary table of the different GSTP opportunities within the Open Innovation route is provided below. Higher value Element 1 De-risk continuations, Element 2 Make, and Element 3 Fly proposals may be considered by exception, following discussions with the UK GSTP Team 

GSTP Opportunity	Maximum UK Space Agency funding	Maximum activity size	Co-funding requirement	Invitation to apply required	Submission type	Minimum TRL Start Level
Element 1 De-Risk Framework	€200k	€250k	*20%+ industry, academic & research organisations	No	Periodic call. Currently closed	3
Element 1 De-Risk Continuation(s)	€1m	€2m	*50% industry, 20%+ academic & research organisations	Yes	Open call	4
Element 1 Building Block Framework	€500k	€1m	*20%+ industry, academic & research organisations	No	Periodic call. Currently closed	3
Element 2 Make	€1m	€2m	*50% industry, 20%+ academic & research organisations	Yes	Open call	4
Element 3 Fly	€1.5m	€3m	*50% industry, 20%+ academic & research organisations	Yes	Open call	5

*Co-funding requirements: Academic and research organisations may be exempt from co-funding an activity only where the proposed activity does not create a direct commercial benefit. Where an activity delivers a benefit, generates an exploitable outcome, or has a potential route to commercial return, the applicable co-funding requirements will apply.

Academic and research organisations must engage with the UK GSTP Team prior to submitting a proposal for an Element 1 Framework Call where 0% co-funding is being proposed, once the call has opened to discuss their role and the level of co-funding required.

In-kind co-funding: Co-funding may include non-cash contributions, such as staff time, equipment, facilities, materials, software, test infrastructure or other project resources, provided they are directly needed for delivery, clearly valued, properly costed, auditable and justified in the proposal budget. General overheads, costs for work already undertaken, or unevidenced contributions cannot be counted.

2.3. Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) Component 

At present, the UK will only consider continuations of existing contracted EEE activities. This position will be kept under review throughout the current subscription period.

2.4 New GSTP Initiatives 

Following the introduction of the following ESA driven initiatives at ESA’s 2025 Council of Ministers, the UK has not currently allocated funding for these initiatives, and future participation remains under consideration and we are not engaging with prospective applicants or supporting any activities in these areas.

This webpage and the associated application guidance will be updated if funding is allocated in the future.

Please note that the UK is not supporting Industrialisation/Serialisation (M-IND) activities during the CMin25 period (2025 – 2028).

3. Submitting an application 

• For ESA Initiated Activities (Compendia Activities), applications should be made directly through the ESA procurement platform (ESA star) for ITTs which are supported by the UK up to the financial level indicated. The list of these activities can be found here. 

• Element 1 De-Risk (Phase 1) and Building Block Framework applications are not being accepted at this time as the call has closed.

• For Element 1 De-Risk Continuations, Element 2 and Element 3 applications, you must contact the GSTP team at UKSA.GSTP@DSIT.gov.uk to initiate a discussion regarding an application.

4. Open Innovation Framework Call 

Open Innovation Framework calls will be run periodically and will be advertised on the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) - GOV.UK webpage. The next Open Innovation Framework call is likely to be in 2027. Applicants should register for updates to this webpage to be notified of any announcements, including future call opportunities and changes to the processes and procedures.

The first Open Innovation Framework call was launched on 19 March 2026 and closed at 9am on Monday 11 May 2026.

4.1. Open Innovation Framework Application Process 

The process for Open Innovation Framework applications consists of three stages, as indicated below. 

Please note, the process and dates below relate to the Open Innovation Framework call which closed on 11 May 2026. Applicants should wait for a future call to open before submitting a new application, ensuring that the correct application form is used and that the correct process is followed.

Failure to adhere to the process or use the correct documentation will result in the application being terminated.

Stage 1 

• Completed application form (SOI) via the UK Space Agency GSTP web page no later than 9am on 11 May 2026. Call now closed.

• Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by 6 July 2026.  

• Successful applicants will be advised that they are proceeding to Stage 2 of the application process. 

Stage 2 

• Applications successful at Stage 1 will be invited to submit their Outline Business Proposal (OBP) to ESA no later than 1 September 2026. 

• ESA will undertake a technical assessment of the OP and provide the GSTP Team with their feedback by 30 November 2026.

Stage 3 

• If the application is successful at Stage 2 the UK Space Agency delegate will inform ESA and applicant (in writing) that the activity is being supported.

• Negotiations and contracting will then commence including the submission of a full business case by the applicant to ESA. The time this takes varies can vary dependent on the extent of the negotiations required. 

• Contracts are signed and the project commences once negotiations have been successfully concluded.

Please note that the dates provided for response by the UK Space Agency and ESA are indicative and may be subject to change.

4.1. Judging Criteria 

Each application will be assessed based on the applicant’s responses in the statement of interest to the following questions  

• Technical proposal: What is your proposed technology? Describe how it is innovative, and what are the specific technical challenges, limitations, or opportunities that it addresses? How does it technically differentiate itself from existing market solutions?
   
• Strategic need: How does your project align with the UK’s strategic space priorities, including economic growth and national security? Describe how it supports the UK National Space Strategy, strengthens national space capability, and delivers wider strategic impacts.
   

• Market potential: Identify your target customers or end users (including any missions), outline your commercialisation strategy, evidence of demand, and route to market. Summarise the expected project outcome, including commercial or economic impacts and next steps beyond GSTP.

• Affordability: Present a clear, justified project budget. How does your project demonstrate affordability, financial sustainability, and value for money, including any expected cost efficiencies or long-term savings of developing your proposed technology.

• Capability: How will you deliver the project? Summarise your delivery plan, key milestones, risks and assumptions. Outline the skills and experience within your team that will ensure successful implementation. 

5. Other Information

The decision of the UK Space Agency is final and there are no grounds for appeal at any stage of the application process. Limited feedback will be provided if your application is unsuccessful. Failure to comply with UKSA and ESA deadlines will result in the application being terminated.   

The information provided within applications must be accurate and will be treated as commercially sensitive and will be shared with ESA to assess the technical elements of the proposal. It may also be shared within the UK Space Agency to enhance awareness of UK capabilities and with panel reviewers. The relevant parties will be fully consulted prior to publication of any part of the information provided.

Please note that these processes and requirements are subject to change at any time and are under constant review.

An alternative support mechanism for lower TRL activities is the ESA Open Discovery Ideas Channel which supports research, early technology developments and system studies. The ESA panel meets monthly, which enables applications to be fast tracked. Applications do not require the UK delegate’s support.