Space Innovation Funding

The National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) Call 3 is a major funding opportunity from the UK Space Agency designed to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative space technologies, applications and services. With up to £20 million available through this round, the programme aims to support ambitious organisations developing high-potential space-related innovations with clear market opportunities.

Accessing funding for high-risk research and development can be a significant challenge for innovative businesses and research organisations. NSIP addresses this by providing co-funded grants that help de-risk projects, raise technology readiness levels and enable organisations to progress promising ideas towards commercial success. The programme is intended to strengthen the UK space sector, attract investment and help innovative technologies reach the market more quickly.

Funding is available through two distinct strands. The Kick Starter stream supports highly disruptive early-stage innovations and offers grants between £150,000 and £1 million for projects lasting up to 30 months. The Major Projects stream is focused on technologies closer to market and provides grants between £150,000 and £2 million for projects of up to 30 months, with a strong emphasis on commercialisation and growth.

The programme is open to UK-based businesses, universities and research organisations developing innovative space technologies, products or services. Projects should demonstrate clear commercial potential and contribute to growth within the UK space economy. Successful applicants will benefit from substantial grant support while helping to strengthen the UK’s position within a rapidly expanding global space market.

Applications opened on 20 July 2026 and close on 12 November 2026. The UK Space Agency expects to award between 15 and 30 grants, creating significant opportunities for organisations seeking to develop breakthrough space-related innovations and bring them closer to commercial deployment.

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